https://www.advancedrepairmn.com https://www.advancedrepairmn.com/how-to-know-when-spark-plugs-need-replacing <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Am i causing damage to my vehicle by not changing my spark plugs? </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/f3ecc42f/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-36086528.jpeg"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> When should I have my spark plugs replaced and what damage can be caused if they are not changed?  This is a question that we are asked frequently so a post seemed fitting. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Spark plugs are used to ignite the air fuel ratio inside of the cylinder firing the cylinder.   Each of these combustion events causes wear to the spark plug electrode.  In the past spark plug electrodes were made of a copper or nickel compound.  These soft metals made good conductors for the spark to travel through, but would wear heavily with each spark.  Because of this spark plugs were replaced around 30,000 miles.  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Nowadays spark plugs are constructed with a platinum or iridium electrode.  These electrodes wear at a significantly slower rate with replacement suggested around 100,000.  Due to the exotic materials these spark plugs come at a significantly higher cost but are worth it due to the quality improvement and savings from the longer service interval. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> But what happens if the spark plugs are neglected past the 100,000 mile service interval?  as the electrode and ground strap wear the gap between them becomes larger.  The further gap the spark has to travel the more likely a misfire becomes.  This is even more notable in turbocharged applications.  The extra strain from the large gap can cause damage to the ignition coils as well. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> When a misfire occurs the air fuel mixture that should have burned on the combustion stroke is sent straight to the catalytic converter.  The catalytic converter does its best to burn off this raw fuel but is not designed to handle that quantity of hydrocarbon and overheats damaging the catalyst sub straight. In a short amount of time this will cause failure of the catalytic converter.  </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> This is the worst case scenario and one of the most difficult conversations we have with our customers.  A very expensive repair that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.  To avoid a situation like this we suggest customers follow the oem maintenance schedule and suggest repairs as those intervals come up. <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:32:36 GMT https://www.advancedrepairmn.com/how-to-know-when-spark-plugs-need-replacing