How Often Should I Have My Spark Plugs Replaced?

October 12, 2021 · 4 min read

Spark plugs are important engine components that are often forgotten about due to the fact that they operate in the engines of vehicles out of sight. Spark plugs are located at the top of an engine's cylinder head. If you are looking for the spark plugs that are in your vehicle's engine, you can easily find them by following the ignition coil wires of your vehicle. As they operate in an engine, spark plugs undergo thousands of cycles. Over time, the spark plugs of an engine can wear down and become weaker, eventually failing to operate. Before spark plugs fail, however, there are several warning signs that they will produce. Upon noticing the warning signs, drivers should seek to replace the spark plugs that are in their vehicles' engines.

Spark Plug Replacement Schedule

It is a common practice for drivers to change the spark plugs that are in their vehicles' engines around every 30,000 miles. However, some spark plugs can last up to 80,000 miles before they need to be replaced. There are many different types of spark plugs that are available on the market, and the engines of the vehicles that they operate in also play roles in their longevity. To determine the best spark plug replacement routine for your specific vehicle, refer to the owner's manual for the vehicle. In the vehicle's owner's manual you will find what your vehicle's manufacturer recommends for the vehicle, including the correct spark plugs that should be used in your vehicle.

The Importance of Spark Plugs

Spark plugs play a very important part in the operation of an engine. As their name describes, spark plugs provide spark for your vehicle's engine. If your vehicle is fueled by gasoline, as diesel engines do not use spark plugs, it goes through a process that is known as a combustion cycle. During the engine's combustion cycle, a mixture of air and gasoline is compressed and combusted to allow the engine to produce power. After the air-fuel mixture is compressed within an engine's cylinder, the spark plug of the cylinder produces a spark, immediately combusting the mixture of air and gasoline. The air and fuel combustion that a spark plug initiates forces the piston of the cylinder to move down, which in turn rotates the crankshaft of the engine. Every cylinder of an engine has this combustion cycle taking place within its chamber, which is why there is typically one and sometimes two spark plugs for each cylinder in an engine.

Bad Spark Plug Symptoms

There are several warning signs that spark plugs give when they are worn-out and about to fail. One of the most notable signs that the spark plugs in your vehicle are wearing out is the rough running condition of the vehicle's engine. A result of improper timing or a failure to spark, the spark plugs of your vehicle may not ignite the air-fuel mixtures of your vehicle's engine, causing the engine to run poorly. Along with this, you may notice your vehicle's engine misfiring. Misfiring can be both heard and felt.

When the spark plugs of your vehicle's engine are worn out, the engine will perform poorly. You will notice a decrease in power, and your vehicle may accelerate slower, which can be dangerous. The engine may also burn more fuel to compensate for the uncombusted air and fuel that is in its cylinders. This added fuel, in itself, can cause additional issues for your vehicle, as it will begin to leave deposits on the components within your vehicle's engine and in the vehicle's exhaust system.

Complete Spark Plug Failure

Spark plugs can fail in multiple ways. The complete failure of a spark plug can potentially wreak havoc on a vehicle's engine. While the actual damage to an engine can vary based on how the engine's spark plug fails and the steps that are taken after the spark plug fails, there is still damage that can be done to the engine due to the fact that the tips of a spark plug, where the electric arcs are created, can break off when the spark plug fails. These metal fragments can then fall into the engine and move around the engine while it is rapidly completing its combustion cycle.

Conclusion

The spark plugs that are in your vehicle's engine are small but they play a very vital role in your vehicle. Without properly functioning spark plugs, your vehicle will be unable to run and may leave you frustrated. However, practicing a proper maintenance routine will help you to prevent common issues that drivers have with their vehicles. At Jessup Auto Plaza, we can help you maintain your vehicle. Contact us if you would like to learn more about maintaining the spark plugs that are in your vehicle's engine or to schedule a service with us.

Dec 28, 2022

The Ultimate Tire Guide

If you own a vehicle, it is important for you to take care of it, and that means paying attention to the tires as well. Your tires are very important, as they have an impact on your gas mileage while also keeping you safe. Furthermore, you need to figure out when you need to replace your tires and how to select the right tires for your needs. What do you need to know about your tires? Take a look at a few important points below, and count on the experts from Jessup Auto Plaza to help you. Tire Rotations Matter If you want your tires to last as long as possible, you need to rotate them regularly. The tires on the front of your car do not necessarily wear at the same rate as the tires on the back of your car. If you do not rotate your tires, there is a chance that two of your tires could wear out before the other ones, meaning that you have to replace two of your tires prematurely. In general, you should rotate your tires at least once per year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, there is a chance that you may not have to rotate your tires as often, but our dealership can review that with you. Check Your Tire Pressure You also need to check your tire pressure regularly. It is important for you to keep your tires at the right pressure because it improves your traction and gas mileage. Your tire pressure can change naturally over time. For example, when the weather gets cold outside, your tire pressure will naturally drop, meaning that you will need to put more air in your tires. Do not ignore your tire pressure monitoring system. If your tire pressure light is on, check your tire pressure. If you are having a difficult time getting your tires back to the right pressure, give us a call to make an appointment with our service center. Know When To Replace Your Tires Even if you take perfect care of your tires, you will eventually have to change them. In general, you should expect to get at least 30,000 miles out of your tires, but every brand of tire is different. The lifespan of your tires will also depend on your driving style. If you feel like it is taking you longer to get your vehicle to come to a complete stop, there is a chance that it could be time to change your tires. Or, if you feel like you are having a difficult time keeping control of your vehicle on the curves, there is a chance that your treads might be worn out. Visit our dealership today to speak to our team, and let us help you figure out if it is time for new tires. Find the Right Tires for Your Needs As you are looking for tires, you need to find the right tires for your vehicle. The first thing you need to think about is the size of your wheels. You need to find tires that will actually fit on the wheels of your car. Then, you need to find tires that are right for your driving style. For example, if you spend a lot of time driving in winter weather, you need to find tires that can handle snow and ice. On the other hand, these tires are not necessarily going to do well in hot weather. If you spend a lot of time driving in hot weather, you might need tires that are a bit harder. Let us help you. Contact Jessup Auto Plaza for Help Finding the Right Tires If you are interested in purchasing a new set of tires, it would be our pleasure to assist you. We are Jessup Auto Plaza, and our experts would be happy to help you find the right tires to meet your needs. Furthermore, we can help you take care of the tires, making sure you get as many miles out of them as possible. Contact us today to speak to our service center, and let us help you find the right tires for your driving style.

Mar 10, 2023

Which Chevy is Right for You?

Are you trying to find a new vehicle? If so, you may have heard that Chevy is a great option to choose. We are Jessup Auto Plaza, and we would be happy to help you find a new vehicle, and we understand that there are plenty of choices available. How can you figure out which vehicle is right for your needs? Look at some of the top options from Chevy below and give us a call to schedule an appointment with our dealership. The Chevy Cruze If you are interested in a sedan, then one of the first vehicles that you may want to consider is the Chevy Cruze. For a long time, this has been one of the most popular sedans on the market, and it remains one of the most popular sedans to this day. At Jessup Auto Plaza, we have already helped countless purchase a Chevy Cruze, and our drivers say that they enjoy this vehicle because it is durable, fuel-efficient, and safe. As long as you take good care of this vehicle, it can run for more than 10 year, and it will not put a hole in your wallet because it is great on gas. Furthermore, if you decide to go with one of the more recent model years, you may get access to some of the best technological features on the market as well. The Chevy Camaro Perhaps you are looking for a vehicle that has a little bit more power. If you are interested in a sports car, then one of the vehicles you may want to consider is the Chevy Camaro. This is one of the most iconic vehicles on the road today, and it has a tremendous amount of power and acceleration combined with significant torque and handling. If you are looking for a vehicle that will not have any issues when it goes around curves, you may want to take a closer look at this sports car. Of course, one of the best ways to decide if it is right for you is to get behind the wheel to test drive it. The Chevy Equinox Do you need a vehicle to come with a bit more cargo space? If so, then you may want to go with the Chevy Equinox instead. There is a reason why this has been one of the most popular SUVs on the market for a long time, and that is because it has plenty of space for your passengers in addition to trunk space for your cargo, sports equipment, and luggage. Of course, if you decide to go with one of the more recent models, it will come with some of the best technological and safety features. In addition, if you are in the market for an electric car, you may want to speak to a member of our team about the EV option. The Chevy Silverado Finally, if you are looking for a pickup truck, then you should look no further than the Chevy Silverado. There is a good reason why this pickup truck is still synonymous with the name “pickup,” and that is because it has all the cargo space, payload, and towing capacity that you could possibly need. Of course, there are multiple trim levels available, so you should work with our team if you are having a difficult time deciding which trim level is right for your needs. Visit our dealership today if you would like to learn more about the safety features and Tech options that come with the trim levels. Visit Jessup Auto Plaza Today Of course, these are just a few of the many options available, and you need to test drive any vehicle that you are thinking about purchasing. At Jessup Auto Plaza, we have a wide selection on our lot, and it would be our pleasure to help you find the best possible vehicle to meet your needs. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, give us a call today to speak to a member of our team. Then, do not forget to visit our dealership to test drive some of the vehicles that we have in stock.

Nov 21, 2022

2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Interior & Safety Overview

Are you looking for an electric vehicle? Have you had a good experience with the Chevy Bolt? If so, you might want to take a closer look at the Chevy Bolt EUV. This is already one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market, and it can provide you with access to everything you love about an SUV without causing you to spend a bunch of money on gas. Now, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV could be the best vehicle for you. At Jessup Auto Plaza, it would be our pleasure to help you find your next vehicle, so take a look at some of the most important interior and safety features that come with the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV. What Is New in 2023? When compared to the prior model year, there are several upgrades to keep in mind. First, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV has a new Redline Edition package for 2023 that you might want to add to your vehicle. If you want to explore the new features that come with this package, we can go through them with you. In addition, there are several new upgrades you might want to enjoy. They include leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, ventilated and heated seats, and several important safety features that we will cover below. Make sure you get the most out of your 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV. What Is the Interior Like? The interior of the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV has gotten a complete overhaul this year. The interior has stylish, meticulous trim that will certainly Stand Out. There is a flat-bottom steering wheel that gives you extra legroom, and there is a push-button gear selector that makes it easier for you to control your ride. There is a nice geometric pattern you will notice in the upholstery, and the vehicle itself is a bit wider, longer, and taller than the regular hatchback. Therefore, you should have plenty of room to spread out, and you should not be short when it comes to cargo space. Furthermore, you can also customize the seating arrangement to make sure you have enough space for your luggage, groceries, and everything else you might carry with you. Your eyes will also be drawn to the infotainment touchscreen, which comes with integrated climate controls. There are plenty of technological features you will enjoy with the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV, such as the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. What Are the Safety Features? There are plenty of safety features that come with the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV as well. For example, automatic emergency braking is standard, and it can help you stay out of a motor vehicle accident. There is also a lane-keeping assist feature that can prevent you from drifting when you go down the highway. The automatic emergency braking system also comes with pedestrian detection. If you are interested in semi-autonomous driving, then you might want to explore the Super Cruise hands-free driving system. This is a premium upgrade, but it might be worth it for you if you spend a lot of time driving down the highway. Of course, the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV also has exceptional crash test safety ratings, and it comes with strong airbags that can protect you in the event of a motor vehicle accident. If you would like to learn more about the safety features that come with the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV, swing by our dealership today. Visit Jessup Auto Plaza To Explore the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV If you are interested in an electric vehicle, you should consider going with the 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV. At Jessup Auto Plaza, we have developed a sterling reputation in the local area because we always put the needs of our drivers first. We have also maintained very strong relationships with some of the top auto manufacturers in the industry, and we can use those relationships to provide you with an exceptional vehicle. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team, and visit our dealership if you would like to test drive some of the cars we have in stock.

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