All About Spark Plugs | Mission, TX
During the COVID-19 pandemic, drivers have been hesitant to take their vehicles in for routine maintenance — and rightly so. However, the family-owned Bert Ogden group of dealerships has taken the pandemic very seriously, implementing contactless maintenance options and thoroughly sanitizing vehicles before and after service. That’s why we encourage you to stay on top of your routine vehicle service; doing so will help keep your vehicle running more smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
And it’s not just the regular oil changes and tire rotations you need to think about. Other common maintenance items include fluid top-offs, air filter changes, wheel alignments, brake maintenance, and spark plug replacement.
What is a spark plug?
Although spark plugs are crucial to vehicle performance, not many drivers know what they actually do or why replacing them is important. Your vehicle’s spark plugs are instrumental in the startup process. They provide the “spark” of electricity needed to create the combustion your engine needs to start up. Without spark plugs, your vehicle’s engine simply won’t ignite.
As spark plugs age, they will begin to show signs of degraded performance. Common warning signs include cold starts, engine misfires, and rough idling. If you allow your spark plugs to die before replacing them, you will eventually find yourself stranded, unable to start your car and in need of a tow.
How often should I replace my spark plugs?
Conventional wisdom among mechanics and automakers is that you should replace your vehicle’s spark plugs roughly every 30,000 miles, but this can vary by make. Check your owner’s manual for a list of important maintenance milestones. Spark plug replacement frequency also depends on the quality of the spark plugs; copper spark plugs are the most affordable but require replacement much more frequently. In fact, the most durable spark plugs on the market last four times as long as copper spark plugs.
Check out our inventory of high-quality pre-owned models at Bert Ogden Mission Auto Outlet in Mission, Texas.