From the Experts at Weldon Spring Auto & Tire

Modern engines rely on a carefully timed sequence of events to run efficiently—and spark plugs play a major role in that process. At Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, we often get questions about when spark plugs need to be replaced and what signs to watch for. Here’s what you need to know.

Today’s engine control computers are highly advanced, precisely controlling when fuel is injected and when spark plugs fire. Unlike older vehicles, modern spark plugs are far less likely to foul prematurely. But that doesn’t mean they last forever.

Electricity from your vehicle’s battery is sent to an ignition coil, where it builds up between 12,000 and 45,000 volts (depending on your vehicle). The engine’s computer tells the coil when to release that high-voltage charge, which then travels to the spark plug. At the tip of the plug, the electricity jumps between two electrodes, creating a spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber.

Some engines use a single ignition coil, while others use a coil for each cylinder. Over time, these coils—as well as spark plugs and spark plug wires—can wear out. When that happens, you may experience a misfire, rough idling, poor fuel economy, or even difficulty starting your vehicle.

If you’ve noticed any of these issues, don’t ignore them. Bring your vehicle to Weldon Spring Auto & Tire, and we’ll inspect your spark plugs, wires, and coils to make sure everything’s firing as it should. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment—it’s a quick check that can make a big difference in how your engine performs.