Spark Plug Replacement
We all know that our engines run off of gasoline; however, to cause the combustion we need for power, there are two other components your engine requires; an oxygen source and a spark. Air is sucked in through your air intake while the spark is provided by your spark plugs. It is important to know when to replace your spark plugs because they impact performance and fuel economy. At West End Nissan, we are excited to offer residents of St.Albert, Sherwood Park, Beaumont, Leduc, Spruce Grove, Devon, Stony Plain, Fort Saskatchewan, and surrounding areas of Alberta Nissan recommended spark plugs. Not only do we have the parts, but we can help install them as well. Book a service appointment online and have our factory-trained technicians take care of the rest.
Spark Plug Wear
Like many of the other components on your engine, spark plugs will also wear down over time. A spark plug is considered an electrical item, and if you ever picked one up, you'll notice that the two ends are very different. Spark plug typically wears on the end where the electrode is found. The other end is narrow and tapered; this is where the spark plug wire is placed. Spark plugs can fire thousands of times a minute, and since they are found in the combustion chamber, they tend to get carbon build up in and around the electrode.
Replacing Spark Plugs
The best place to look to find out when your spark plugs need to be replaced is in your vehicle's owner manual. Typically spark plugs should be changed every 50,000 to 100,000 kilometres. Many factors affect the condition of your spark plugs.
High Performance
If you have installed high-performance spark plugs, it is more likely that you will have to replace them sooner. These spark plugs are used in vehicles that offer high performance; thus, the electrodes may wear down faster.
Long Life
Some manufacturer's spark plugs are engineered and designed to last longer. They may be a bit more expensive, as they are made from iridium and platinum and thus by far exceed the lifespans of copper made spark plugs.
Oil Leaks
If and when you remove your spark plugs for inspection or replacement, you should find them to be clean and dry. However, if you see oil on the spark plug, it means that you have a blown seal. In this case, you may need to replace your spark plugs more often because of contamination.
High Revs
If you are a free spirit and enjoy driving your car accordingly, the extra stress will put additional wear and tear on your spark plugs. If you choose to drive on the lighter foot, you should enjoy a longer life from your plugs. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to help.