How often do you think about your spark plugs? If you are like most people, chances are it’s not very often. Though often overlooked by car owners, the spark plug is an important component of any finely tuned engine. The condition of the spark plugs can affect the power that your engine puts out, how good your fuel economy will be, and how smoothly your engine runs. Like your car’s oil, and other important parts, the spark plugs should be maintained and changed when necessary.

What is a spark plug?

Spark plugs are a fundamental part of the ignition system. They screw into the top of an engine’s cylinders where they receive a high voltage electrical current from the ignition coil(s). They then create the electric spark that is required to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. They will also transfer heat away from the combustion chamber. These events happen over a thousand times per minute when you are driving. It is this constant ignition that keeps your car moving on the road. The number of spark plugs your car has depends on how many cylinders there are. If you have a four-cylinder engine, you will have four spark plugs, and so on.