Tune-ups are not a thing of the past. Even though spark plugs last much longer these days, there will come a point when they need to be replaced. Generally, the plugs will not last longer than 100,000 miles. If you bring your vehicle to our shop for the 30,000-mile checks, we can inspect your spark plugs to see if they need to be replaced. We can also check the rest of the ignition system to make sure it is operating properly. Here are signs that your car needs a tune-up.
Hard/No Starts
It can be nearly impossible to start your automobile if there is something wrong with the ignition system. Let’s assume for the moment that the spark plugs are worn. When this happens, you may have multiple plugs that are no longer able to generate sparks in the cylinders. Consequently, your vehicle may turn over several times before it starts or fail to start.
Misfiring Engine
If you get the engine running, it is going to misfire. The spark plugs continue to generate sparks while the engine is running so it can continue to produce combustion. Consequently, if some of the plugs are not creating sparks, the cylinders in which the plugs are located will not fire. As such, your engine will cut out when the firing sequence reaches those cylinders.
Rough Idling
This is going to make the engine idle roughly, as well. In fact, you may not realize that your engine has a problem until you are sitting at an idle. When you sit at an idle, your senses tune in to how your vehicle sounds and feels. If you hear the engine cutting out and your automobile is shaking, the engine is misfiring. If the problem is serious, the engine will stall.
Lagging/Surging
Unfortunately, if the spark plugs are not generating sparks when they need to, you will also have problems with your engine’s performance when the vehicle is in motion. In most cases, the performance will lag, and you will find it difficult to get your vehicle to accelerate. The vehicle can also surge if the spark plugs are firing too often.
Reduced Economy
Finally, you cannot get the fuel economy guaranteed by your vehicle’s manufacturer if the engine is running inefficiently. Worn spark plugs cause the engine to run inefficiently as you can see. Consequently, you will notice a reduction in your fuel economy.
Bring your vehicle to our shop if you are having any of the problems listed above. Your spark plugs may be worn and need to be replaced.