What does a spark plug do?

A spark plug creates an electrical spark to an internal combustion engine. It fits into the cylinder head and ignites the air/fuel mixture, and it transfers heat from the combustion chamber to mechanical energy. Additionally, the conditions of a used spark plug, i.e., discoloration or chemical deposits, can be used as a diagnostic tool to determine problems with the engine.

How can I tell if the spark plugs are working properly?

If an engine is burning oil, the excess oil leaking into the combustion chamber can foul the spark plug and prevent the electrical spark. If spark plugs become eroded or damaged, they will need to be replaced.

What are my options?

The vehicle can either be taken to a local repair shop, but an owner can replace spark plugs. There are automotive websites that offer their services and many vendors sell parts online. Some vendors offer free instructions on how to perform replacements, and others sell repair manuals online for specific makes and models of vehicles.

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