If your vehicle has had extensive modifications, it would be best to seek the advice of the manufacturer of your vehicle, the aftermarket supplier who manufactured your modifications, or your mechanic.Ī: Being able to "read" a spark plug can be a valuable tuning aid. In these modified engines, specific electrode/tip combinations, electrode materials and colder heat ranges can provide measurable gains in power. At this point, a variety of factors determine which spark plug will be best suited for a particular configuration. In most cases, it is not until the engine is modified, or the compression is raised significantly, that stock ignition systems and spark plugs begin to show signs of being inadequate. You can also ask specific questions here. If you have a stock factory vehicle, just click here to use the Part Finder and follow the prompts to find the appropriate plug for your needs. The end result is very much like a doctor-patient relationship and, in the long run, you will have a healthier vehicle.Ī: There are several factors - such as thread reach, thread diameter, the insulator nose projection and whether the spark plug incorporates a gasket or is of the conical type - to consider when choosing the correct spark plug for your needs. The better he knows your personal vehicle, the better he will be able to diagnose and service it. If you find a good mechanic, whether dealer or independent, stick with him. In the best of all worlds, this would be a mechanic who is also familiar with the vehicle you own. In the absence of this information or in conjunction with it, you can rely on the advice of a mechanic who is familiar with your type of vehicle. The best guide is the manufacturer's recommendation for your vehicle, as this particular service varies from brand to brand and model to model. Misfires are reduced, power is restored, economy of operation is enhanced and emissions are reduced. Replacing worn out spark plugs with new ones (with sharp new edges) effectively restores the ignition system's efficiency. It is at this point, when fuel is being left unburned, that the time has come to change spark plugs. Even the best ignition systems will be strained to supply enough voltage to completely burn the fuel. As the gap between these two points grows, the voltage required to bridge the gap increases proportionately.
As spark plugs grow older, they lose their sharp edges as material from the center and ground electrodes is slowly eroded away. A: Unfortunately,there is no single answer to this question.