If you own a car, you already know that spark plugs play a pivotal role in the functionality of your automobile.
Essentially, spark plugs ignite the mixture of air and fuel through a spark. Just like an electric spark, this spark helps your car move.
As you kick start your car, a spark ignites between the engine and wheels. This spark transmits power from the engine to the wheels.
In turn, the automobile moves. Thus, the functionality of spark plugs is very crucial for every car.
However, it is essential to note here that the functionality of spark plugs is the same in both fuel-driven and electric cars. In other words, EVs also have spark plugs.
And their functionality is also the same – AKA igniting a spark to the internal combustion of the engine of the vehicle.
But have you ever wondered how long do spark plugs last? Well, before you determine the longevity of the spark lugs of your car, you will have to see the model of your car.
Old models, for instance, have stubborn spark plugs. Classic cars like Mastung and Jaguar E have a stubborn spark plug that last way longer than the latest models.
So, to answer the question: how long do spark plugs last, it depends. It depends on which car you are driving and how stubborn is the spark plug.
How Long Do Spark Plugs Last?
Do you wonder how long do spark plugs last? Typically, spark plugs last for over 100,000 miles or even more.
But, as mentioned earlier, the longevity of spark plugs depends on the model of the car and the nature of the spark plug.
Even, on EVs, spark plugs longer than 100,000 miles if the plug and the models are compatible.
To answer the question of how long spark plugs last, you will have to determine the model of the car that you are driving. That is to say, different auto manufacturers have different user manuals for spark plugs.
For example, if you drive a Toyota Corolla or Rav4, you will have to change your spark plugs every 120,000 miles.
On the other hand, if you own Toyota’s 4Runner, the standard longevity of spark plugs is less than 60,000 miles.
Likewise, Explorer and F-150 recommend changing spare plugs over 100,000 miles. On BMWs, in contrast, spark plugs need to be changed every 60,000 miles.
The latest BMW series like the 3 Series and X3 have the recommended longevity of almost 60,000 miles of spark plugs.
Nonetheless, the spark plugs on Mercedes are recommended to be changed every 36,000 miles. Specifically, the Benz models of Mercedes have fragile spark plugs that need to be changed every 36,000 miles.
So, how long do spark plugs last? Well, it depends on which car you drive. On top of that, the longevity of spark plugs largely depends on the quality of the spark plug that your car manufacturer uses.
On average, spark plugs need to be changed from 36,000 miles to 100,000 miles – depending on the model of the vehicle that you drive.
What Happens When Spark Plugs Malfunction?
As mentioned above, spark plugs are a pivotal part of the engine’s internal combustion. Based on the recommendations, these spark plugs need to be changed after a certain period of time.
Depending on which car and model you drive, you will have to frequently change the spark plugs.
Once the spark plugs malfunction, there are certain defects that will kick in your automobile. To begin with, there will be an engine misfire if the spark plugs malfunction.
In simple words, this means that the engine will consume more fuel and the functionality of the engine will be very weak. In turn, the overall functionality of your car will decrease.
However, the telltale signs of malfunctioning spark plugs are abnormal fuel consumption. The consumption of fuel and gas will be way higher than normal.
Similarly, if you do not fix malfunctioning spark plugs, it can lead to long-term damage to your car. The engine may get damaged – which means that you may encounter major defects in your car.
Therefore, it is necessary to check your spark plugs on time. Based on the requirement, you will need to either replace or change your spark plugs.
Another sign of malfunctioning spark plugs is the loud sign of the engine. This means that the engine will make an abnormal sound when driving.
So, when you hear an abnormal sound from your car’s engine, make sure to double-check your spark plugs. Before any major defect, change them right away.
