When the vehicle starts to choke, it jumps forward and backwards, the lack of torque and strength to face a climb and oil accumulated in the part are one of the first symptoms and warnings that something is happening thing wrong with the spark plug burning.
The spark plug is responsible for generating the spark that will ignite the air and fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. The explosion drives the pistons, generating movement to the engine. The function of the spark plug wires is to conduct the high voltage produced by the coil or transformer to the spark plugs, without allowing current leakage, ensuring a flawless ignition.
The spark plugs are fundamental elements for the operation of any Otto cycle engine and the like. Hiromori Mori, NGK's technical assistance consultant, reveals the myths and truths about the piece, see below:
Poor quality fuel interferes with spark plug life?
Truth. Adulterated or poor quality fuels can cause carbonization (in the case of gasoline) or contamination of the spark plugs, leading to difficulties in starting, engine failures and loss of power.
Does fuel stored too long affect spark plugs?
Yes, mainly for specific applications, including collection vehicles or intermittent use, such as marine engines, which are not used in winter, you must be very careful with the “aging” of the fuel, especially gasoline, which forms gums and varnish that make it difficult to burn and contaminate the spark plugs.
Iridium and platinum spark plugs improve engine performance?
Truth. Many car and motorcycle users install special spark plugs in their vehicles to improve performance. NGK offers two models of spark plugs on the aftermarket: the Iridium IX and G-Power lines. By having electrodes produced with noble metals such as iridium and platinum, they allow the reduction of the diameter of the spark plug electrode when compared to nickel (conventional spark plug material). This allows you to generate a spark with more energy to start combustion, resulting in a better burning efficiency of the air/fuel mixture and improving vehicle performance.
Problems starting on cold days have nothing to do with the sails?
Myth. Although vehicles have evolved a lot in cold start systems, even without the famous “gas tank”, worn spark plugs or failures in other components of the ignition system (cables and coils) can make it difficult to start on cold days. Therefore, it is important that drivers check the components periodically.
Do the spark plugs have a long life and do not require preventive maintenance?
Myth. With each “spark”, the spark plug suffers a small wear on the electrodes, increasing the distance between them and demanding a higher working voltage in the entire ignition system. The consequence of this is the deterioration of spark plugs, cables and coils.
Worn spark plugs shorten the life of other components?
Truth. Spark plugs with excessive wear can shorten the life of other components such as cables, coils and catalytic converters. The coil and cables, for example, can be overloaded, causing “Flash over”, which is when electrical current passes through the outside of the spark plug. To avoid problems, the recommendation is that, when checking the spark plugs, also make an inspection of the coils and cables.
Iridium spark plugs can only be used in premium vehicles?
Myth. Previously present only in vehicles considered premium, the special spark plugs can now be found in the most diverse categories today. NGK's G-Power and Iridium IX spark plugs have a range of applications, covering a large part of the country's fleet and enabling the use of this technology by different types of vehicles.
Cars with Start/Stop demand more from spark plugs?
Truth. Vehicles that have the technology have batteries, alternators and starter motors developed especially for these models, so that they support the high number of starts. Worn or contaminated spark plugs can cause difficult starting, making the system uncomfortable for drivers without a smooth start. Therefore, it is essential that drivers prioritize inspection of the part during overhauls.
Does the state of the spark plugs not interfere with the turbo operation?
Myth. Turbo engines work with higher pressures in the combustion chamber. This increase in pressure makes it difficult for the spark plug to spark, increasing its wear. Therefore, this set of components deserves special attention in turbo engines. To avoid failures, NGK advises the user to respect and pay attention to the spark plug replacement and inspection recommendations determined by the automakers.
Is just a visual analysis sufficient to inspect components?
Myth. The ignition system review should include a first visual check, where it is possible to detect cracks, cracks, oxidation or oil and coolant infiltration in the combustion chamber. However, a second step may be necessary using specific equipment, such as measuring the resistance and insulation of the spark plugs, as well as measuring the voltage in the secondary ignition system.
Preventive maintenance helps you save?
Truth. Using worn spark plugs can increase fuel consumption as well as damage other parts by overloading the entire ignition system. Under these conditions, the life of cables and coils will be reduced. Whenever a component failure is identified, it is important to inspect the entire system. Always remembering that small misfires are not always noticed by users, and may be reflected in an increase in fuel consumption.
Spark plugs are very important components and preventive maintenance helps to avoid serious engine failures, in addition to having lower repair value for the vehicle owner. Consult your repairman and have a check.
Also visit the official portal of NGK or call SAC 0800-19-7112.
