Spark plugs are remarkably durable given how much work they do. Firing off hundreds of times every single second, your plugs continuously ignite the fuel-air mixture pumped into your Kia’s cylinders. But eventually, all plugs begin to burn out. Here are five signs that you should visit your local Kia dealer for at least one new plug.
5 Signs Your Kia Needs New Spark Plugs
Your Engine’s Misfiring
A misfire means the plug failed to properly ignite the fuel inside the cylinder. When a plug starts misfiring, it might be failing to spark 20 or 40 percent of the time, so the affected cylinder is still functioning, but it’s falling behind the others.
While you’re driving, you’ll experience misfiring as shaking and jolting from the engine, accompanied by sputtering or coughing sounds. This is most noticeable when you bring your vehicle into idle.
Your Local Kia Dealer Can Diagnose the Problem
Misfiring cylinders can be caused by malfunctioning plugs that need to be cleaned or replaced. It might also result from improperly installed plugs, faulty ignition coils, vacuum leaks, or bad wiring. You can inspect your plugs to check for obvious damage or burned electrodes. But you might need the second opinion of a technician, just to be certain.
Your Engine Stalls
When misfiring isn’t dealt with quickly, unburned fuel starts to coat plugs in sooty residue. The residue further inhibits the plug’s ability to ignite the fuel. This creates a downward spiral in engine function, which will eventually cause your car to falter and stall while idling. At worst, you might not even be able to restart your engine because the plugs can’t do their job.
Your Acceleration Drops
Needless to say, a vehicle without all cylinders firing smoothly will have less engine power. This becomes readily noticeable when you’re trying to accelerate quickly, perhaps when crossing an intersection or overtaking another car.
Your Fuel Economy Falls
Despite failing plugs, your engine is still pumping the same amount of fuel into the combustion chambers. In fact, it might increase the amount of fuel injected in an effort to compensate. As a result, you’ll have a declining fuel economy. You’ll be spending more time at the gas station, refilling your tank.
Your Tailpipe Emits Black Smoke
The excess unburned fuel injected into your engine’s chambers can start to damage the inside of your cylinders. It will also be expelled through your exhaust, exiting the tailpipe as thick, black smoke. This is an unmistakable sign that your plugs are in trouble.
The Lifespan of Your Plugs
It helps to be aware of what kind of plugs you’re using. As with most car parts, plugs vary in quality and expected lifespan. The most common types are copper plugs, which can be expected to last for around 20,000 miles. Higher-grade platinum or iridium plugs, on the other hand, last a good 60,000 miles or so.
Have experienced technicians inspect your plugs today at Crain Kia of Fort Smith. We’re the region’s go-to dealership for all things Kia.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.