Back to all

Losing Your Spark (Spark Plug Replacement)

January 28, 2024

When's the last time you thought about spark plugs? You probably don't remember.  That's because spark plugs usually last a long time and don't need much attention.  But they don't last forever, and when they start going bad, they'll send you a few clues.

  • Vehicle is hard to start. 
  • Fuel economy is going down
  • Acceleration isn't what it used to be
  • Engine runs roughly
  • Check Engine light is on

There are many things that can cause those symptoms, so it's wise to head on over to your vehicle repair facility to have them look over your vehicle.  But the problem could be your spark plugs. They do wear out, not producing a strong enough spark to ignite your fuel the way they're designed to.  A closely related problem is failing spark plug wires, and a technician will test for both possibilities… and more. 

Your vehicle's manufacturer recommends changing wires and/or plugs at certain intervals.  Spark plugs are made out of different materials and some last far longer than others.  Ask your service advisor to let you know when yours should be changed.  Badly misfiring plugs can cause expensive damage to a vehicle's catalytic converter, so it's best to take care of them before that happens.  Replacing your spark plugs and/or wires is money well spent to have your vehicle running smoothly, dependably and efficiently.  

Tuffy Cincinnati (Fields-Ertel)
9401 Fields-Ertel
Cincinnati, Ohio 45249
513.683.5060

More articles from Tuffy Fields-Ertel Cincinnati

Regular Schedule or Severe Service Schedule at Tuffy Cincinnati (Fields-Ertel)?

May 5, 2024

Today's Tuffy Cincinnati (Fields-Ertel) article focuses on severe service maintenance. Many Cincinnati drivers are not aware of them and yet there are also very vocal advocates in Ohio who think that severe service schedules apply to everyone. Somewhere between a complete lack of awareness and ... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Cincinnati (Fields-Ertel): A Broken or Damaged Timing Belt

April 28, 2024

The timing belt rotates the cam shafts which open and close the valves that allow air, fuel, and exhaust to flow through the engine as it powers your car when you drive around Cincinnati.An old timing belt can lose a tooth in the belt allowing it to slip. The engine could stop or misfire. Timing ... More

The Edible Engine

April 21, 2024

You may have had a friend whose vehicle was the victim of hungry rodents. After all, mice, rats and squirrelseven rabbitshave been known to gnaw on wires in engine compartments, causing vehicle electrical systems to go haywire. They can disable a vehicle completely and be very expensive to fix.... More