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Post created: 21 June 2021
Spark plugs are one of the most misunderstood components of an engine. Which is why AutoZone has created this Diagnostic Guide to help the technician, hobbyist, or race mechanic in understanding and troubleshooting spark plugs. The information stipulated in this guide applies to all types of internal combustion engines, including two stroke engines, rotary engines, high performance/racing engines and street vehicles.
The spark plug has two fundamental functions which are as follows:
Essentially, spark plugs transmit electrical energy that turns fuel into working energy. An adequate amount of voltage must be supplied by the ignition system to cause it to spark across the spark plug’s gap (centre electrode and side electrode), this is called “Electrical Performance”. When your spark plugs malfunction, it can cause many issues with the vehicle. Mainly your engine misfires, your car battles to start, you’ll notice excessive exhaust smoke from the vehicle’s exhaust tail pipe mainly due to unburnt/ incorrectly ignited fuel in the piston / sleeve area. This is also mainly due to incorrect volumes of fuel where and when the vital ignition is required. Here are some of our most common diagnoses for spark plug faults which you might experience:
Be sure to visit us in-store for spark plugs from brands like NGK, Bosch and Champion. Should you need further advice on spark plug diagnoses or simply need new spark plugs and engine components, give our AutoZone Experts a call on 086 112 2111 or email us at customer.care@autozone.co.za.