Some of the most common signs of bad spark plugs include rough idling, start-up trouble, declining fuel economy, engine knocking, engine misfiring.Old or faulty spark plugs could be the culprit! If you fail to replace your spark plugs then it will lead to poor performance and potentially damage in the long term. If you’ve noticed any signs of damages then schedule service and take action immediately.

Here are five signs and symptoms that let you know it’s time to replace the spark plugs on your new or used car.

Check Engine Light Is On

Failed, worn, or faulty spark plugs can easily trigger your engine light. If a plug starts to fail then the most obvious sign is the engine light coming on or even flashing. This can cause your engine to misfire and your check engine light to pop on. A flashing engine light indicates that potentially catastrophic misfires are taking place.

It’s better to replace spark plugs as part of preventative maintenance. This will help you save costly repairs, avoid misfiring spark plugs as it could put undue stress on your car’s catalytic converter.

Call a professional mechanic to detect the root of the problem and solve it as soon as possible.

Car won’t start

Spark plugs play a major role in your vehicle, which is to provide the spark that powers the engine! Old, worn out spark plugs will not create the spark that actually powers your engine. If your car doesn’t start when you turn it on, there could be a problem with spark plugs or damaged spark plug wires. The battery is the culprit if your car has no power and won’t start at all. Get ready for an inspection to prevent engine and spark plug failure. 

Engine idling is rough and noisy

If you notice knocking or rattling noises from your engine, it’s time to check the spark plugs. In the best-case scenario, the vehicle will make some soft sounds. You can hear these while turning on your engine. 

But if it’s not in a good condition, then you may hear excessive rattling, pinging, knocking, or clicking sounds from your engine. 

Decreased Fuel Economy

Worn-out spark plugs will obviously fail to burn the fuel that passes through the engine efficiently. So, you need more frequent fuel refills. 

In research, it has been proven that a faulty or fouled spark plug can reduce your car’s fuel economy by almost 30 percent! 

Poor Acceleration 

If you notice any unusual behavior in terms of handling or poor acceleration then it can be an indicator of a failing spark plug or a bad spark plug. Due to the inconsistent electric sparks, your vehicle will become inefficient. 

If you continue to drive on worn out or damaged spark plugs, then it can ultimately cause engine damage, so don’t put it off. Frequent spark plug inspections are a great preventive measure. Spark plugs play a major role in your vehicle. Always keep an eye out for the signs of bad spark plugs and change it to new one regularly to help your vehicle perform at its best.