The role of automobile spark plug and its purchase

The spark plug is always heard by the maintenance person. What is the function of the spark plug? How long does it need to be replaced? How to choose a spark plug? What are the symptoms of a broken spark plug? This is a series of questions most novice car owners love to ask.

There are Spark Plugs on gasoline engines, one on each Cylinder, and individual high-speed gasoline engines have two spark plugs per cylinder. Although a spark plug is a small part, it is extremely important. The function of the spark plug is to introduce the high voltage pulse generated by the ignition coil into the combustion chamber, and use the spark generated by the electrode to ignite the mixture to complete the combustion.

How long does it take to change the spark plug?

Because of the different materials of spark plugs, the types of spark plugs can be divided into: common copper core, sheet metal, platinum, sheet metal, and platinum-iridium alloy spark plugs. The service life of these types of spark plugs is different, and the corresponding replacement mileage is also different. Make clear when choosing.

In general, under normal use, the service life of ordinary copper core spark plugs is 30,000 kilometers, while the service life of spark plugs with precious metal materials is 60,000 to 90,000 kilometers. The maintenance intervals specified by automobile manufacturers of different models are not exactly the same. The specific replacement cycle should also be based on the automotive manufacturer's specifications. Do not arbitrarily extend the need for replacement.

If it is found that the vehicle fuel consumption increases, you can consider whether to change a spark plug, the general repair shop will recommend replacing 20,000 kilometers, because at this time, although the spark plug is not completely damaged, but the performance has declined. In fact, this is based on the quality of the spark plug, the ordinary spark plug 40,000 kilometers for a time, platinum, gold-plated 6 to 80,000 kilometers can be changed once. If spark plugs are purchased on their own in Auto Parts City or e-commerce sites, they are usually in the range of tens to 100 yuan. Find a reliable repair shop to install, generally will charge about 20 yuan installation fee. The installation process takes a very short time and you can usually check it yourself. This can save you money and you can avoid using the used spark plugs that were removed from other cars.

Second, how to determine the spark plug is damaged?

1, real car inspection: It is best to operate under the guidance of professionals, the owner understands that such common sense is more used to identify professional maintenance advice, it is best not to do it yourself.

(1) Short-circuit: Let the engine run at idle, short-circuit the spark plug by cylinder with a screwdriver, and listen carefully to changes in the engine speed and sound. The speed and sound change significantly, indicating that the spark plug is normal. When the speed and sound are not obvious, it indicates that the spark plug is in an abnormal state.

(2) Flashover: Unscrew the spark plug and place it on the cylinder block. Test the fire with the high voltage line. If there is no spark or the spark is weak, it indicates that the spark plug is leaking or does not work.

2, observe the appearance of color: the owner can learn this method, after the maintenance personnel remove the spark plug can be judged and checked.

Remove the spark plug and observe the appearance of the spark plug according to the following appearance color:

(1) If it is auburn or rust, it indicates that the spark plug is normal;

(2) If it is oily, it indicates that the gap of the spark plug is out of adjustment or the oil supply is too high, and the high voltage line is short circuited or open circuited;

(3) If it is smoked black, it indicates that the spark plug is hot or cold, or the mixed gas is thick, and the engine oil is picking up;

(4) If there is deposit between the tip and the electrode and the deposit is oily, it is proved that the cylinder bore oil is not related to the spark plug; if the deposit is black, the carbon plug of the spark plug is bypassed; the sediment is gray. This is because of the misfire caused by the additive covering the electrodes in gasoline;

(5) If the spark plug is severely ablated, there is a phenomenon such as creping, black lines, cracking, and electrode melting at the top. This indicates that the spark plug has been damaged and must be replaced immediately.

Third, how to buy spark plugs?

Spark plugs, seemingly insignificant parts, but its role can be said to be very large, and it is a consumable part that needs to be replaced on a regular basis. Due to cost control issues, car manufacturers may not choose the best spark plugs for their performance, but they can guarantee the normal operation of the vehicle. When the vehicle enters the maintenance section, it is faced with the choice of an updated spark plug. The brands of spark plugs that are commonly seen on the market today include Bosch in Germany, Denso in Japan, NGK in Japan, AC Deco in the United States, and Autolite in the United States. Pay attention to look at different brands of spark plugs when buying, to avoid buying the wrong model.

In general, the price of spark plugs ranges from tens to hundreds of yuan, but it is necessary to purchase genuine parts of well-known brands in order to avoid adverse damage to the engine. The following is a brief introduction to the spark plug brand:

1. Bosch: Germany imported spark plugs, mainly used in summer, Freighter, Geely, Mazda, VIZ, Buick and other models, with strong corrosion resistance, ignition reliability, long life and other characteristics. NGK, spark plugs imported from Japan, are mainly used in models such as Polaris, Passat, Teana, Brilliance, BYD, and Big Dipper. They have good insulation properties, good thermal conductivity, strong airtightness, and strong resistance to thermal shock.

2, DENSO, Japan imported spark plugs, mainly used in Audi, Lexus, Crown, Coster, Dawang, Haishi, Costa, Xiali, Blue Jays, Excelle, Accord and other models, ignition reliable, complete specifications, better sealing.

3, AC Deco, the United States imported spark plugs, mainly used in BMW, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, Regal, Chevrolet, grace, Blue Jays, Mitsubishi and other models, with strong corrosion resistance, heat resistance, anti-oxidation and other characteristics.

4, Autolite, US imports of spark plugs, mainly used in Accord, Captiva, crv, Odyssey, Fit, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Brilliance, Mitsubishi, Subaru, BYD, Great Wall and other models, with strong power, saving fuel consumption, long service life, etc. Features.

5, Eyquem, France imported spark plugs, mainly used in Seinesaina, Picasso, Peugeot 307, Triumph, Chevrolet and other models, with reliable ignition, corrosion resistance, cost is better.

Of course, there are many high-performance spark plugs used for retrofitting and upgrading vehicles on the market. There are also some affordable domestic spark plug brands. Which one to choose depends on the condition of your own vehicle.

The spark plug models, requirements, prices, and replacement cycles for different models are not the same. Take the example of our common models: One of the new Santana spark plugs is RMB 56 and the Bosch brand is 4 for every 30,000 kilometers, totaling 224 yuan; Passat One is 126 yuan, NGK brand, each replacement requires 4, manufacturers recommend replacing every 20,000 kilometers, a total of 504 yuan; Golf 6 is a 70 yuan, NGK brand, manufacturers recommend changing every 40000 kilometers four, total 280 Yuan; and BMW 5 Series spark plugs is about 254, Bosch brand for each 50,000 km for 4, total is 1019 yuan. The above example is to select cars of different displacements and levels that are familiar to everyone. The brands and prices involved here are all specified by the manufacturer. The owner can also purchase according to his own needs in the future maintenance.

Summary: The daily use of the car to do a good job in the maintenance and replacement of spark plugs, the specific should be done "five bogeys", that is, the use of spark plugs in the process of avoiding heat and cold, avoid long-term use, avoid long-term do not remove carbon, avoid Free descaling, avoid fire. This will extend the life of the spark plug and ensure that the engine will operate economically and safely.