I heard some people ask me – Can the wrong spark plugs cause a misfire?
A spark plug is a device that provides electric current from the ignition system to help create an electric spark to ignite the mixture of gas and fuel in the engine cylinder combustion chamber. The mixture of gas and fuel is ignited by the spark plug, causing the pressure to increase, causing the piston to move and act on the crankshaft. That creates the rotational motion of the car engine.
Because it plays an important role in the engine’s work process, if the spark plug fails, it will greatly affect the engine’s performance.
It is necessary to choose the right spark plugs suitable for each type of car to create compatibility. Choosing the right spark plugs helps to limit car damage and increase the longevity of the car.
Can the wrong spark plugs cause a misfire?
An engine misfire will almost always result from using the incorrect spark plug. This is because a special spark plug is designed for igniting the fuel in the piston cylinder. If an engine’s specific spark plug isn’t inserted, it will misfire while running.
The spark plugs installed, according to the mechanic, were suited for a carburetor engine, not a fuel-injection engine. The physical damage to the piston crown in an interference engine if it protrudes too far into the combustion chamber can be severe.
A long spark plug can cause engine damage, while a short spark plug can result in poor gas mileage and spark plug fouling.
Not only can selecting the appropriate spark plug to protect your engine, but it can also have a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance. Because each vehicle’s engine capacity, engine code, and production period are unique, it necessitates the use of a specific spark plug.
How to choose the right spark plug for your car?
Choosing the right spark plugs for your car is an extremely important step. Standard spark plugs will help optimize performance and perform their functions well, limiting damage to other parts and to the vehicle.
1. Hot spark plugs and cold spark plugs.
When sparks start, the optimal temperature at the center electrode of the spark plug is usually around 1562°F, since things that attach to the spark plug electrode, such as soot, will spontaneously ignite at this temperature (self-cleaning temperature).
Soot will accumulate on the spark plugs if the temperature is too low (932°F), shorting the electrodes and readily causing fire loss when starting the engine in the morning or when there is too much fuel.
Premature combustion (not yet lit but the carburetor has ignited) and piston damage will occur if the temperature is too high (> 1832°F).
The length of the insulator at the center electrode of the spark plug is designed to be changed based on the working circumstances of the engine in order to maintain the optimal temperature at this electrode, hence spark plugs are separated into two types: hot spark plugs and cold spark plugs.
Hot spark plugs are the ideal choice for short-distance vehicles with little long-distance travel or vehicles with low engine speed and modest engine distribution.
For vehicles that often run on long journeys, heavy loads, and run at high speeds, cold spark plugs are the most suitable.
2. Copper, platinum, iridium plugs
Additionally, the substance of the electrode tip distinguishes spark plugs.
Copper spark plug
Copper spark plugs are the most common and least expensive. Many people refer to the ordinary spark plug as a “copper” spark plug, despite the fact that practically all spark plugs include a copper core. A nickel-alloy outer material is commonly fused to the copper-core electrodes in a normal spark plug.
In high-performance driving scenarios, copper spark plugs run cooler and produce more power. Most copper spark plugs must be replaced every 20,000 miles due to their short lifespan.
Platinum spark plugs
Platinum is a significantly harder metal with a higher melting point than nickel alloy. Because platinum is tougher than regular spark plugs, it can keep its sharp edge for up to 100,000 kilometers. Platinum spark plugs have a significant benefit in terms of longevity.
Platinum spark plugs also have the advantage of running a little hotter, which helps to burn deposits off the spark plug and prevent fouling. Platinum can also withstand high temperatures, allowing the spark plug to last longer.
Iridium spark plugs
With a melting temperature of 700°, iridium is believed to be six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum. Iridium spark plugs feature extremely fine electrodes and have exceptional wear resistance. Iridium spark plugs can last up to 25% longer than comparable platinum spark plugs due to their strength.
The fine wire center electrode of iridium spark plugs is meant to better conduct electrical energy and boost firing efficiency.
There is a cost associated with this precious metal. Iridium spark plugs are the most expensive, with prices ranging from $8 to $15 per plug.
Final thoughts
Choosing the wrong spark plug can cause an explosion, which can directly damage you. According to the recommendations above, select the appropriate spark plug for your vehicle.