Firing off 400 times per minute, spark plugs are extraordinarily busy car parts. While you’re driving, your plugs ignite the fuel inside your engine’s cylinders non-stop, working at this furious pace for years on end. But various issues eventually dirty the plugs, causing them to fail. Let’s look at how long plugs usually last and also some common signs that you need to visit your local GMC dealer for new plugs right away.
How Often Should You Change Your GMC or Buick’s Spark Plugs?
Copper and Nickel Plugs
The most common plugs are made from copper or nickel. These usually last a good 30,000 to 50,000 miles before they need replacing.
Check with the plug manufacturer to see how often they recommend replacements. But take their suggestion with a pinch of salt, as they’re likely to recommend buying new plugs more often than necessary.
Platinum and Iridium Plugs
Higher-end plugs made from platinum or iridium have a much lengthier lifespan. They usually last around 100,000 miles and can even last as long as 150,000 miles.
As these materials are far harder than copper or nickel, the plugs don’t wear down as rapidly. They also run a good deal hotter, which helps burn away the deposits of excess fuel or fuel additives that tend to build up and foul plugs, causing their early demise.
Replace When You Notice Plug Trouble
When a plug starts to fail, it can lead to more costly problems in your engine and exhaust system. You’ll avoid such trouble by looking out for the key signs of a failing plug and having it cleaned or replaced promptly. A bad plug causes its cylinder to misfire, which you’ll experience as a stuttering, coughing, and juddering engine, especially when you pause in idle. If more than one plug fails, you might stall and even have trouble starting again.
A misfiring engine loses power, so your acceleration will be sluggish, and you might find it difficult to cross intersections as quickly as you’d like. Your gas mileage will also drop, and if the problem persists for a while, you might even start to see black smoke pouring out of your exhaust. And finally, the check engine light on your dashboard will light up, prompting you to visit a technician.
How a GMC Dealer Checks Your Plugs
The number one cause of plug failure is contamination from dirt or excess fuel. So a technician will first clean the area around the plug, remove it, and check inside the socket for dirt or fuel deposits. They’ll then visually examine the plug to see if it has been fouled, cracked, or burned up from age and overuse.
They’ll also test its functionality by having someone run the engine while they watch the plug for the strong blue sparks it should produce. They can also test the plug directly with a multimeter. A damaged plug can sometimes be revived by cleaning away deposits, but you’ll usually need to replace it.
Have your plugs inspected and replaced today at Crain Buick GMC of Springdale. We’re the number-one dealership for Buick and GMC vehicles in Springdale and the surrounding region.
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