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My Car Won't Start.

There's nothing worse than getting ready to go out, getting in your car, and suddenly it won't start. Personally, nothing makes me panic more than when my car won't start. I know I'm not alone in this. We're here to break down one of the troubleshooting issues though, so that you can rest easy. Let's look at how spark plugs play a role in starting your car.

What Do Spark Plugs Do?

A spark plug is a small part, made up of several other smaller parts, that plays a big role. It looks just like its name, like a plug. It is threaded into your vehicle's engine and causes the "spark", or combustion process needed to start your vehicle. It's science! It's cool! But it stinks when it doesn't work.

Did you know that you can have as many spark plugs in your vehicle as there are cylinders? Some V8 engines have as many as sixteen plugs, while most engine types use four.

Just like any other car part, spark plugs can break down over time. Thankfully, there are several symptoms to look out for. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your local car repair shop.

Sings It's Time to Change Your Spark Plugs.

Before your car has problems starting, there are other signs to keep an eye out for. Let's take a look at a few of them.

• When your vehicle comes to a stop, you notice a low idle. What is a low idle? Let's say you're at a red stop light, and while yesterday your vehicle sat at the light as quiet as you please, today it kind of rumbles, and it's a little shaky. This is one of the first noticeable signs that your spark plugs may be failing.
• Acceleration isn't what it used to be. Have you noticed that your car is requiring more power to get up hills than it used to?
• You're stopping at gas stations more often. Newer vehicles now display how much gas mileage your car is using per trip. If you see that your car is getting less and less gas mileage, and that you're stopping to fill up more, it may be time to check your spark plugs. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, "A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30%." That's a lot.
• It takes more than one try to start your car. Regardless of whether or not it's a cold day, it shouldn't take more than one try to start your car. When spark plugs wear out is it will cause a "misfire," when the tip of the plug wears out and there’s too much gap between the tip and the electrode it won’t function properly.  If it does take more than one try, schedule an appointment with your auto repair shop. We don't want to see you get stranded!

How often should spark plugs be changed?

If you don't want to wait for your plugs to start to go out before getting them changed, we recommend having them checked at least once every 30,000-40,000 miles. Newer plugs are made with more durable metals and can go for 100K miles if the vehicle is maintained properly. You can also consult your local mechanic and vehicle's owner's manual to see what they recommend.

Are you looking for an auto repair shop in Silver Spring, Maryland?

Give Aspen Hill Exxon a call to schedule your next service or repair! We are conveniently located in Montgomery County, and are within a short drive from Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Olney.