Spark plugs are significant components in automobiles; hence their regular maintenance cannot be overemphasized. However, the parts do not have an infinite lifespan as you may have to replace them when necessary. Nevertheless, some vehicle owners complain about their experience of replacing old spark plugs with new ones, yet the plugs will malfunction.
The BIG question is – Can a new spark plug be bad, or could the vehicle’s problem result from another faulty component? Let’s find out in this post.
Can A New Spark Plug Be Bad?
Yes! A new spark plug can be bad or faulty due to a production error on the manufacturer’s part. Ideally, a new spark plug should have a powerful capacity to power a vehicle’s ignition and combustion process.
However, sometimes, the expectation does not turn out as predicted. This is because of the tendency for errors during the mass production of the components.
Some spark plug manufacturers are not meticulous enough to ensure that their products undergo critical screening before letting them out into the automotive parts market. Therefore, since the products are produced in large batches, there are tendencies for some of the plugs to fall below standards.
So, you are responsible for getting good spark plugs from a tested and trusted brand. While some brands consistently fail in maintaining standard product quality, others have strategically overcome this average performance.
Experience of New Bad Spark Plugs
When my brother bought a new spark plug for his Trailblazer, he thought he was solving the persistent misfire code that had lit up his check engine light. Little did he know that not all new spark plugs come perfect off the shelf. Despite the common belief among vehicle owners and drivers that a new plug equals no trouble, there’s always a case for anomalies, like a bum spark plug due to a production error. After installing it, the engine’s performance didn’t improve; it hinted at issue beyond the usual suspects like the battery or ignition system.
This experience led him to post on an auto-mechanic forum, seeking advice. Many mechanics and automobile enthusiasts echoed similar sentiments: even new spark plugs, straight from reputable manufacturers or dealership parts like Ford, can be faulty. The culprit, often a defect affecting the plug’s internals or its fit in the cylinder head, can significantly shorten its lifespan and hinder combustion engine efficiency.
This reminder serves as a nudge to anyone, from the seasoned auto-mechanic to the average car owner, to keep a keen eye on new plugs and consider them in troubleshooting, alongside scanning for codes and inspecting other engine parts.
Symptoms Of Bad Spark Plugs
Bad spark plugs are easy to identify because of their numerous symptoms. Meanwhile, irrespective of the brand, the following are some signs of bad spark plugs.
Poor acceleration
Spark plugs are part of the components that power a vehicle’s ignition and combustion process. They ignite the air-fuel mixture and sustain the combustion process alongside other parts.
Therefore, a faulty spark plug will not be able to perform as expected, thereby hindering the smooth running of the engine and limiting the acceleration process.
Loss of engine power
A vehicle’s engine does not operate in isolation. Instead, the component relies on other subsets and complementary components to work efficiently, and the spark plug falls into this category.
Therefore, if any of the related components malfunction, the engine cannot perform optimally. In this case, the engine will suffer from power decline if you have worn out spark plugs.
Bad gas mileage
Functional spark plugs enhance the combustion process and make driving go smoothly, engendering an efficient fuel economy. In other words, your car will most likely suffer from poor fuel economy when the spark plugs become faulty.
Engine misfire
Although several malfunctions can trigger engine misfires, faulty spark plugs are usually a primary suspect. If you’re battling constant engine misfire, there’s a tendency for your car has a damaged spark plug.
Engine start difficulty
Again, the combustion process cannot commence without the ignition process. Meanwhile, the ignition system depends on the plugs to release the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture to start the combustion process.
Meanwhile, you cannot start your car’s engine if you have faulty spark plugs. However, other malfunctions can also lead to difficulty in starting a car’s engine. In any case, it is important to know how to tell if spark plugs need replacing so that you don’t risk a sudden breakdown.
Can New Spark Plugs Cause Misfire?
Of course, new spark plugs can cause an engine misfire if they’re not properly installed. Replacing your car’s old spark plugs is not enough; correctly installing is more important. Some installation procedure issues include broken insulators, incorrect air gap, etc.
Therefore, if a novice installs a spark plug inappropriately, there’s a tendency for the component to malfunction. So, now you know the answer if you were wondering, “Can new spark plugs be bad?”
So, if you just installed some new spark plugs in your car and you’re still experiencing a misfire, kindly check to figure out what could be responsible for the spark plug failure. Meanwhile, if you’re not sure about correctly installing your new plugs, why not contact an expert auto technician to do the job?
Can New Spark Plugs Cause Rough Idle?
Yes, new spark plugs will eventually result in rough idling when they are not properly installed. In addition, some spark plugs come with some deficiencies from the factory.
Therefore, if you’re experiencing rough idling after replacing your vehicle’s spark plugs, inspect the components carefully to find out the issue. In other words, correctly installed spark plugs will not result in any form of malfunction.
So, it is essential to know whether your new spark plugs are in good condition before installation. Also, ensure to install the components correctly; otherwise, contact a professional auto mechanic to do the job.
Will Car Run Better With New Spark Plugs?
Of course, your car will run better and smoother, with faster acceleration, when you replace faulty spark plugs with new ones.
If a defective spark plug is responsible for your car’s poor acceleration, bad gas mileage, engine power decline, and rough idling, replacing the components will automatically resolve those challenges immediately.
However, you must install the plugs correctly to enjoy the benefits of getting a new replacement. Also, ensure to get the recommended spark plugs for your car and check to see if they have any factory defects before installing them.
Finally, if you’re not sure about installing the spark plugs correctly, kindly consult an expert auto technician to handle the process. It will only cost you a few bucks.
Conclusion
This article has just resolved the question: Can a new spark plug be bad?” Of course, it is possible to get a new spark plug with defects from the factory. However, the defects can also be caused by the user who fails to install the component correctly.
Therefore, if you just replaced your car’s spark plugs and you’re still facing the challenges you experienced due to a defective or foul spark plug, kindly check whether you installed the components correctly or not.
Also, ensure to verify whether the fault is based on manufacturing errors. Meanwhile, always stick to the recommendations from professional auto technicians concerning your car’s replacement components.