| A spark plug is a device which uses electric sparks to | | | | usually in a row along on one engine side and are |
| function. It is fitted on the head of cylinders found in | | | | connected to some wires which are very thick. |
| engines and is used to ignite aerosol gasoline that has | | | | Alternatively in other engines such as the V- shaped |
| been compressed through the creation of sparks. It | | | | ones, the plugs are usually located on either side. One |
| has a center electrode that is insulated and has been | | | | is strongly advised to change these plugs one by one |
| joined by use of a wire which is also insulated to the | | | | and to always return its wire before changing |
| ignition coil on the outside or a magneto circuit | | | | another one. The procedure involves first of all pulling |
| thereby forming a spark gap in the cylinder through | | | | off a single such wire at the point where it is |
| the use of a grounded terminal that can be found | | | | connected with the plug. At the side of the wire |
| beneath the plug. Spark plugs are required to be | | | | where the plug is located, there is some form of |
| replaced when at least 20000 miles have been | | | | rubber. This is the part that the spark plug should be |
| covered, usually when the car has been scheduled | | | | pulled from. If one pulls a bit higher than that then |
| for routine maintenance. They should be checked | | | | they risk damaging the wire as it can separate from |
| every 10, 000 miles or annually. It is important to | | | | the junction. |
| note that a spark plug not functioning properly will | | | | After a spark plug has been pulled, one should first |
| affect the status of the car significantly as they | | | | of all remove the dirt and any unwanted material that |
| could lead to the car not starting. Therefore, it is | | | | may be surrounding the plug. This is in order to avoid |
| very important that they are checked regularly and | | | | debris falling in your cylinder when the plug has been |
| are properly maintained even as one routinely | | | | disengaged. The plug is removed by turning in an |
| maintains the other parts of the car. | | | | anticlockwise manner using the spark plug socket and |
| When one is looking to inspect the spark plugs in the | | | | ratchet. If the plugs can not be easily accessed, one |
| car, to check for their viability some steps should be | | | | will need a ratchet extension. It is advisable to use |
| followed. Firstly, one will need to locate the lever | | | | one with a head that is flexible. After this, one can |
| which is situated underneath the dash board and pull | | | | now check the plug to see if it needs to be replaced. |
| on it so as to release the hood. The second step is | | | | A spark plug that is still in good condition should have |
| to walk to the car’s front, reach beneath the | | | | a light coating of some deposits that are grayish |
| hood, hold the latch and give it a squeeze to unlock | | | | brown in color. |
| the hood then locate your spark plug. They are | | | | |