Maintaining Your Ford Spark Plugs: Replacement Intervals

Copper Spark Plugs

The most widely used spark plugs are made of copper, typically with nickel alloy at the electrodes. These metals are wonderfully conductive for electricity but also have the broadest electrode diameter, which requires more current draw for each spark. As copper and nickel alloy are softer metals, copper plugs wear down fastest and will usually need to be replaced every two years (20,000 to 30,000 miles). 

Platinum Spark Plugs

While platinum is less conductive than copper, it’s far more durable. Spark plugs with platinum electrodes can be expected to last 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or four to seven years. They sometimes have slightly worse sparking performance than copper plugs but make up for this in lifespan. 

Iridium Spark Plugs

The gold standard of spark plugs are made from iridium, which is highly conductive and also has a much lower melting point than both copper and platinum. Your iridium plugs should last for 75,000 to 125,000 miles (five to nine years) and sometimes longer. The hardness of iridium allows for very narrow electrode tips and a highly concentrated spark, which equates to excellent engine performance.

Signs of Worn-Out Spark Plugs

If one or more of your spark plugs is fouled or faulty, your engine will misfire. This means the spark plug is no longer igniting the fuel properly inside the cylinder. Your car will lose power, making it harder to accelerate, and also idle roughly, sputtering and shaking as it clearly struggles to stay alive. You may also experience backfiring and see smoke emerge from the tailpipe as unburned fuel leaks back into the exhaust system. 

Misfiring spark plugs can rapidly lead to other problems, such as unburned fuel in the exhaust damaging or destroying the catalytic converter. With the engine failing to combust fuel effectively, you might also find yourself suddenly stranded at an inopportune moment, unable to start your car. Always have failing spark plugs repaired or replaced as soon as you notice signs of misfiring. 

Plan for Ford Spark Plug Replacement in Your Maintenance Schedule

Preventative maintenance will allow you to predict when your spark plugs are likely to need replacing. Our technicians can inspect each plug during your routine engine tune-ups, installing replacements as required.

Visit Coughlin Ford of Circleville in Circleville, OH, today to have your spark plugs and engine checked by experienced technicians. Whatever your automotive needs, we provide prompt solutions with courteous customer service. 

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