Volvo Spark Plug Replacement Seattle

Replacing your spark plugs is an important maintenance item for any gasoline engine, and your Volvo is no different. The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air and fuel mixture, as the name suggests, using a small spark.

What are Spark Plugs?

The spark is generated from a high voltage supply delivered by the ignition coil(s) traveling through the inner electrode and sparking across a gap to the outer electrode. Many conditions can impede this, since complete ignition is vital to your cars safe and reliable operation, making sure your spark plug is in tip top shape is a high priority.

When should Spark Plugs be Replaced?

The recommended service interval varies greatly based on the type of spark plug used and many other external factors. Early spark plugs used a copper core with nickel plated electrodes. While effective, they wore out quickly. Various metals can be used to improve the durability of the spark plugs conductors, it is important to factor in spark plug composition when deciding when to replace them. Ideally the suggested maintenance interval will recommend replacing the spark plugs before their degradation affects how your engine runs. Since each engine uses a different spark plug, feel free to call, text, or email us, and we’d be happy to check on the specific maintenance intervals for your vehicle. Precision Motorworks is your Volvo Specialty repair shop in Seattle at 206-282-1000.

How do I know if my Spark Plugs are bad?

When a spark plug goes bad the symptoms are often apparent. When the air/fuel mixture is not fully ignited it causes what is called a cylinder misfire. A misfire is felt as a stumble or vibration of the engine and is most noticeable when idling. Misfires will trigger your check engine light to come on.

Why do Spark Plugs go bad?

Spark plugs simply wearing out as a result of normal use is quite common but there are many things that can contribute to premature failure as well. Fuel quality is a large factor, since the fuel interfaces directly with the spark plug. While there is endless debate regarding which brand of gas is superior, selecting a brand that is certified by Top Tier (An independent testing agency) will assure that your fuel will not cause any issues. Most major gas station chains are Top Tier certified. It is important to note that most grocery store brands are not certified, and have been known to cause issues. Costco “Kirkland signature” fuel is Top Tier certified. From Top Tier: “TOP TIER™ Approved Fuels meet the high-quality fuel performance standards developed by some of the leading automotive and heavy-duty equipment manufacturers. TOP TIER™ provides benefits to consumers, retailers, and vehicle manufacturers by improving fuel quality to meet the increasing demands of evolving engine technology.” Another leading cause of premature spark plug failure is oil consumption. When excess engine oil enters the combustion chamber it can “foul” out the spark plug, reducing its effectiveness, and in many cases, rendering it inoperative. Foul is a broad term for describing a spark plug with unwanted deposits on the conductive or insulating surfaces, and can be caused by many things. If your spark plug does not last the advertised service life, it’s a good indication that something is going wrong.

Why is “Reading your Spark Plugs” Important?

The appearance of your used spark plug often provides a good idea of the cause of failure, be it simply due to age, or other contributing factors.

Understanding spark plug wear patterns can play a key role in diagnosing various issues with your vehicle. Often we will remove the spark plugs simply to inspect. Whether they’re just due by mileage, or are needed to get your vehicle back on the road, Precision Motorworks are your local Volvo experts.