Driving’s almost therapeutic. Besides conveniently getting us from point A to point B whenever we feel like it, it gives us a sense of freedom and satisfaction. This is why owning a vehicle is a big deal and a significant milestone in all our lives. However, it is important to note that with this ownership comes obligation. You need basic knowledge of every part of the car so that you are able to maintain it well, identify signs of wear & tear, and seek help from the mechanic when the time comes.
One such elusive part of the vehicle is the spark plug. It may be small and seemingly insignificant but it shoulders a lot of responsibility. Anyone who knows the basics of car parts knows that spark plugs work well until 80,000 miles or so under normal circumstances. They, like all mechanical parts, start wearing out after a point (which may occur before or after 80,000 miles) based on usage. If you see any of these signs, you should cater to them immediately. Otherwise, the spark plug may go bad. There are also instances when it blows out. This is the aspect we shall dig deeper into today.
What causes a spark plug to blow out?
Due to wear and tear, spark plugs usually go bad, causing starting troubles. Other signs of bad spark plugs are:
- Engine misfires
- Rough idling
- Loud engine
- The check engine light is ON
- Acceleration problems
If you experience any of these issues, note that the spark plugs need your immediate attention. They may have gone bad or they may have blown. The most common reason why a spark plug blows out is improper installation. If it was installed too tightly or loosely, the chances are that it will break down and this is not a good thing at all because the spark plug needs to channel electrical energy to the engine. If it’s not in place properly, this won’t happen.
Can You Drive With A Blown Spark Plug?
You can drive with a blown spark plug for a few miles but the question is – should you?
Absolutely not.
A blown spark plug will create a range of problems, the worst being a complete engine failure. It is better to have a mechanic take a look at it instead of seeing how far you can drive without replacement. There are some things we should not take for granted. This is one of them.
How to prevent a spark plug blow out
You can totally and quite easily avoid a spark plug blow out. All you need is some vigilance during installation. We learnt already that the reason behind this problem is improper installation. Thus, ensuring that you do it properly is crucial. If you do not have experience, you might as well trust a mechanic because the risk is too high. Also, keeping the torque optimal and keeping an eye on any kind of ticking noise can help you prevent huge problems.
People also ask
Here, we answer a few questions related to spark plugs.
1. How often should spark plugs be replaced?
Depending on the type of spark plugs and the vehicle, we would say anywhere between 30,000 and 90,000 miles.
2. What does a car sound like when spark plugs are bad?
It sounds rough. You will also feel unnecessary vibrations.
3. How much does it cost to fix a blown-out spark plug?
It can cost $500 to $1000 to fix a blown-out spark plug if you go to a trained mechanic.
4. Can you drive with a blown-out spark plug?
You can but you shouldn’t.
5. Can a broken spark plug damage the engine?
Yes, it can. That is why you shouldn’t drive your car if the spark plug is blown or broken. Have it towed and fixed instead.
6. Can you rethread a spark plug hole?
Yes, you can.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t drive your car with a blown-out plug. It is dangerous and can cause irreparable damage to the engine. This will increase the costs of repairs as well. Cater to the problem on time to avoid hassle and expenses.