There’s a lot that goes into building a powerful vehicle. And, while the big parts always get the credit, it would be unfair to look at the small ones.
Weak Spark Vs Strong Spark
Let’s take spark plugs, for example. They are small devices without which your vehicle would not be able to start. They supply the necessary electric current to kickstart the truck smoothly and without hiccups. If spark plugs wear out, you will immediately notice a difference.
Now, just like all other automobile parts, these plugs also need maintenance and repairs. You should also know when to replace them. For this, you must understand the difference between a weak spark and a strong spark.
Weak Spark Vs Strong Spark – A Brief About Each
We shall start off by talking about each of these sparks.
1.) Strong Spark
A strong spark or regular spark is strong and efficient. It immediately gets the vehicle started without misfires or rough idling. You will also notice that the emissions of your vehicle are lower, and the acceleration is smooth. A well-functioning spark plug also ensures that the fuel consumption is efficient, enabling you to maintain good mileage.
2.) Weak Spark
A weak spark is an indication that something’s not quite right. If the spark is not strong as it used to be or if you are having to try multiple times to start the truck, you can be sure that the spark is weak. This can also cause fouling, rough idling, and acceleration problems.
How To Identify A Weak Spark – Signs To Look For
Spark plugs do not last forever. Over time, they will lose their efficiency and start degrading. Thankfully, they give you clear cut signs that their job is done. Let’s take a look at some of these signs:
- Rough idling
- Increased number of misfires
- Bad fuel economy
- Pop sounds from the exhaust
- Higher emissions
- Difficulty starting
- Rough acceleration
- Abnormal increase in power at different intervals
If you notice one or more of these signs consistently, you should have the spark plugs checked. It is very likely that they need to be replaced.
What Causes Weak Sparks?
Now that you have identified the symptoms of a weak spark, you should understand why this happens. There are a few reasons besides the age of the spark plug. We shall go through them in this section:
- The spark plug wire insulation may be damaged. Even worn-out insulation will cause a weak spark.
- The ignition coil may be the culprit. If that’s damaged, the spark will directly get affected.
- The spark plug porcelain may be cracked, causing misfires.
- The spark plug may simply be dirty.
As you can see, besides age, there are many other reasons. So, the moment you see symptoms of a weak spark, you shouldn’t aim at replacing it. It is always advisable to get it checked and zero in on the problem. For all we know, the problem may be with the ignition coil or something else.
Conclusion
There’s no need to underline this but a strong spark is safer and desirable. Understanding your vehicle and all its important parts is the first step towards prolonging its life. Something as small as the spark plug can be the difference between a smooth and uncomfortable riding experience. All the best.