What Cars Do When You Have a Bad Spark Plug?

The spark plugs in a car's engine will determine how well your car performs. Each manufacturer provides a maintenance manual to purchasers of its vehicles that states how often you should change plugs. If your vehicle didn't come with a manual, contact the manufacturer.

Cuts Out

A bad spark plug can cause the engine to shut off, either constantly or intermediately while driving. It also might shut off while you are at a stop sign or traffic light and the car should be idling.

Hesitation

When you push the accelerator, you might experience little or no response from the engine.

Loss Of Speed

You also can experience loss of speed when you are trying to drive uphill.

Engine Runs After Turned Off

Rather than the engine shutting down after you turn the ignition switch off, it might make a knocking noise and shake before its tops.

More Gasoline

The car might also run unevenly, jerk while driving and not start easily. All of this will cause poor gas mileage and less engine power.

References

• ACDelco.com