Spark plugs are one of the important parts of your car's engine. They are used to initiate the combustion of the fuel in the engine to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy that enables your car to move. This means that spark plugs are exposed to lot of engine heat and they are bound to wear out with time. Since spark plugs wear out and require replacement, it is important for you to check their condition regularly so that you can replace them in good time. In most vehicles, the spark plugs are located on the side or top of the engine in a row. Using a spark plug wrench, you should remove each spark, check it and screw it back into position. When checking the condition of your spark plugs, here are some of the things that you might find:

Spark Plug in Good Condition

If a spark plug is in good condition, they will have a grey or brownish shade on the electrode. The electrode is a small projection on the other end of the spark plug that is immersed in the engine. In such a case, you wipe the spark plug with a clean, dry cloth and put it back into position.

Spark Plugs Fouled in Oil

Sometimes, the engine oil can leak and find its way to the spark plugs. In such a case, you will find black deposits on different sections of the parts that are capped into the engine. The oil deposits may be wet. This is an indication of a leakage from loose or worn out valves and pistons in the engine. In such a case, you should clean the by scraping off the tough deposits with stiff wire brush or knife. Do not use abrasives. After cleaning, put the spark plug back into position and replace them as soon as possible. Lastly, you need to have the source of the leak checked and rectified.

Burned Spark Plug

If the spark plug is burned, you will find blisters on the tip of the side immersed in the engine. This is a sign that your engine is overheating or the fuel you have been using is too lean therefore causing too much combustion. It may also be an indication that you have the wrong spark plug and it doesn't fit well. After inspection, put the spark plug back into position and replace them as soon as possible.

You can find different things on each spark plug. Some may be fine while others have complications. For optimal engine performance, you should replace all your spark plugs should you find a problem on any of them. For more information, contact a company that carries automotive parts like Subaru parts.