How Often Should You Replace Your Chevy’s Spark Plugs?

Spark plugs do a great deal of work in igniting your engine’s fuel hundreds of times every minute. The voltage passing through a spark plug is usually over 20,000 volts and can reach as high as 100,000 volts. Under so much heat and pressure, your plugs will inevitably wear down over time, requiring prompt replacement or repair at your nearest Chevy dealer. Let’s look at how often you can expect to replace your car’s plugs. 

It Depends on the Type of Spark Plug 

The lifespan of a spark plug largely depends on the type of plug you’re using. There are three main types of plugs: copper plugs, platinum plugs, and iridium plugs. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. 

Copper Plugs 

The oldest and most common type of spark plug has a copper core and often a nickel alloy fused to the electrode. These materials are extremely conductive but aren’t especially durable, causing them to wear down faster. As a result, copper plugs usually only last about 20,000 miles before they need to be replaced. 

Platinum Plugs

The next type of spark plug is a plug made from platinum, which has a much higher melting point and therefore lasts longer. Platinum plugs can last from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The only downside is that platinum is less conductive than copper and nickel, which can lead to a slight loss in performance quality.  

Iridium Plugs

The gold standard of plugs is iridium plugs, which can last from 75,000 to 125,000 miles. While also less conductive than copper, iridium is so strong that it can be formed into thinner electrodes, which allows sparks to be generated with less electrical voltage and more efficiency. The excellent durability and performance of iridium plugs make them the ideal choice for many drivers, despite the higher price tag. 

Protect Your Plugs By Visiting Your Chevy Dealer for Maintenance

Apart from the type of spark plug you use, your plugs will last longer if you take better care of your vehicle. Plugs are often damaged by carbon buildup, which can result from many factors, including malfunctioning ignition coils, engine air filters, and catalytic converters. 

Overheating caused by a faulty cooling system will also rapidly damage plugs. An improper gap between a spark plug’s center and side electrodes can also cause damage. You can safeguard against all these threats by regularly visiting your local dealership for proper vehicle maintenance. 

Have each spark plug in your engine checked, cleaned, repaired, or replaced today by qualified technicians at Airport Chevrolet Buick GMC. We’re a local family-owned and operated dealership that’s been helping out the drivers of Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Eagle Point, and White City since 1993. 

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