Spark plugs start your car and keep it running. They are tiny but mighty parts of your engine. Faulty spark plugs, spark plug sockets, or spark plug wires can lead to costly engine failure. Save yourself the time, hassle, and cost by learning these six spark plug warning signs.

My Car’s Idling Loudly

Idling vehicles should purr continuously and smoothly. If your idling car sounds like it’s stumbling, coughing, or generally rough, or if it is physically vibrating excessively, it’s most likely a faulty spark plug. This may not sound serious, but it can lead to costly car repairs down the road. If you’re experiencing a rough idle, then bring your car to HEART Certified Auto Care where we restore not just your car, but your faith in auto care.

My Car Won’t Start

Most often, drivers chalk up the inability to start their car to low gas or battery. But it’s actually very often a broken or worn out spark plug: if your plug isn’t sparking, it can’t ignite the gas to get the engine going. It may also be draining your battery, which then becomes a whole other problem. Save yourself the trouble and visit HEART Certified Auto Care today to find out why your car’s not starting. Our exclusive 33 point inspection is the most thorough in the car repair business.

My Engine’s Misfiring

Does your engine ever seem to stumble and then regain its pace, as if it can’t quite catch its footing? That’s an engine misfire, and it most likely means your spark plugs are malfunctioning. It could also be an issue with your spark plug wires or spark plug socket. Whatever the cause, engine misfires reduce fuel economy, reduce engine power, and increase gas emissions, and the problem should be repaired immediately. For more information, contact HEART Certified Auto Care today!

My Car Engine’s Surging

Somewhat the opposite of an engine misfire, engine surging occurs when the air intake takes in more air than it needs, causing your automobile to speed up or slow down or start and stop randomly. This issue isn’t just terrible for your engine but poses serious risks if it happens in traffic. If your engine’s surging, stop by HEART Certified Auto Care, and we’ll get you squared away in no time. In fact, 98% of our car repair service is completed in the same day.

My Car is Using More Fuel

Spark plugs do more than start the car. They help reduce harmful emissions by burning fuel efficiently. If your spark plug is failing, that means your car’s fuel economy will, too. If you suddenly find yourself filling your gas tank more often, it may be a faulty spark plug or spark plug socket. Either way, it’s bad news for your car engine, wallet, and the environment. Save everyone, especially yourself, by bringing your car to HEART Certified Auto Care, the auto repair professional you can trust.

My Car’s Not Accelerating

Is your car not accelerating properly? Are you pushing the gas pedal and nothing’s happening? It could be that your spark plug wires are loose or your spark plug’s failing to respond. If so, this malfunction will put an extra load on your car engine, leading to expensive car repairs. Save yourself the hassle of potential breakdowns, and stop by one of HEART’s three convenient locations as soon as possible.

For this and any other issue, stop by HEART Northbrook, HEART Wilmette, or HEART Evanston for our exclusive 33 point inspection today!