Spark plugs: the sparks that power your engine

The role of spark plugs is to cause a spark (500 to 3500 per minute) that trigger explosions in a petrol engine, giving it the energy it needs to operate. But how do these sparks form?

The spark plug is connected to the engine’s combustion chamber. As soon as an air-fuel mixture is sucked into the chamber, the piston in the chamber compresses it. The spark plug is equipped with two electrodes which when it comes into contact with the compressed mixture, generates an electric arc. The resulting spark causes the gas mixture to combust.

The intensity of the explosion, which is confined to the engine due to the components of each part in the engine, causes the piston to descend. Driven by its movement, the piston then rises again to push the hot residual gases (which are now transformed into energy) towards the car’s crankshaft, which in turn activates the engine’s pistons.

To keep the engine running, it is important that the spark plugs are in good condition. When they are worn out, their efficiency decreases, making the combustion of the air-fuel mixture incomplete. In addition, this clogs the exhaust system and further pollutes the atmosphere.

To have your spark plugs checked for wear or to replace them, visit your M 360 Mechanic shop!