Spark Plugs

Vehicle engines run on fuel and oxygen, which have to burn at just the right ratio to produce power. Spark plugs are what ignite the mix.

How Do Spark Plugs Work?

The process begins when you turn your key in the ignition lock cylinder. What happens is your ignition switch triggers, and many other ignition parts -- namely, your car battery, a starter solenoid, an ignition coil, and a starter motor -- start working together to create an electrical charge. The leads on each spark plug capture the current. That's what combusts the air and gas mixture.

Your engine pistons pump, your crankshaft, turns, and your vehicle's many parts get moving. Without spark plugs, though, none of that would happen. Your vehicle wouldn't be able to start at all.

To make matters worse, spark plugs can go bad. Their leads can corrode or widen, weakening the charges they capture. Engine misfires and shutdowns usually result. Broken spark plugs are worse. They usually result in severe damage to an engine's cylinders.

Luckily, spark plugs from your brand get built to last, for millions of ignitions, up to 100,000 miles. Just be sure you change whichever get too close to their recommended mileage limits. You can usually find more info on that in your vehicle's owner's manual.

What Spark Plugs Do I Need?

That depends on your make and model. Either way, genuine spark plugs will work best because your OEM designs them compatible with its vehicles. You can order how many you need online, right from our auto parts store. Just be sure to browse our inventory by brand and model to get the right fit. Buy now, and we'll deliver them right to your address.