Posted on 2/25/2026
Spark plugs may be small, but they play a huge role in how your engine runs. Every time you start your car, accelerate, or cruise down the highway, spark plugs are hard at work igniting the air-fuel mixture inside the engine. When they’re in good shape, your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. When they’re worn or the wrong type is installed, performance and fuel economy can suffer. Understanding the different spark plug types and which ones are most commonly used can help you make better decisions when it comes time for maintenance or replacement. What Do Spark Plugs Do Spark plugs are responsible for creating the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture in your engine’s combustion chamber. This ignition process is what powers the engine and keeps your vehicle moving. Each cylinder in your engine has at least one spark plug, and in some designs, there may be more than one per cylinder. Because spark plugs are exposed to extreme heat and pressure, they gradu ... read more