Not everything about car maintenance is common sense. Here, we’ve laid out some great tips on how often you should replace your Mazda’s spark plugs, but if you’re still unsure, make sure to visit your local Mazda dealer. It’s always better safe than sorry.
Looking at Mileage
A great starting point is checking the mileage of your car, but a lot can affect that mileage. If your 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo has been modified, the engine can be put under stress and require more frequent tune-ups. If there’s low-quality gas, the engine doesn’t run as smoothly and requires more power to start and accelerate. If the car is an older model, the car will have an older engine that requires more attention.
With all of that in mind, it’s recommended to switch the plugs out every 20,000 to 40,000 miles to maintain optimal performance. This also helps prevent the plugs from failing altogether at the worst possible times. While most Mazda plugs last around 75,000 miles, you can consider this tactic preventative maintenance.
The Warning Signs
If the plugs aren’t working at peak performance, you’ll be able to tell pretty quickly. The top signs of bad plugs include:
- Misfires
- Poor gas mileage
- Slow acceleration
- Loss of power
- Difficulty starting the car
We know these problems can relate to a lot of different issues within vehicles, but if you’re noticing one or more at the same time, it’s a good idea to check the plugs if you choose not to completely replace them.
Manually Checking the Plugs
If you feel confident in your under-the-hood abilities, it’s super easy to check your Mazda’s plugs from the comfort of your own driveway. The only special tool you’ll need is a spark plug socket. Make sure the car is off when you do this because you’ll need to remove the plastic engine cover. You’ll be able to see spark plug coils, and that’s what we’re looking for.
A good, new plug has a white, yellow, or light brown insulator that wraps around the central electrode within the spark plug. There shouldn’t be any buildup or corrosion, and certainly shouldn’t be cracked. If you see any of these signs, you need to replace your Mazda’s plugs.
- Corrosion
- Carbon build-up
- Melted/Bent electrode
- Cracks
We all want our vehicles to continue running smoothly for as long as possible, and that’s why it’s important to prioritize preventative maintenance. If these tips didn’t help you decide if your Mazda needs new plugs, stop by Flood Mazda today. We’d love to check out your car and provide you with peace of mind the next time you’re out on the road.
Image by Drazen Bajer from Pixabay
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