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Car starting to feel a touch lazy when you press the go-pedal? Does it idle roughly at the lights? Gulping more fuel than usual? These are all signs you need new spark plugs soon. 

This is usually the moment you start looking up how often to change spark plugs on your phone and realise you’ve been doing it not quite often enough. Done right, a quick plug swap restores crisp starts, clean combustion and that smooth pull you remember.

But when and why should you change your plugs? European Autospares, your complete guide to spare parts, has all the info you’ll ever need about spark plugs right here.

Why spark plugs matter

Every internal combustion event in your car starts at the tip of a spark plug. When the electrode wears out, the spark weakens, the mixture burns poorly and performance drops.

Leave it long enough and you get an engine misfire spark plug issue that lights up your dashboard. That’s not good at all, which is why knowing the correct spark plug replacement interval is smart maintenance, not optional.

How long do spark plugs last?

Your plug life depends on the metal used for its construction and the engine it’s put in. Copper wears fastest, platinum and iridium last longer. Your manual will tell you exactly the answer to the question “when do spark plugs need replacing” and “the best time to replace spark plugs” – usually when you do your major service.

What happens if you don’t change spark plugs?

The signs will be obvious. Performance tails off first, then fuel economy, then smoothness.

Those who do car repair Dubai already know this, but a regular inspection is the key to keeping that expensive Porsche or Ferrari engine running smoothly. Those who don’t will find themselves in need of reading these spark plug maintenance tips more often – or by the side of the road if they’re unlucky.

How to know if your spark plugs are bad

Look for the following warning signs:

• Lumpy idle that settles with a little throttle.
• Hesitation under load or a shake that feels like a single cylinder is asleep.
• Noticeable drop in fuel economy.
• Slower cranking or hard starts.
• Sooty, oily or blistered plug tips on removal.

Choosing the right plugs, first time

Correct part numbers matter and the correct spare part compatibility matters. This is where a trusted parts partner like European Autospares helps, stocking genuine and OEM plugs for the luxury marques we drive in the region from Ferrari to Lamborghini and Land Rover.

How to replace your plugs

Once you have the right spark plugs, change only one bank at a time, keep your leads in order and always follow the correct torque spec. Use a tiny dab of anti-seize only if the manufacturer allows it.

Don’t forget to replace the plug tube seals if they are weeping, and consider changing your coil packs if there are recurring misfires. After the swap, run your engine to ensure everything’s been done right. 

Your driving pattern matters

How long do spark plugs last? How often to change spark plugs? It all depends on how you drive. Short trips, dusty air and lots of idling age your plugs a lot quicker than relaxed highway kilometres. If you tow, track or run a modified engine, you’ll need to inspect more often as well.

Remember: the best time to replace spark plugs is around your major maintenance so you do not miss it. If you’re tempted to search “auto parts near me” or “auto repair parts in UAE” go straight to European Autospares instead for the service and advice you need.

Does compatibility matter?

Modern engines are extremely picky. Choose the wrong plug, and you’ll end up with detonation or poor cold starts. For car replacement parts in Al Quoz, European Autospares can match by OE number while you wait. Don’t just search for “car spare parts Dubai”, “auto parts near me”, “auto spares UAE”; ensure you’ll get the right plug first time, every time from European Autospares.

Stay on top of your spark plugs

Plugs are easy to ignore but they can end up having an outsize impact on your luxury vehicle’s performance. Keep an eye on symptoms of bad spark plugs, and plan around the manufacturer’s spark plug replacement interval. When the time comes, check spare part compatibility and order them from European Autospares. Your car will start sharper, idle smoother and pull cleaner – and that’s a big impact for such a small part.