Spark Plugs

Spark Plugs: Igniting Your Nissan's Engine

With numerous online parts retailers available, choosing Metro Nissan of Dallas ensures quality and reliability every time. Spark plugs create electrical sparks that ignite the air-fuel mixture inside engine cylinders. These small components withstand extreme temperatures and pressures during every combustion cycle. Your Altima or Titan requires properly functioning spark plugs for efficient combustion, smooth operation, and maximum fuel economy.

Understanding Spark Plug Operation

High-voltage electricity from ignition coils jumps across the plug's electrode gap, creating a spark. This spark ignites compressed air and fuel at precisely timed intervals. The center electrode conducts electricity while the ground electrode provides a path to engine block ground. Ceramic insulators prevent voltage from escaping before reaching the spark gap. Different heat ranges suit various engine designs and operating conditions.

Causes of Spark Plug Degradation

Electrode material erodes gradually from millions of spark events, widening the gap beyond specification. Carbon deposits from incomplete combustion coat insulators and electrodes, preventing proper sparking. Oil consumption allows lubricant into combustion chambers, fouling plug surfaces. Overheating damages ceramic insulators and melts electrode materials. Incorrect heat range selection accelerates these problems.

When Spark Plugs Need Replacement

Rough idle or misfiring indicates plugs unable to ignite fuel mixtures consistently. Decreased fuel economy results from incomplete combustion. Hard starting, especially in cold weather, suggests weakened spark strength. Genuine Nissan spark plugs feature electrode materials and heat ranges engineered specifically for your engine, ensuring proper ignition that generic plugs often compromise.

Get back on the road quickly with genuine components from Metro Nissan of Dallas.