Not only mileage, spark plug life is also affected by this factor

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Spark plugs in vehicles, whether cars or motorcycles, are often overlooked but play a crucial role. Despite their small size, they are closely linked to engine performance.

Functionally, a spark plug’s job is to ignite the spark as part of the combustion process between the air–fuel mixture, generating the propulsion for the engine.

If a spark plug’s condition is not optimal, it directly affects the vehicle’s performance. From sluggish acceleration to higher fuel consumption, and more.

The service life of spark plugs is not determined solely by mileage or time. Several other factors can cause plugs to need replacement sooner, or to last longer.

NGK, via Diko Oktaviano, Technical Support at PT Niterra Mobility Indonesia, explains that in addition to the benchmarks usually suggested by vehicle manufacturers, the age of a spark plug is influenced by several factors.

“First is the matter of combustion chamber maintenance. If the combustion chamber is dirty, the spark plug will also fail quickly. Then driving style, such as aggressive driving and frequent high-speed runs, can cause the plug to work harder, even overheat or cause the electrode to wear quickly, especially nickel spark plugs,” Diko told Kompas.com some time ago.

Beyond aggressive driving behaviour, it turns out that slow-running habits also affect spark plug life. These conditions are prone to carbon buildup or carbon fouling.

Diko explained that the service life of a spark plug, in essence, varies depending on the type of plug and the vehicle.