Fiat spark plugs replacement

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What do spark plugs do?

Spark plugs convert electric current from the ignition coil into a spark that ignites the fuel and air mix inside the car engine. This combustion is what powers the engine and moves the car. Spark plugs are located in the cylinder head and are connected via external leads attached to the engine.

How often should spark plugs need replacing?

Most manufacturers recommend that spark plugs should be replaced at around every 30k miles; this is only a guideline, as the quality of the component, engine performance and driving habits can affect spark plug lifespan significantly.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Old or damaged spark plugs can affect engine performance areas that cause an MOT failure, for example, in emissions testing. Poor performing spark plugs or filters that clog up can affect the gasses that are delivered from your exhaust; replacing these faulty parts can often rectify the problem.

What happens when we replace your spark plugs?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will check for possible fault codes relating to the ignition system, the operation of the ignition system and the spark plugs themselves.
• A compression test may be carried out on each of the engine’s cylinders.
• Wherever required your spark plugs will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from their malfunction.
• You will also be advised of any other affected parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
• Once the spark plugs have been replaced, our mechanics will test them thoroughly to ensure their correct operation and make any adjustments required for their optimum performance.

What causes spark plugs to stop working correctly?

Spark plugs can wear out over time, at which point they should be replaced to ensure the correct combustion of fuel. There is also a chance of potential carbon build up on the electrodes; this is known as carbon fouling and will affect the correct operation of the spark plugs. Oil can build up on the spark plugs too, which can be rectified with a simple cleaning.

Spark plugs can occasionally melt due to excessive engine temperatures. This isn’t usually a spark plug fault, but that of the engine or fuel system.

Symptoms of malfunctioning spark plugs

Starting your engine is problematic

If your car struggles or fails to start, it could be down to faulty spark plugs.

Engine cut out or misfiring

If your engine cuts out after starting or during its usual operation, if it fails to run smoothly or it vibrates excessively under normal use, then your spark plugs could be due to worn out spark plugs.

The dashboard engine warning light is illuminated

Any dashboard warning light is due to a sensor detecting fault or incorrect operation of a related component. An engine warning light could relate to a faulty spark plug.

Fuel consumption is higher than normal

Faulty spark plugs can cause your engine to burn fuel in an erratic manner, affecting both vehicle performance and fuel consumption. If you notice a change in your fuel consumption, it could be a spark plug problem.

Fiat

Fiat Automobiles is the largest car manufacturer in Italy, originally established over 100 years ago in July 1899, and is a subsidiary of FCA Italy (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles).

How popular is Fiat in the United Kingdom?

There are around 890k Fiat cars on the road in the UK. Their popularity as a modern car supplier grew through the 1990s and peaked around the current number in the mid-2000s, where it has remained constant over the past 10 years.

As a long established and easily recognised brand, a large part of their success can be put down to their historical models and retro styling.

Attractively priced fun and funky cars

Fiat is renowned for providing unique styling associated with Italian car design, yet without the hefty sports car price tag.

The Fiat 500 is possibly one of the most easily recognised cars in the world and a true piece of iconic car culture. Despite looking virtually the same as it did at its introduction in 1957, the latest model featured over 1,800 updates to its previous version, making sure it stands its ground in a modern car buyer’s market.

Colourful cars for colourful people

When you visit Fiat’s website, you’ll be presented with bright, punchy colours and slogans, suggesting a younger feel and a driving culture based around a carefree life in the now. Riding the on-going success of the 500 and their strength in the city car market, Fiat has added the 500L and 500X to their current range; mini SUV and MPV offerings that build on the styling and popularity of the 500. And why wouldn’t they? It’s a smart way to break into new markets with a trusted and recognisable brand.

Fiat’s reliability and reputation

Fiat ranked 14th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. They are a well-established manufacturer who carries a reputation for style and keeping up with current trends, but under the watchful eye of a parent company who also owns Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati, their experience and wealth of industry knowledge is greater than first appears.

Recent Fiat recalls and reliability issues

Various recalls have been made on Fiat models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.

26/04/2019 – Fiat Talento (2018)

The handbrake efficiency could be lost

12/04/2019 – Fiat Panda (2016–2018)

The steering column adjustment could release

07/09/2018 – Fiat 500X (2015–2018)

If rear seat belts are not fastened and pretensioners are deployed the latch could be released

24/08/2018 – Fiat Panda (2018)

Engine suspension reaction bracket not fitted on the transmission side

30/04/2018 – Fiat Fullback (2016–2017)

Door locks may malfunction and allow doors to open unintentionally

16/03/2018 – Fiat Ducato (2016–2017)

Intercooler sleeve may detach from the throttle body

02/03/2018 – Fiat 500 (2017)

Instrument cluster may display incorrect information

19/12/2017 – Fiat 500 (2017)

Replace electrical power steering

All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.