Oxford
Oxford, situated in the heart of England, is a bustling city renowned for its prestigious university and rich academic history. With a population of approximately 150,000, it stands as one of the most populous cities in the region.
The most popular cars in Oxford
Delving into the realm of car ownership in Oxford, we uncover fascinating insights from data collected over the years. Taking the lead as the most favored car in the city is the Ford Fiesta, capturing the hearts of Oxford residents with its reliability and efficiency. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class, Nissan Qashqai, and the Kia Sportage.
It is worth mentioning that Oxford exhibits a notable preference for eco-friendly vehicles, aligning with the city's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Electric and hybrid cars have gained popularity among Oxford's environmentally conscious population, contributing to a greener automotive landscape.
Vehicle numbers in Oxford
Oxford boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 100,000 cars registered within its boundaries. This substantial figure reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the necessity for reliable car maintenance services to keep these vehicles running smoothly.
Postcodes and suburbs in Oxford
Oxford is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own distinct characteristics. Notable areas include OX1 (City Centre, Jericho, and Osney), OX2 (North Oxford, Summertown, and Wolvercote), OX3 (Headington, Marston, and Risinghurst), and OX4 (Cowley, Iffley, and Littlemore). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Oxford.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Oxford residents, we understand the significance of providing exceptional services to ensure their cherished vehicles remain in optimal condition. Whether it's regular maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who possess a deep understanding of Oxford's unique automotive requirements.
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.