GM Spark Plugs

You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about the factory spark plugs that came in your GM vehicle. That's good. It means they're doing their job. That's to produce the flash that ignites the air-and-fuel mix in your engine's combustion chamber. That's what allows your ignition to start the engine.

How Spark Plugs Work

The spark plugs create that flash, or spark, by firing an arc of electricity across the gap between two leads. If your GM runs on diesel, though, you don't have spark plugs. Instead, your engine is equipped with glow plugs. The heating element in your glowplug's tip ignites the fuel mist that is sprayed into the engine cylinder.

How Do You Know When Your Spark Plugs are Going Bad?

It's common for people to think that their alternator is at fault when their vehicle begins to suffer engine misfires and shutdowns. However, you should first check your spark plugs if you experience any of the following:

• Unsteady idling
• Your engine starts to misfire
• You have trouble starting your vehicle
• The Check Engine light triggers

The high-quality original spark plugs in your car, pickup, or SUV will eventually weaken in time. The gaps may have widened to the point where the spark is insufficient, or they've become corroded. Consult your owner's manual to determine how long you should expect your plugs to perform their best. You want to change them out before they reach that rated mileage, or else you're risking engine issues. When it is time to change your spark plugs, make sure to only choose the high-quality GM plugs that were designed for your model and its engine. You’ll find a great selection of them in stock at our online parts department. Buy today and save!