What does a bad iridium spark plug look like?

The first thing you will notice when you pull your spark plug wires is whether you have spark. If you do not, it could be due to a bad or broken spark plug. Many times, spark plug wires can break off and be lodged inside the spark plug. If you notice a piece of blackened spark plug wires or an unusually thick spark plug, these are red flags that your spark plug is failing. You should always have new spark plugs when you are in a brand new car.

What does a bad iridium spark plug look like in a truck?

Our experienced technicians have seen a variety of iridium spark plugs fail in trucks. High fuel economy and heavy loads may increase the chance of iridium spark plug failure, especially in diesel trucks. If you notice that your engine is running poorly, or if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t delay service to replace your iridium spark plugs.

What does a dirty iridium spark plug look like?

When iridium spark plugs get dirty, they can develop a granular appearance. This buildup, which is often called iridium flake, is extremely fine and can cover your entire spark plug surface. It does not have any ill effects on spark plug performance, however, some iridium spark plugs have a blueish color to them when they’re dirty.

What does a new iridium spark plug look like?

A brand new iridium spark plug should have a black or silvery finish that does not have any visible defects. The iridium metal itself is exceptionally pure, with a very high density. This means that iridium spark plugs are both very strong and resist corrosion and oxidation much better than traditional metals.

What does a missing iridium spark plug look like?

If you have an iridium spark plug in your car, you have a strong fuel-saving catalyst. This helps reduce emissions, and it can improve fuel economy by up to 5%. If there is no iridium spark plug in your car, your fuel economy will suffer. If you notice your car running poorly or if it fails to start, you may be due to a missing iridium spark plug.