Gas Saving Spark Plugs

With the skyrocketing price of gasoline many drivers are looking for ways to save money and get more mileage out of their vehicle. There are all kinds of strategies, tips, techniques, devices and accessories that may be of assistance. For example, you might want to try gas saving spark plugs. While they certainly cannot work miracles they can work well in conjuction with other conservation methods and may help increase your mileage. The first thing you will want to do is replace any dirty or worn out spark plugs.


Spark plugs in poor condition can cause ignition misfire. This wastes gas and can even increase the amount of air polluting emissions from your car. If your car is newer than a 1996 model and has OBD II it has a management system that can detect misfires in the engine and alert you by illuminating the Check Engine light. Some systems will even give you a diagnostic error code which can help you. In addition to dirty or worn spark plugs, misfires can be caused be a problem with the wiring, ignition coil, inadequate fuel pressure or even compression problems. You should replace your spark plugs every 45,000 miles for best results.

Now what about those spark plugs which claim to save gas? There are spark plugs tipped with iridium or platinum that offer longer performance. In addition there are also spark plugs designed with specific configurations of the electrodes which work to minimize the chance of misfire. This may save you a small amount of fuel and slightly improve performance but it's not going to make a huge difference. However little steps can add up to big results, so try these spark plugs in conjuction with other fuel saving strategies.

In addition to using gas saving spark plugs, try keeping your car at a steady speed preferably 40 mph or under if at all possible to conserve fuel. Carpool when you can, walk, bike or take public transportation when you can. Drive with the windows up when possible which prevents wind drag that decreases mileage. Don't keep heavy things in your trunk which can also decrease mileage. In the winter, don't warm your vehicle for longer than 45 seconds because anything longer than that is unnecessary and wasteful. For more tips on automobile fuel conservation the EPA and FTC government agencies offer helpful free resources online.





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