Why Spark Plug Checks Matter for Kiwi Drivers
Look, just about every day in Hamilton, we get someone through the door at Grimmer Motors asking why their car feels like it’s “lost its get-up-and-go” or is a bit rough idling at Paeroa St lights. Nine times out of ten, it’s never anything super fancy — but often it’s those spark plugs that are getting a bit tired. Doesn’t matter if you’re driving an old Mazda Demio to Uni, a late-model BMW X1, or the trusty Toyota Aqua you take on errands up Te Rapa straight, spark plugs need a look-in every so often.
1. Keep Your Engine Smooth & Happy
Here in the Tron, we get a crazy mix of traffic — quick dashes round the Base, start-stop missions at Five Cross Roads, and plenty of speedy runs down State Highway 3 heading out to Ohaupo or Cambridge. All that traffic and constant stop-start can gum up your plugs faster than you’d think.
Spark plugs fire off the bang your engine needs to run. If they’re dirty or worn from too many school runs and pothole dodges in Flagstaff, you’ll get more hesitation and sluggish take-offs. That Suzuki Swift or Hyundai i30 will feel heavy, sometimes chuggy under load. We see it heaps.
If you’re keen to get right into the nitty gritty on engine performance, have a nosey at our tips on better engine power and fuel economy.
2. Stop Misfires Before They Cost Ya
Every workshop has seen those horror stories — you leave dodgy plugs for too long, the engine starts misfiring, next thing the check engine light’s glaring at you from the dash. Left too long, you can even fry the catalytic converter (especially common in European stuff like Peugeot 308s or Fiat 500s). Misfires mean your motor can overheat, chew through fuel, and even sound like a lawnmower on a cold winter morning.
We see it a fair bit with Honda Jazz and Subaru Outback drivers heading in from Raglan or Tamahere complaining about rough running after a few cold starts. Don’t let it get that far — a regular spark plug check or replacement is cheap compared to a big repair bill. Check out our handy engine damage guide for what to watch for.
3. Save on Gas (Because Who Wants to Pay More?)
Seen your little Daihatsu Sirion or Nissan Qashqai using more petrol lately? Might not just be the price jumps on Peachgrove Road. Worn spark plugs mess with combustion, so your engine tries to make up for lost power by using more fuel. Seen it on everything from Mitsi Outlanders to VW Golfs. Clean, healthy plugs mean it takes less pedal to get down Kahikatea Drive — and you’ll spend less at the pump.
For more classic tricks to save a few bucks, check our list of ways to reduce emissions and save fuel.
4. Do Right By the Environment
Here in NZ, we all love a good bit of fresh air. Dodgy spark plugs are a major culprit in making your car belch out extra nasties. You’ll see it most often at WOF time or when sitting in traffic out near Chartwell, when a customer’s Suzuki Swift starts putting out extra smoke or fails an emissions check.
Replace those plugs? You get better fuel burn and cut dirty exhaust gasses, doing your part to keep Hamilton a bit cleaner. If you’re curious about the bigger picture, have a read of how petrol vehicles affect our environment.
Need a Hand?
Honestly, keeping on top of your spark plug checks is one of the best, cheapest things you can do for any type of vehicle: old Suzuki, Euro wagon, fresh hybrid — doesn’t matter. If you need a reliable car service in Hamilton, regular spark plug checks can save you from all sorts of dramas. Swing by Grimmer Motors in Fairfield. Our techs will sort you out, explain what’s actually happening under your bonnet, and make sure your car is running sweet for your next road trip out to Morrinsville, Ngaruawahia, or just down the road to Glenview.
Ready to get sorted? Book your spark plug check below — we’ll look after you.