

Therefore, you want to keep an eye on your spark plugs, and have them checked by a professional if you notice any signs of failure. In addition, spark plugs are among the cheapest parts for a vehicle. However, it is not a bad idea to check your spark plugs periodically to make sure they are in good condition.Ĭhoosing the best spark plug for your vehicle is important, because it is responsible for the overall performance of your engine. This could be due to poor ignition voltage, a broken choke, or a faulty seat.Ī brown spark plug is a good indicator that your engine is in good shape. It is also a sign that your ignition system is functioning improperly. There are a number of things that the spark plugs can tell you about the overall performance of your engine.Ī yellow spark plug may be a sign of low quality fuel. Taking a look at a spark plug is a great way to get a quick diagnostic read on your engine. Spark Plug Color Meaning-What color is a bad spark plug?

If the plug is running lean, it will show up as light gray deposits, while a rich plug will show up as dark deposits. The most common are light gray and dark gray, but there are also tan and black. There are several different types of deposits that can show up on spark plugs. It is also possible to cut the plug open and look at the porcelain deep inside the housing. It will usually start out white and then change color with heat. Other ways to read spark plug color include looking at the insulator. They should also have a light tan or gray color. These are usually brown in color and may have some slight wear. The other obvious way to read spark plug color is by examining the electrodes. This is a bulbous end with a metal hook to one side. The most obvious and easiest way to read spark plug color is by looking at the firing tip. For instance, if a spark plug shows signs of overheating, it could be a sign of problems with the cooling system or the intake manifold. It is also a quick way to spot engine problems.


This is why all hard, sugary candies will produce a faint glow when cracked. In this excited state, and in order to get rid of the excess energy, these nitrogen molecules emit light - mostly ultraviolet (nonvisible) light, but they do emit a small amount of visible light as well. When they collide, the electrons impart energy to the nitrogen molecules, causing them to vibrate.
#A SPARK IN THE DARK MEANING FREE#
These free electrons bump into nitrogen molecules in the air. Triboluminescence occurs when molecules, in this case crystalline sugars, are crushed, forcing some electrons out of their atomic fields. When you rip a piece of tape off the roll, it will produce a slight glow for the same reason. Triboluminescence is the emission of light resulting from something being smashed or torn. This effect is called triboluminescence, which is similar to the electrical charge buildup that produces lightning, only much less grand. But why? Darryl Brooks/ShutterstockĪctually, all hard sugar-based candies emit some degree of light when you bite them, but most of the time, that light is very faint. Wintergreen candies are known to spark in the dark.
