Ask the Hyundai Dealer: 4 Common Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil

A vital component in your vehicle's engine system is the spark plug, and detecting early signs that your Hyundai needs new spark plugs can enhance performance, save you on fuel consumption, and prevent more serious problems down the road. Talk to a Hyundai dealer if you notice any of the following signs. Decreased Fuel Efficiency One of the first telltale signs that your Hyundai might require new plugs is a decrease in fuel efficiency. These plugs play an instrumental role in combusting the fuel in your engine, so if they are malfunctioning, your car may consume more fuel than necessary. If you notice you're visiting the gas station more frequently, it's time to consider having your plugs checked. Difficulty Starting the Vehicle These plugs are key to starting your Hyundai. They ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber, enabling your vehicle to start. If your Hyundai struggles to start, or you're experiencing more instances of your car failing to turn over, it may be a sign that your plugs need replacement. Poor Acceleration and Rough Idling The state of your plugs can impact your Hyundai's overall performance. If you're experiencing sluggish acceleration or your vehicle seems less responsive when you hit the gas pedal, it may be due to worn plugs. Additionally, a rough idle – where your Hyundai feels shaky and produces a loud, irregular noise while stationary – can also point to spark plug issues. Misfires and Engine Surges Finally, engine misfires or surges are significant indicators of spark plug failure. If your engine is not running smoothly or if it surges and falls repeatedly, it can be due to malfunctioning plugs. This erratic operation can lead to larger issues if not addressed promptly. How a Spark Plug Works A spark plug sends an electrical signal sent from the ignition coil, creating a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This is what powers your engine and propels your vehicle forward. The electrodes on a spark plug are subjected to extreme conditions, and over time, they wear out. This deterioration is what leads to many of the symptoms previously described, such as decreased fuel efficiency, difficulty starting, poor acceleration, rough idling, and engine misfires or surges. At Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, we understand the importance of proactive maintenance, and our team of experienced technicians is ready to help. If you suspect your Hyundai needs new plugs, don't wait until your vehicle's performance suffers. Reach out to Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith today and let's ensure your Hyundai continues to deliver the performance and efficiency you've come to expect.

Electrical problems can vary from minor to major, but they all affect your ability to enjoy the benefits of your Hyundai. If a problem isn't repaired, it could lead to extensive damage to your car. Fortunately, your Hyundai dealer in Fort Smith, AR, can fix any possible problem for you. These are a few potential issues that mean you need to visit us for a repair. Worn Alternator The alternator is a small generator inside your engine that produces electricity for your car's systems and devices while your engine is running. Some of the electricity it produces is used to recharge your battery. An alternator has an average lifespan of eight years before it needs replacement. Eventually, the alternator will slow down due to age wear, and this reduces the amount of power it produces. A failing alternator isn't usually noticeable when it starts, as the alternator produces more power than your car's systems require. As time passes, the reduced power supply from the alternator will cause problems for your car including misfiring, slower starting, and dim lights. The battery warning light on your dash will also illuminate. We can test your alternator and install a new one very quickly if required. Damaged Fuse Box Every electrical system in your car has a fuse. These fuses function identically to the ones in your home, as they protect their connected systems against electrical overloads and shorts. Fuses age and wear out, and they can also blow due to electrical shorts. The blown fuse prevents a short from damaging its system but also cuts power to that system until the fuse is replaced. If you're experiencing multiple blown fuses, the problem is very likely due to a damaged fuse box. Our technicians will test the fuse box and the wiring connected to it to find and isolate the problem. We can replace damaged wiring and fuses and will also install a new fuse box if it is causing the problem. Once the fuses are reconnected, your car's electrical system will work correctly again. Damaged Spark Plugs Healthy spark plugs are essential for efficient combustion, as they provide the ignition source for the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. The spark plugs are supplied with power from the electrical system. Spark plugs will wear out in time, and we test and replace them as part of your car's service schedule. Plugs can also be damaged by the failure of other engine components, like a worn ignition coil or a fuel-rich engine. Damaged plugs will cause misfiring and could prevent your engine from starting. Our technicians will test each spark plug and replace any damaged ones. Problems in the electrical system can cause additional damage to your car and its systems. Call us today at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith.

Your transmission works continually to convert engine power into energy to move your wheels. It contains hundreds of parts, many of which generate friction. As time passes, parts will get damaged or wear out. A transmission service will help prevent this damage and enable the transmission to work more effectively. As your Hyundai dealer, we'd like to tell you some reasons you need to visit us for regular service. You Reduce Future Damage The transmission is one of the most complex components of your car. It's composed of numerous individual components, all of which are subject to heat and friction. The transmission fluid that flows through your engine helps to reduce friction by covering the various components in a protective film. This fluid must be replaced regularly as it starts to degrade. When we service your transmission, they also carefully check all the components. Our technicians are Hyundai-trained, which allows them to spot potential problems before they occur. If a potential problem isn't seen, it could lead to damage and an expensive repair. When we fix these problems while your car is being serviced, you save time and a future expensive repair. Your Transmission Will Work More Efficiently As time passes, transmission fluid becomes thicker and slower. The fluid thickens as it accumulates dirt, rust particles, and other debris in the transmission. The thicker fluid doesn't just provide the necessary cooling for the transmission components. It also provides less friction protection, and this can increase damage to the gears and other parts. When we service your transmission, we replace the old fluid, and we remove and replace the transmission filter. The new fluid will move faster and provide better cooling for the transmission. This translates into a transmission that works faster and more efficiently, You Protect Your Engine Wear and tear on the transmission will also have an impact on your engine. The engine and transmission are linked by the torque converter which relays the engine's power. If your transmission is struggling to operate, it will affect your engine performance. A blocked transmission filter, for example, reduces the flow of fluid, which affects the ability of the gears to shift. If your gears have difficulty shifting, your engine will need more power to overcome this problem. To provide this extra power, your engine will burn more fuel unnecessarily. When your transmission is working effectively, you reduce any strain on the engine. The decreasing strain on the engine reduces future damage and will keep your engine healthier for longer. These are just a few of the reasons for regular service. Call our service department today at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith.