Parts for your 2017 Nissan Serena-Spark plugs

Spark Plugs and Your 2017 Nissan Serena: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Nissan Serena is a popular family people mover, known for its spacious interior and reliable performance. When it comes to maintenance, one common question that pops up is whether spark plugs are relevant to this vehicle and how they factor into its upkeep.

To clarify, the 2017 Nissan Serena is powered by a petrol engine, meaning spark plugs are indeed an essential component. Unlike diesel engines that rely on compression to ignite fuel, petrol engines depend on spark plugs to create the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the engine cylinders. The Serena's petrol variants use spark plugs as part of their ignition system, so understanding their role and maintenance is key to keeping the vehicle running smoothly.

Spark plugs might seem like a small part, but they play a mighty role under the hood. They deliver that critical electric spark at exactly the right time during the combustion cycle, which helps the engine start and run efficiently. Without healthy spark plugs, the Serena would struggle with poor fuel efficiency, hard starts, rough idling, and even increased emissions.

Over time, spark plugs wear out. They can develop deposits, the electrodes erode, or the insulator becomes damaged. This naturally affects their ability to generate a strong spark. In a vehicle like the Nissan Serena, this means the engine might misfire or feel sluggish, leading to a less pleasant driving experience and potential long-term costs if left unattended.

So, servicing and replacement are critical. The recommended interval for changing spark plugs in the 2017 Nissan Serena is generally around every 100,000 kilometres, but this can vary based on the type of spark plug installed and driving conditions. For example, if the Serena is used mainly for city driving with lots of stop-start situations, it might be wise to have the plugs checked or replaced a little earlier.

There are a few popular types of spark plugs to consider for the Serena, such as iridium or platinum plugs. These options tend to last longer and offer better performance compared to traditional copper plugs. Using the correct spark plug type and gap setting as specified in Nissan's service manual will ensure optimal engine behaviour and fuel efficiency.

When changing spark plugs, it's recommended to replace all plugs at the same time to maintain even performance across all cylinders. It's also a good idea to inspect the ignition coils and leads (if your model uses them), as worn components here can affect the performance of new spark plugs.

In between replacements, regular maintenance checks can help catch plugs that are starting to wear out. A mechanic might look for signs like carbon fouling, oil deposits, or unusual electrode wear. Addressing these early will keep the Serena firing on all cylinders and save hassle down the track.

Apart from replacement, some quick tips to keep spark plugs in good shape include avoiding running the engine with dirty air filters and using quality fuel. Dirty filters can cause a rich fuel mixture which can foul plugs faster. Quality fuel helps ensure cleaner combustion, which reduces deposit build-up.

All in all, spark plugs are a key part of the 2017 Nissan Serena's ignition system. Taking the time to check and change them at the right intervals not only helps maintain engine performance and fuel economy, but also supports the overall reliability of your family vehicle. It's a small task that pays big dividends in keeping your Serena cruising comfortably on every trip.