Many of us here do our own tune-ups, just like many of you do. It’s a great way to save a few bucks, and honestly, we think something like replacing spark plugs is one of those car maintenance skills everyone should know. Unfortunately, there are plenty of scammers who love to take advantage of people hoping to “save a few bucks,” and the automotive world is no exception. There is a large influx of counterfeit parts on the market, and many of these parts are spark plugs that are offered at prices that seem like a bargain. That can be quite tempting, since some genuine spark plugs cost about $13 each. That amounts to over $100 just for spark plugs on a V8.
Most of these counterfeit spark plugs are sold online. In 2019, Australia Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry found that 60% of spark plugs sold on online marketplaces were counterfeit. This is still a problem in 2025. An easy way to avoid this scam is to purchase your spark plugs from a dealer or a trusted auto parts franchise. If you are purchasing online, consider the source you are purchasing from. Are you buying directly from the manufacturer or from a trusted auto parts store, or is the product sold by a third-party seller on Amazon that you’ve never heard of? Is the price too good to be true? That would be another indication that the spark plugs are fake.
Considering the damage a faulty spark plug can do to an engine, this is not a threat to take lightly. If you purchased plugs from a potentially sketchy online retailer but have not yet installed them, inspect them carefully. If you notice any irregularities, do not install it.
How do you know if spark plugs are fake?
There are other ways to find this out once you get your hands on the spark plug. But you have to look carefully because even experienced mechanics can be fooled by the fakes out there. Is there a lottery number? Research the brand to see where they put their lot numbers on their plugs (usually on the insulator). If the plug you purchased does not have a lot number, it is probably counterfeit.
You’ll also want to check the threads. If they are not a consistent shape and size, they are likely counterfeit. Another thing you can do is scratch the metal part to see if it is really metal or just painted. Check for machine marks on the metal and for bubbles or imperfections in the porcelain insulator. These parts of the plug are uniform on original products. Is there a gap between the gasket and the spark plug housing? Can the washer be easily unscrewed from the plug? Does the ground electrode bend at an odd angle, instead of almost 90 degrees? These are all signs that the spark plug is fake.
What fake spark plugs can do to an engine
Then there’s the safety issue caused when a misfire prevents your car from accelerating when it needs to. Imagine trying to cross a busy intersection or merge onto a highway when your car suddenly starts to turn. A misshapen electrode or a cracked insulator can be a major problem. By the way, if you buy one of these spark plugs but discover that they are fake after you install them, you may want to check out our guide on how to remove a broken spark plug.
Another thing to consider is your car’s warranty. Normally, car manufacturers do not cover damage caused by counterfeit parts. That’s true whether or not you knew the part was fake when you installed it. You could end up with a mechanically totaled car, meaning you’ll have to pay the full cost of replacement. So be careful when buying car parts, especially spark plugs. Buy from trusted sources and check your plugs when you receive them. A bargain is not always what it seems.
#fake #spark #plugs #heres #avoid #ripped #Jalopnik