Spark Plug Reading
Visual inspection of the spark plug firing end can indicate the condition of the engine.
If the insulator nose is covered with black deposits, the mixture is too rich. If the deposits are black and oily, this indicates engine wear and the engine should be inspected and repaired. If the insulator nose is covered with light brown deposits, the mixture is optimal and the engine is in good condition.
If the insulator nose of the spark plug is clean and white, without deposits, this indicates a mixture that is too lean. It also indicates that the plug is too hot, meaning heat is dissipated slowly from the center electrode. In this case, adjust the fuel mixture or replace the spark plug.
Test yourself
A quick Hyundai Accent quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.