A YOUTUBE auto specialist has shared the warning signs of bad spark plugs and urged drivers to make sure they have the right ones installed for top engine performance.

And even if you don't pop the hood on your vehicle, he says there is still a noise that will give you an early heads up that your spark plugs need to be changed.

Michael Cimicata took to his YouTube channel, HelpfulDIY, to share his expertise on the signs to look out for when the wrong spark plugs are used.

Proper spark plugs can ensure your car is functioning correctly, and there are some obvious signs to look out for, he says.

Bad spark plugs may lead to start-up trouble, sluggish acceleration, a declining fuel economy, and engine misfiring.

"The first thing - and this is the most noticeable one - is a rough idle. Now the idle of a car is when the engine is started," he says.

"But you're basically just sitting at a red light or you're not moving the vehicle, you're not revving the vehicle when the vehicle is at a standstill and the engine is just sort of idling like that."

The second indicator to look out for is when the engine is misfiring. "Figure out if it’s misfiring, it’s a huge sign that you need new spark plugs," he says.

The third sign is higher-than-average fuel consumption.

He says: "If your car is consuming a lot more fuel than usual...then your car may need new spark plugs." Cimicata said.

When proper spark plugs are in place, the car will burn fuel efficiently. But with the wrong spark plugs, the engine may not start at all.

If you don’t pay attention, starting your vehicle can lead to flooding fuel lines because the spark is not igniting.

If the wrong spark plugs fall out of sockets while driving, you'll likely hear clunking and rattling noises as it's hitting other parts of the engine.

Although there is a myth about universal spark plugs, according to Jalopytalk, there's actually no such thing, since each car model requires a different type.

Finally, a poor rate of acceleration is an easy indicator that the wrong spark plug has been used.

If the gas pedal feels slow and resistant, it's probably smart to stop driving.

Some vehicles have experienced overall shaking while other people have shared that there were engine misfires, hard starts, or hiccups when trying to start their cars.

The right spark plugs mean they'll trigger your engine correctly.

Cimicata said replacing one spark plug is probably better than replacing them all at once as it may be expensive, and they typically range from $16 to $100.

If you aren't able to replace the spark plugs yourself, a repair shop can do it for you - but be careful to avoid these four tricks most often used by shady mechanics.

And for the outside of your car, The U.S. Sun previously reported on a $15 windshield wiper trick that could save you from having to buy a whole new set of blades.

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