The spark plug found in your 1998 Volkswagen Beetle actually works in two ways - it removes the heat that is produced during the combustion process and ignites the fuel and air mixture. The wire that connects the spark plug is essential in transmitting the voltage that is produced from the ignition system to the spark plug itself. The spark plug wires must be low in resistance for it to transmit greater amount of energy. As the electrical energy is being transmitted, the fuel is then allowed to work accordingly. Thus, the ignition system will allow a sufficient amount of voltage to create a spark and jumping across the spark plug gap. Take note that spark plug does not actually create a heat rather, it eliminate this heat. The heat that is produced is actually replaced; the thermal energy is removed away from the combustion chamber and the cooling system. The capacity of the spark plug to eliminate heat varies according to the different characteristics of heat. This heat varies from the volume of the gas that flows through the insulator, the material of the insulator that was used, and the length of insulator nose. As soon as the ignition is triggered, the spark plug will also start to function. Faulty conditions with the spark plug could possibly affect the perfect timing of the spark. Damaged spark plug really has great effect on the entire function of your 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. And the only way you can have this problem solved is to have it replace with a new F1000-37031 NGK Spark Plug BKUR6ET-10 available right here from us.