What are spark plugs?
Spark plugs release a gust of electricity. This reaches over a tiny opening igniting the mix of air and gasoline.
This drives the pistons and kickstarts your car. These look like little lug nuts and are located right above the engine cylinder heads.
Why is it important to replace them?
Spark plugs end up damaged, mostly because of wear and tear.
A damaged spark plug stops a car from running. So, your spark plugs must be changed at regular intervals.
Broken spark plugs could mean bad performance, extra fuel usage and ignition issues.
How to change spark plugs? Step-by-step Guide:
Before
- Let your engine cool down.
- Open the engine hood.
- Wipe out all debris from plug terminals on the engine.
- Unfasten the wires that connect the spark plugs.
- Use a fitting socket and wrench to disconnect the first plug.
- Apply the same to the next plug.
- Throw away corroded plugs.
During - Clean the terminals that have remnants of corroded material.
- Make sure you have purchased spark plugs that fit your engine cylinder’s terminals.
- Make sure the gap measurements match your engine cylinder by using a gap gauge.
- Now, check if the engine cylinder is cool enough to touch.
- If so, attach the spark plugs first by tightening them with hand.
- Follow this process by repeating the same with a torque wrench.
- Lubricate the insides of the plug wire.
After - Then, refasten the spark plugs to the engine cylinder.
- Finally, inspect the spark plug by initiating ignition.
Read More: 9 Most Common Reasons Why the Check Engine Light Is On
When to Change Spark Plugs in a Car?
Changing spark plugs is essential for saving your car from breakdowns. The spark plugs are responsible for initiating ignition. Thus, the performance of combustion engine depends on the health of the spark plugs.
Here are some telltale signs:
- Blinking Check Engine Lights
- Slow and troublesome starts
- Unexpected usage of fuel
The golden rule is to replace spark plugs when the odometer reads above 80,000 miles.
Spark Plugs Change Benefits
- Efficient engine performance with lowered misfires.
- Bettered fuel efficiency.
- More efficient acceleration.
- Less CO emission.
- Reduces risks of engine breakdown.
Spark Plugs Change Cost
Different facilities offer changing spark plugs at various costs. Spark plugs cost up to $25 each.
But to get it done from an automobile facility may cost between $200-$300.
Can you Change Spark Plugs yourself?
Ideally, yes. But when spark plugs show signs of severe corrosion, it’s safe not to touch it. As car experts know better how to manoeuvre through changing spark plugs. Also, severely corroded plugs and terminals may cause physical hazards.
So, it’s advisable that you get your car’s spark plugs changed by an expert.
Spark Plug Tips
- Don’t buy cheap plugs. They corrode easily.
- Don’t neglect inspection in cases of petty issues such as extra fuel usage.
- Gentle driving is important to save your spark plugs from fast corrosion.
Winding Up
Spark plugs, as we know, are tiny but important components of the car. They help the car start running.
Without spark plugs, cars are mere toys. Thus, we’ve tried to put together the basics when it comes to changing spark plugs.
From expenses to recommendations, everything you need to know about spark plugs, you’ll find here.