Spark plugs are essential in a vehicle's combustion engine as they influence everything, including gas mileage and acceleration. This means for your vehicle's engine to perform well; it has to be appropriately maintained. So, how often should you change your spark plugs? What happens if you don't replace spark plugs in time? This article includes a step to step guide on how to change your vehicle's spark plugs.
Timely replacement
This is a general answer on how often you should change the spark plugs in your vehicle. That's because the answers you seek are in your vehicle owner's manual. In the manual, you will get the replacement interval recommended by your manufacturer. Generally, a vehicle's spark plugs need replacement after every 30,000 miles.
But, if you don't replace the plugs on time, you increase the chances of causing engine problems like uneven idling, improper acceleration, and misfiring. Also, if you don't replace the old spark plugs, it can cause excessive fuel consumption.
How to change your vehicle's spark plugs
It will take about one hour to replace your spark plugs for a four-cylinder engine. A V6 and V8 may take longer than an hour. Changing a vehicle's spark plugs is a DIY thing, but it may sometimes get complicated. For this project, you need the following;
- Goggles
- Spark plug gauge
- Torque wrench
- Compressed air
- Spark plug wire puller
- Swivel head spark plug socket
- Vehicle's manual
Replacement spark plugs
1.Use compressed air to clean the spark plug area to remove dirt. This prevents debris from entering the engine combustion chamber when the plug is unscrewed.
2.Use a spark plug to remove the wire from the spark plugs simultaneously
3.Remove the spark plug using a swivel-head spark plug socket by turning it counterclockwise.
4.Check the vehicle manual to check how much gap should be left between the spark plug's two electrodes.
5.Before installing the new spark plug, ensure the spark plug gap aligns with what the manual says. Use a spark plug gauge to measure the gap between the electrodes.
6.If it needs adjustment, use the spark plug gauge to bend the electrode until the proper gap is obtained.
7.You can install your new spark plug using a torque wrench, but don't over-tighten it.
Replacing spark plugs on time keeps your vehicle in good health. If you need a professional spark plug replacement, call Lawrenceville Auto Center today!