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.
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
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!