Last updated on July 24th, 2022 at 05:29 pm
Spark plugs are an essential part of your car and need to be replaced at intervals of 20,000 to 40,000 miles. In fact, It depends on how frequently you use your car and the type of vehicle you drive.
A spark plug is responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders. When a spark plug fails, it can cause all sorts of problems with your car. That’s why replacing your spark plugs on schedule is so important.
Replacing your spark plugs is an easy way to improve your car’s performance and help prevent any major problems down the road. If you’re doing it yourself, make sure you buy the right type of spark plugs for your vehicle – there are many different types available depending on the make and model of your car. If you’re not comfortable doing the job yourself, take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them replace the spark plugs for you. It shouldn’t cost too much and will save you time and hassle in the long run.
Signs of Bad Spark Plug
Knowing when a spark plug needs to be replaced is essential. Most manufacturers recommend how often to change spark plugs. When spark plugs get old, they can start to wear down and not ignite the fuel as well as they should, leading to decreased performance and engine failure. After this, the engine performance and gas mileage will gradually take a toll. Rather than going for a seized plug removal, it is ten times cheaper and more practical to change the spark plugs.
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Tools and Materials Needed
Tools
Materials
Step by step guide on Spark Plug Replacement
- Step 1: Locating the spark plug
- Step 2: Cleaning the area around the spark plug
- Step 3: Installing the new plug
- Step 4: Replacing the plug wire
- Step 5: Replacing the spark plug wires
Locating the spark plug
The spark plug is located in the row in front of the engine. However, some of the older V engines have spark plugs located on the sides of the engine.
- Make sure the engine is cool before starting the procedure.
- Follow the car’s manual if you cannot locate the spark plug.
Cleaning the area around the spark plug
Start by cleaning the area around the plug; otherwise, it will fall into the cylinder when you take out the plug. Nothing should go into the hole when the plug is out, so it’s important to ensure the area is clean. If needed, you can clean the area with rubbing alcohol so that no dirt remains.
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Step 3: Installing the new plug
First, ensure that the replacement new plug is the same as the old one. The threaded part should be the same length, and the plug threads should match. Next, for seating the new plug, apply a little anti-seize on the threads to unscrew the plug easily. Remember not to get any on the electrode; it may cause it to fail. Then, screw the plug by twisting it clockwise and keep doing it until it stays in place. For making it fairly tight, use a torque wrench. Don’t over-screw the plug; you may end up ruining it.
Step 4: Replacing the plug wire
Now, we will add a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the boot. We will pick it up by the boot and carefully place it back. At this point, we will hear a snap. This will ensure the plug wire has been replaced.
Step 5: Replacing the spark plug wires
Now, we will inspect the wires for rips or gouges. If we see those in bad shape, we can change it. It is very easy if you have the right tools at your home.
Final Words
Spark plug replacement is one of the most basic car maintenance works. And, if you know how to change spark plugs, you can save at least a hundred bucks in labor. In most cases, it’s a simple job to help maintain your vehicle’s peak performance.
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