Changing Spark Plugs for Beginners

Changing your spark plugs can increase your gas mileage and at the same time help the economy. Your engine works by igniting gas in the combustion chambers. If your spark plugs are not firing right then your spark plugs may be the cause of declining gas mileage or other more serious problems.

Make sure your car is parked on a flat, dry surface.

Get all the tools you need. You will need a 5/8 spark plug socket and a socket extension. You may also need needle nose pliers. Changing spark plugs doesn't take many tools.

Let your engine cool down before you change your spark plugs. Remember that the spark plugs are what ignites the gas. This makes them extremely hot.

Mark spark plug wires or just change one plug at a time so the wires do not get crossed. If the wires get crossed the the firing order will be off and the gas injection will not be timed with the spark plug igniting.

Take the spark plug wire with your hand and pull the wire (make sure you are grabbing the thick rubber part, NOT the wire itself) off of the spark plug. Many times, if the spark plugs have not been changed, the wires will stick to the plugs. If this happens the take the needle nose pliers and pull the spark plug wire.

Next you need to use the ratchet with the 5/8 socket. This part should not be hard. Do not overly force the spark plugs in or out. The porcelain may break and then you will have a bigger problem. If the spark plug will not come out then tap the ratchet or use quick hammering like tugs. This will help break the build up off the spark plug.

Now take your new plug and gap the plug between .035 and .045. You can buy a gapper at any auto store. If you are not sure how to gap a spark plug then ask the person at the auto parts store.

Next take the new spark plug and make sure the washer in on the plug. This is very important. Next put the spark plug into the socket and install the spark plug in the hole where you just removed the old spark plug. Be careful not to over tighten. You should put 25 pounds of pressure on a spark plug. This is about as much as you would put into opening a new 3 liter coke.

After the new spark plug is in the hole and tightened down, you need to reinstall the spark plug wire. To do this, simply push the spark plug wire down on the top of the spark plug until you feel the wire clip onto the spark plug.

Repeat each of the steps for all of the spark plugs. Don't be worried, this whole process will only take you 20 minutes if you have done it before and 45 minuets if you have never installed spark plugs. Have fun and remember to always be safe.