Routine Maintenance Replacing Your Spark Plugs

Routine maintenance for your car, truck, or SUV is similar to maintenance required for your home. Maintenance must be performed from time to time in order to keep everything functioning as intended. Through the series of articles I have written on routine maintenance for your vehicle, you should be able to feel confident tackling many of the different types of routine maintenance required for your vehicle. This article will focus on changing your spark plugs. New spark plugs can give you better gas mileage.

Spark plugs play an important role in terms of operation of the engine. Spark plugs provide the spark that is necessary to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. This spark provides the energy that makes you vehicle go. Old, worn spark plugs can lower your gas mileage and result in a rough running engine. Most newer vehicles come equipped with either platinum or iridium spark plugs. These types of spark plugs are designed to last for 50,000 miles or more. The older style copper spark plugs typically last between 12,000 and 24,000. Refer to your owner's manual to determine which type of spark plug your vehicle is equipped with and when they should be replaced.

Once you have determined the correct type of spark plug for your vehicle, you will need to purchase the correct amount of spark plugs. Most vehicles have one spark plug per cylinder, some vehicle have two spark plugs per cylinder. Your auto parts store should be able to assist you in purchasing the correct type and quantity of spark plugs for your application.

Aside from spark plugs, you will need a few other hand tools which may vary depending on your vehicle. You will need a ratchet with an extension, a spark plug socket, and perhaps a few other tools depending upon your vehicle.

Do not remove spark plugs on a hot engine, allow the engine to cool entirely.

The process of replacing spark plugs is typically very easy. You will begin by removing any plastic covers that are in the way of the spark plugs. Many cars have plastic engine dress up covers that will be positioned directly above the spark plugs. Usually a few screws or small bolts will hold these covers on. Once the covers are removed, you should see the ignition packs or spark plug wires. If your vehicle is equipped with ignition packs on top of each spark, you will have to remove these packs. These are typically secured with small bolts or screws which will have to be removed. Once the bolts or screws are removed, you will have to disconnect the electrical connection to them. This usually is secured by a clip or retainer and can be easily disconnected. Only remove one ignition pack at a time, then proceed to replacing the spark plug before removing the next ignition pack.

If you car has spark plug wires, you simply have to give a firm pull to the boot portion of the wire to access the spark plug. Only remove one spark plug wire at a time and then proceed to replacing that spark plug before removing the next spark plug wire.

At this point, you should be able to see the spark plugs. Now you will need your ratchet, extension, and spark plug socket. Place the ratchet, extension, and socket onto the spark plug and remove it. Remove one spark plug at a time and replace it with a new spark plug. Most spark plugs are torqued between 8 and 15 foot punds. But follow the recommendation of your owner's manual or of the spark plug manufacturer. Once you have tightened the spark plug, continue the process until you have replaced all of the spark plug.

Be sure to firmly seat the spark plug wires or ignition coils. Reattached the electrical connectors and secure the ignition with the hardware you removed. Replace the plastic engine dress up and cover and secure. You have completed changing your spark plugs.

Routine maintenance can be an easy do it yourself project. All you need is a little know how, a few tools, and some time. Doing maintenance yourself can save you a significant amount of money over the cost of dealership maintenance. So next time your car need some routine maintenance, give it a try, it is easier than you think.