Automotive experts differ in opinion regarding the time to change a spark plug; Some say it’s best to check and replace the spark plug every 15,000 kilometers (9000 miles). Others claim that spark plugs need replacing every 50,000 kilometers (31000 miles).
By reviewing various opinions and averaging these numbers, it can be said that every 30,000 kilometers (18000 miles) is the best time to change the spark plug. Factors affecting the lifespan of a car’s spark plug include the following.
The type of spark plug (copper, platinum, iridium, nickel, etc.): The type of electrode used in a car’s spark plug directly affects the quality and time to change the spark plug. For example, due to their thermal properties, copper spark plugs have more excellent resistance to wear and may have a longer lifespan.
The maintenance and use of the vehicle
Some points in car maintenance can affect the time needed to change spark plugs, like the type of fuel used, improving engine efficiency, timely spark plug replacement, etc.
The quality of spark plug manufacturing
Choosing the correct spark plug for the vehicle and buying the best available spark plug in the market are among the expenses that reduce future ancillary costs resulting from car wear and tear.
The quality of the car’s internal components
The ignition coil, the ignition system, and its fuel delivery system can also affect the time it takes to change the spark plug.
The end of the spark plug’s useful life and the time to change the spark plug for more assurance and to prevent complete spark plug failure, you can take your car to reputable centers every 20,000 kilometers to check the health and time to change the spark plug.
However, some high-quality spark plugs can even last up to 90,000 kilometers without failure. However, timely spark plug replacement has many benefits that convince drivers to replace them before the spark plug fails. Below are the physical signs that tell you the time to change spark plugs arrived.
- Complete wear and failure of the spark plug
- Observation of glaze or ceramic layer on the spark plug
- Cracking of the ceramic part of the spark plug
- Color change in the ceramic
- Observation of wear on the electrodes
- Melting of the positive electrode (central electrode)
Benefits of Changing Your Car’s Spark Plugs
The spark plug in a car ignites the air-fuel mixture through the ignition system, which can lead to up to 15 sparks per second when driving at high speeds.
Despite advancements in spark plug manufacturing and continuous updates to new systems, regular checks and replacements are still necessary to improve efficiency and performance. Among the benefits of changing spark plugs and wires are improved acceleration and prevention of misfires.
Replacing a spark plug doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge; anyone can use the wrench and insulated socket in the spark plug packaging.
For optimal and correct power delivery to the spark plugs, spark plug wires are used, which may come into contact with various car parts and extreme heat. Therefore, this component will wear out over time and lose its ability to conduct electricity to the spark plug.
Replacing these parts will prevent potential problems, and again, no advanced tools are needed for installation or replacement. Familiarity with different types of spark plugs will significantly influence your choice of the right part for your car.
Tips to Extend the Time to Change Spark Plug
Being aware of ways to extend the time to change the spark plug helps you benefit from the spark plug for a more extended period and prevents damage to other car parts. Below is a list of essential points to increase the time to change the spark plug.
Purchase quality spark plugs
The first step to a longer time to change spark plugs is to buy a durable, quality product from authorized and reputable centers.
Choose the correct spark plug
There are various types of spark plugs, each with different features and lifespans. It’s best to select a spark plug that matches your car’s specifications to increase the machine’s efficiency.
Use quality fuel
Use reliable and suitable fuel for your machine. The quality of the fuel has a direct impact on the time it takes to change the spark plug.
Keep the engine cool
When the engine is running, all car parts are interconnected, and these interactions and activities cause the engine’s parts to heat up. The cooling system reduces this intense heat by circulating coolant through the radiator tubes and turning the car’s fan, allowing the machine parts to operate at an appropriate temperature.
If the cooling system fails to function well, the engine will experience excessive temperatures, damaging the spark plug and other car components.
Signs It’s Time to Change Spark Plugs
If you don’t inspect your car’s spark plugs at the right time or fail to replace them, when necessary, you will gradually notice signs indicating it’s time to change spark plugs. Ignoring these signs and not replacing the spark plugs can expose your car to severe risks and hefty costs. These dangerous signs include:
- Increased fuel consumption of the car
- Decreased engine power and acceleration
- Poor engine performance and vibration
- The difference in how the car starts
- The check engine light is on
- The car won’t start
The Best Way to Extend the Time to Change Spark Plugs
When these signs occur, one crucial thing to check is the health of the car’s spark plugs. If any of these symptoms occur alone, it doesn’t necessarily mean the spark plug is faulty.
Steps to Change Car Spark Plugs If your car’s spark plugs are worn out and need replacing, and for some reason, you don’t have access to an auto technician or mechanic, you can change the spark plugs yourself. The steps to replace car spark plugs are simple, but utmost care must be taken to avoid potential damage.
The process of removing the Spark Plug
To remove the Spark Plug, it’s better to carefully detach the spark plug wire from the rubber part connected to the top of the plug. If the wire doesn’t come off quickly and you used a tool, be careful not to damage the wire’s metal terminal. Damaging and reinstalling the wire can cause problems in the car’s combustion process.
Next, you need to remove the coil from the plug. First, disconnect the coil’s electricity, then open the covered part by twisting or moving it back and forth, and ensure the plastic cover isn’t damaged.
Cautiously open the plugs, and be careful not to damage the cylinder head’s grooves. If you need a tool, use a socket wrench for this task.
Installing New Spark Plugs
After removing the old spark plugs, it’s time to place the new ones. While removing the old plugs, note the order of each plug and mark them.
Check the new spark plugs for defects to avoid using a faulty one. After securing the plugs, reapply the coil and spark plug wire with grease to their original state. If the check engine light turns on after installing the new spark plugs, there may have been a mistake in one of the steps, and you should consult an auto technician.
Replacing Car Spark Plugs and Buying Quality Spark Plugs
After reviewing various aspects of this article, we understand that the quality of the spark plug not only affects the time to change spark plugs but delays the need for replacement. This issue results in economic savings for you and ensures the proper functioning of your car.
Suppose you need to purchase spark plugs for a Hyundai or Kia vehicle. In that case, we recommend ordering your car parts from Arsintrading and receiving them as quickly as possible anywhere in the world.
