Do you really need to change your Sparkplugs?

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Introduction to changing your spark plugs

If your car is acting up, it might be time for new spark plugs. Many people don’t know how essential spark plugs are to a car’s performance, but they actually play a significant role. In this article, we will try to cover everything we can about spark plugs, from what they do to the importance of having your spark plugs in good condition. People will often only think about changing them once the car has started to act up, but the truth is that they should be changed even before they fail. Find out everything you need to know about spark plugs in our complete guide.

top view of an engine with wiring exposed

Changing your spark plugs aren’t going to be things you do every time you take your car in for an oil change, but when you do change them you should see a pretty big difference if you have left the task too long.

What is Spark Plugs?

Let’s start with the number one question, and that is, what is Spark Plugs? Sure, you have heard of people changing theirs or getting theirs changed, and all the other car talk that goes along with keeping your engine going. But really, what is this piece of the machine?

Spark plugs are an essential component of your car’s engine, and they provide the spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders. Over time, spark plugs can become fouled or damaged, causing misfires and decreased performance.

What do spark plugs do?

Spark plugs are a crucial part of any gasoline engine, and they provide the spark that ignites the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders, which powers the motor and makes it run.

They have a straightforward job, but they are essential to the proper functioning of an engine. Without them, the engine would not be able to start or run. They provide the literal spark that gets your motor going. The plug will create an electric bolt that makes the mixture of fuel and oxygen combust, which makes the piston move and turns the engine over.

spark plugs wired in a matte black engine block

Most cars will have four, six, or eight cylinders. Each cylinder has one spark plug, and Multi-cylinder engines need more than one spark plug to fire all the cylinders evenly. Newer cars often have iridium or platinum tips on the end of the spark plugs, which help them last longer before they need to be replaced.

What is the cost and time to Change your Spark Plugs?

Spark plugs are essential parts of your car and must be changed regularly to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Depending on the make and model of your car, you should vary your spark plugs every 30,000 to 100,000 miles. This can seem like a lot, but it’s important to remember that spark plugs keep your engine firing correctly. Changing your spark plugs should be a major thing to keep an eye on as far as your car maintenance schedule, as you won’t need to do it many times but it is very important to do.

If you’re not sure when the last time your spark plugs were changed, it’s probably time to get them replaced. Changing spark plugs is relatively simple and shouldn’t take more than a few hours. The cost of changing spark plugs varies depending on your car type and where you take it to get serviced, but it’s usually between $100 and $200.

How much does it costs to change your spark plugs if you do it yourself?

If you want to save money on your car maintenance, you can change your spark plugs. It’s a simple job that doesn’t require special tools, and you’ll only need to spend about $20-$30 on the parts. The most significant variable in price will be the spark plug quality you get. It is like engine oil; if you use regular oil it will be cheaper than the higher quality synthetic oil. And if you use a brand name and high-performance synthetic oil, it will be more expensive than an entry-level one.

Generally speaking, if you get better quality spark plugs, you will have a longer time between changes. Also, if you are running a tuned car, you will want to ensure you get good quality spark plugs. They are needed to ignite the fuel, so if you have spent money on other things, why not pay a little more on the pins? The price difference isn’t a lot, but the output might be noticeable.

The easiest way to change your spark plugs

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do:

-Remove the old spark plugs. You’ll need a socket wrench to do this.

-Clean out the spark plug holes, and use a wire brush or compressed air to get rid of any debris.

-Put the new spark plugs in. Just hand-tighten them until they are snug, and don’t overtighten them. 

-Reconnect the spark plug wires, and make sure they’re firmly attached and in the correct order.

And that’s it!

Great video showing how to change your spark plugs

Spark Plugs and Cold Weather

While most people think of summer as the peak time for vehicle maintenance, fall and winter are actually when your car needs a little extra TLC. Cold weather can cause all sorts of problems for your vehicle – from dead batteries to frozen windshield washer fluid. But one problem you might not consider is how cold weather affects your spark plugs.

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in the engine cylinder so that the engine can run. They work by using an electric charge to create a spark that ignites the mixture. But in cold weather, this process can be more difficult. The metal and ceramic components in the plugs can contract in cold temperatures, which affects the size of the gap between the electrodes. This can make it harder for the spark to jump across the gap, making it less likely for your engine to start on a cold morning.

The benefits of changing your spark plugs

Regularly changing your spark plugs has several benefits. 

First, it can improve your fuel economy by 1% to 2%. 

Second, it enhances acceleration by up to 3.5%. 

Third, it reduces emissions by up to 4%. 

Finally, it helps extend your engine’s life by preventing corrosion.

Not only that, but they will generally make your car run smoother and start quicker/easier. If the old plugs can’t get the spark across, it will bog most things down as engines rely on the sparks as a vital part of their processes needed to move.

So, for the cost to the outcome, sparkplugs are one of the best things you can do to your car. You get a smoother start, better idle, and cleaner driving which is all awesome. And on top of this, you can save money with better fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

If you’re having trouble with your car starting, it might be time to change your spark plugs. Many people don’t know how essential spark plugs are to a car’s engine, but they play a significant role. Here are four reasons why you should change your spark plugs.

While the cost of spark plugs may vary depending on the vehicle, they typically range from $2-$4 each. The cost of labor to have someone else change them may be anywhere from $40-$100. But, it’s a relatively simple task that most people can do with just a few tools.

Changing your spark plugs can give you an immediate improvement for so many things, and it really doesn’t cost that much in either time or money. So we suggest checking out your plugs, if you haven’t, as they might help you improve your ride and even save you money. We put this right up on the list of keeping an eye on your car tires PSI as they are pretty noticeable when you fix the issues. Both of them will result in pretty drastic improvements to your driving experience , and pocketbook.