You can now change your spark plugs all by yourself to maintain the peak performance and high mileage of the gas. In the majority of the cases, it is known as a basic job as long as you have the right tools like spark plug wire crimpers or a tool kit that houses all the essentials.

Essential tools that are required

• Gap gauge
• Needle-nose pliers
• Rags
• Swivel socket
• Wrench (Torque)
• Wire puller

Essential materials that are required

• Anti-seize compound
• Spark plugs

Working of a spark plug

First things first, one should understand the principle working of a spark plug. Their basic work is that they create a spark of electricity which assists in igniting the fuel to ignite the fuel and driving a car’s pistons which helps in igniting the car. One understands the concept of spark plugs wearing out, it is due to spark leaping the electrodes, it erodes the metal from each other. Over time, the space between the metals elevates to the point where the spark can no longer leap. This is the situation when misfiring happens, poor mileage, poor acceleration, and ultimately the most dreaded ‘check engine light’ occurs.

This article will help you in understanding the changing of spark plugs, when to change, and how often one should change their spark plugs.

In case you have changed your spark plugs in the past but now the newer style COP ignition system is perplexing you, it’s time to reconsider your decision of changing your ideas.

Replacing a spark plug

When one decides to change their spark plugs, which takes about an hour, it will at least save you a hundred bucks in labor charges. One can utilize their same old tune-up tools like a ratchet, spark plugs socket, and gap gauge. One can even use a torque wrench to tighten the plugs, but if you don’t know how to get around these steps, you can just follow these tips and you’ll master the change of technique in no time.

When’s the right time to change a spark plug

This is like the most common question, any vehicle owner asks, ‘when should I change my spark plugs?”. Not all spark plugs are made from 100,000 miles upgrade, there are some who recommend replacement at an interval of 30,000 miles. One should always keep the service manual handy in order to figure out the right time to replace the plug. But if you don’t remember when was the last time you changed your spark plugs, you can actually pull them up to check the gap and analyze their condition. Once the analysis of the situation is completed, one can establish the overall change for a new baseline of the future.

Signs that your spark plug has gone bad

Unlike the guidelines of many manufacturers regarding the oil change, the advice for changing spark plugs tends to be overlooked. For instance, in the case of 80,000 miles on a set of 100,000-mile plugs, around 80 percent has been worked off which affects the overall performance of gas mileage. With this, it tends to seize the cylinder head and removal of seized plugs is a costly job, especially in the case, if the threads of the cylinder head are damaged in the process.

Should you DIY or take it to an expert?

It all depends on the type of engine of the vehicle, V-7 models have complicated spark-plug replacement that needs one to remove the portions of the intake manifold. One can use an ethernet cable tool kit, to ensure that the service done by you or an expert has fully sufficed the need.