How to Change Spark Plugs

Recently, I was encouraged to get my spark plugs changed when a friend of mine was looking over my car. It made me start to wonder what exactly spark plugs do, and the whens and whys of changing them. Here are some things to help anyone else who is wondering the exact same thing.

Spark plugs are the keys to igniting your engine. They are what carry the spark to the engine and fuel, which gives your vehicle the kick that it needs to start.

When it comes to when and why you should change your spark plugs, there are a couple of different reasons why they need to be changed. Some people like to follow the mileage that is suggested by there vehicles manufacturing manual that comes with your car. If you want to really prevent and maintain your car, you’ll want to follow that manual.

Spark plugs, just like anything else in your vehicle, are going to work the best when used for the right amount of time. If you over use them you can experience increased emissions, rough idle, and loss of ideal performance and energy. Following the exact timing of your manufacturer’s vehicle manual may seem a naissance at times but it really is there to help you maintain a long lasting vehicle.

There are other reasons too that you have to change your spark plugs, these include fouled, worn, or spark plugs with bad wires. These are a bit harder to spot and most likely you will have to take your car to a local car shop to have them checked out. If you are very familiar with cars you will be bale to spot a certain firing pattern with your cylinders that will lead to why your spark plugs may or may not be functioning properly.

If your spark plugs age long enough you might not even be able to start your car. As they corrode over time they wont be able to ignite any spark and your engine will have to overwork to produce one.

If your car cranks but doesn’t start, the best thing to do is check your spark plugs. If you find that they are wearing out or are no longer working you have far passed the appropriate time to change them. You might want to bring it into a car shop to make sure that the spark plugs are truly the issue.

Spark plugs can also need to be tightened. Be careful with tightening them, and always make sure that you have checked the manufacturers manual for any additional requirements or warnings about spark plugs. If you don’t know how to change your spark plugs it is a very inexpensive service that most local car shops provide.