How often to change spark plugs ？

Von K K
3 Min. Lesezeit
How often to change spark plugs ？

The spark plug is the core component of the engine ignition system, and its status directly affects the vehicle's power, fuel consumption and starting performance. But many car owners don't know how often they need to replace the spark plug, and how to correctly select, adjust and install it.

 

Today we will talk about this topic,
and introduce some practical tools, such as spark plug wrenches and adjustment techniques - spark plug gaps, and tell you how to buy a torch through NGK matching models to ensure worry-free replacement!

 

1. How often should the spark plug be replaced?

The replacement cycle of spark plugs depends on the material and vehicle usage. Generally, the following standards can be used as a reference:

  • Ordinary copper-nickel alloy spark plugs: 30,000-50,000 kilometers
  • Platinum spark plugs: 60,000-80,000 kilometers
  • Iridium spark plugs: 80,000-100,000 kilometers
  • Dual iridium/platinum-iridium spark plugs: more than 100,000 kilometers

These contents are described in detail in our product details

Of course, if your car has the following symptoms, it may also need to be replaced in advance:

✅ Difficult cold start
✅ Weak acceleration and setbacks
✅ Sudden increase in fuel consumption
✅ Obvious engine shaking

If you find these problems, don't hesitate, check the spark plugs quickly!

 

2. Spark plug wrench: a must-have tool for changing spark plugs
Want to change the spark plugs yourself? Then you must need a special spark plug wrench!

🔧 Ordinary spark plug wrench: generally a 16mm or 21mm socket with a magnetic suction or rubber ring to facilitate the removal of the spark plug.

🔧 Long-handled magnetic spark plug wrench: suitable for engines with deep hole design to prevent the spark plug from falling into the cylinder.
🔧 Universal joint spark plug wrench: used for engines with tricky angles, such as horizontally opposed engines (a must-have for Subaru owners).

However, we do not sell these wrenches yet. You can go to Google Shopping or the store to prepare. There are also pictures of how to operate the spark plug wrench in our store, which is very helpful for first-time owners.

Tips: Be sure to operate the car cold when disassembling and assembling to avoid burns, and tighten it according to the standard torque (usually 20-30N·m). Too loose will leak, and too tight may damage the thread!

 

3. Spark plug gap: Why is it important? How to adjust?
The spark plug gap refers to the distance between the center electrode and the ground electrode. This value directly affects the ignition energy.

🔥 Too small gap → weak spark, incomplete combustion, and reduced power
🔥 Too large gap → Difficult ignition, even misfire, causing engine shaking

Different models have different spark plug gap requirements (usually 0.7mm-1.1mm), and the gap of the newly purchased spark plug may not completely match your car! Therefore, it is best to check with a feeler gauge or gap adjustment tool before replacement.

At techie, we will adjust the spark plug gap before shipment to reduce the trouble of customers so that the spark plug can be used directly.

💡 Adjustment method:

Measure the existing gap with a feeler gauge
If the gap is too small, gently pry open the ground electrode
If the gap is too large, tap the ground electrode to narrow it
Measure again after adjustment to ensure that it meets the standard

 

If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can also find a professional repair shop, but at least now you know how to choose spark plugs, how to change them, and why to adjust the gap! The next time you do maintenance, you might as well pay more attention to this small part, it may be quietly affecting your driving experience!

 

🚗💨 Have you ever changed the spark plugs in your car? Have you ever encountered ignition problems? Welcome to leave a message to discuss!