Were you aware that your car needs a spark plug change approximately every 30,000 miles to start as expected? To learn how to change them, keep reading this post by Ken Reaser Enterprises in Apopka.

What are Spark Plugs, and Why You Should Replace Them?

Spark plugs are essential for your vehicle to start and run properly; therefore, let's delve into their function before going over how to replace them. First, you should know that your car's ignition system relies on three factors to operate correctly: fuel, oxygen, and a spark. Whereas the combustible mixture of fuel and oxygen sits passively inside your engine block, a spark of electricity is what makes it ignite. As you might imagine, that spark comes from the spark plug. Although your spark plug is intended to produce a spark of 20,000 to 25,000 volts every time you start your car, each time it does so, it withstands extreme heat, combustion gases, contaminants, and corrosion; therefore, it gradually wears out. Fortunately, replacing your spark plugs is safe and simple; hence, read on if you want to learn how to perform this maintenance procedure.

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How to Change Your Spark Plugs

First, Get the Right Tools

Having the right tools and supplies is key to getting the job done safely and successfully; hence, here's a list of things you'll need to replace your spark plugs:

• Ratchet
• New spark plugs suitable for your engine
• Spark plug socket
• Gaping tool
• An extension
• Wires

Check the Gap in the New Spark Plugs

Your new spark plugs should have a specific gap measurement between the insulating tip of the center electrode and the tip of the ground electrode. This gap should correspond to the inches indicated in your operator's manual, so carefully check the gap on your new spark plugs; to that end, take your spark plug gauge and measure how many inches apart each spark plug is. If you find one with its electrodes too far apart or too close, correct its gap by using your spark plug gauge again to push the ground electrode down or up as needed.

Your Engine Must Be Cool

It goes without saying that replacing your spark plugs while the engine is hot could cause burns and be dangerous, but that's not all since it could also damage the spark plug and the cylinder head. To better understand this point, it is worth clarifying that when the engine reaches its highest temperatures, the materials that comprise it expand; among them, the steel of the spark plugs and the aluminum of the cylinder heads. Thus, removing the spark plugs when they are hot could result in greater friction between the surfaces and damage the spark plug thread. To avoid any damage, make sure that the engine is cold before changing the spark plugs.

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Locate the Spark Plugs

If you don't know how many plugs your engine has or where they are, consult your operator's manual. They are usually underneath the boots of the wires; therefore, following the direction of your wires can also help you find them.

Remove Spark Plugs

Next up is to remove the old spark plugs. To do this, use your air compressor to remove loose dirt from around the cylinder head of your engine; then, carefully grab the boots of the wires and wiggle them until they come out. Underneath each boot is a hole called a "spark plug well" that you must clean out; therefore, use your air compressor again to remove dust or debris inside each well. Next, connect your spark plug wrench with the extension and insert it into the first well to grab the plug (if the wrench is magnetic, you will hear a "click" when it engages with the spark plug inside). Unscrew the spark plug until it comes out.

Take a Look at the Used Spark Plugs

Be sure to check the spark plugs once you remove them. If they all look good, you can reinstall them for more extended use; however, replace the entire set if one shows signs of wear; for example, a rounded insulator tip, electrodes covered with carbon deposits, or a cracked insulator.

Insert New Spark Plugs

The last step is to fit the new spark plugs. To do this, grab your extension wrench again and connect it to the new spark plug. Insert the wrench into one of the wells and screw in the new spark plug by hand. When you can no longer turn the wrench by hand, take your torque wrench and give it a final squeeze. Cover the well with its corresponding wire boot and repeat the same process with the remaining spark plugs.

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