When do spark plugs change?
Content
Spark plugs are extremely important consumables every petrol engine needs. As their name implies, they create an electric spark that ignites a fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders.
Without this spark, the fuel mixture cannot ignite, and the necessary force does not form in the engine to push the pistons up and down the cylinders, from which it will rotate crankshaft.
When do spark plugs change?
The easiest (and easiest) answer to give is when needed. Each manufacturer lists different specifications and mileage for spark plugs, so it's hard for you to agree on when to replace your car's spark plugs.
Manufacturers issue their own recommendations, so you need to look at the replacement period in the manual for your car. In addition to manufacturers' recommendations (which should be followed), replacing spark plugs depends largely on:
- quality and type of candles;
- Engine efficiency;
- gasoline quality;
- driving style.
What do the experts say?
Most experts are of the opinion that if the spark plugs are made of copper, then they should be replaced after 15–20 km, and if they are iridium or platinum and have an extended service life, replacement can be done after 000 km. Of course, if you follow the recommendations of experts and manufacturers, this does not mean that you do not have to change the spark plugs before the car passes the specified mileage.
Symptoms warning of a possible need to inspect the spark plugs and replace them
Problems starting the car
There are many reasons why the car will not start. Here are just a few factors:
- the battery is low;
- the driver forgot to refuel;
- There is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
If the car owner can not start the car, it is necessary to check the condition of the spark plugs, because due to the inefficient operation of the engine, they are likely to lose quality.
How to determine what the problem is in the candlelight?
If you manage to turn on all the other electrical components in the car, but cannot start the engine, then the problem is with old or damaged spark plugs that simply cannot create enough spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture.
Acceleration issues
If the spark plugs do not work correctly, the sequence of the cylinder-piston group is violated (the air-fuel mixture does not ignite in accordance with the clock strokes), which will make it harder for the car to accelerate and you will have to press the accelerator pedal much more often to reach normal speed.
Increased fuel consumption
According to the US National Automobile Institute, problems with spark plugs are one of the main reasons for increasing fuel consumption by up to 30%. The combustion of gasoline is of poor quality. Because of this, the motor loses the required power. Why is this happening?
Simply put, if the spark plugs are old and worn out, the engine will need more fuel to produce the same amount of energy that is required for a regular strong spark plug.
Rough idle motor
Every driver likes it when the car starts with half a turn, and the engine purrs quietly. If you start to hear unpleasant “hoarse” sounds and vibrations are felt, faulty spark plugs are likely the cause. The uneven operation of the engine is due to the intermittent ignition of the fuel mixed with air.
How to change spark plugs?
If you have not previously changed the spark plugs, you are probably wondering if you can replace it yourself or if you need to contact the service center that you usually use for help. The truth is that you will succeed with self-replacement if you have sufficient knowledge about the operation of the motor, its models and are familiar with the manufacturer's recommendations. What does the type of engine have to do with replacing spark plugs?
There are some models of the V6 type in which the spark plugs are difficult to reach and some parts of the intake manifold must be removed to replace them. However, if your engine is of a standard type and you have some knowledge (and skills), then replacing the spark plug is not difficult.
Replacing spark plugs - step by step
Savant Providence
Before starting the replacement, it is completely logical to verify the following:
- bought new matching spark plugs;
- there are necessary tools;
- there is enough space for work.
New spark plugs
When buying spark plugs, make sure that you are buying the exact make and model that are indicated by the manufacturer of your car in the instructions for the car.
Tools
To replace the candles, you will need basic tools, such as:
- candle key;
- torque wrench (to control tightening torque)
- clean rags.
Workspace
It is enough to put the car on a flat surface and make room so that you can safely do your job.
Find the location of the candles
Before starting work, make sure that the engine has cooled down! Then determine where the spark plugs are. It is good to know that in almost all car models, spark plugs are arranged in a row on the front of the engine or on top (depending on configuration). However, if your car has a V-engine, the spark plugs will be on the side.
If by chance you cannot find them, simply follow the rubber wires you will see around the engine and they will indicate the location of the spark plugs.
We clean the area around each candle
If you don't clean it, any dirt that is there will go straight into the cylinders after you remove the spark plugs. This can damage the motor - a fine abrasive particle will enter the cylinder, which will ruin the mirror of the inner surface.
To prevent this, simply clean the area around the candles with compressed air or a cleaning spray. You can also use a degreaser to clean if you have nothing else at hand.
Unscrew the old candles
Very carefully and without haste, remove the high-voltage wires. in order not to confuse the connection sequence, the cable is marked (cylinder number is set). Then, using the candle key, begin to unscrew the remaining candles in turn.
We clean the top of the candle well
Before installing new spark plugs, thoroughly clean the area and remove any deposits that could not be cleaned first. This must be done very carefully so that dirt does not get into the cylinder.
Important! If you notice that in addition to accumulated dirt there are greasy deposits, this indicates the presence of problems with worn rings. In this case, contact the service center!
Install new spark plugs
Carefully check that the new candles are the same size as the old ones. If you’re not quite sure which one is suitable, take the old one when you go to the store to compare. Install the spark plugs one by one, following their sequence and placing them in appropriate places. Install the wires according to the marks on them.
Be careful with installing new candles! Always use a torque wrench to prevent accidentally tearing the threads. Tightening torques are specified by the manufacturer.
If you are sure that you have completed the work, all you need to do is start the engine to check if the ignition is working properly.
What will happen if you do not change the spark plugs?
To ignore the manufacturer's manual or not is a personal matter for the car owner. Some simply clean their spark plugs regularly. Yes, you can probably keep riding with them for a while, but in the end it won't do anything but add more problems.
Because the spark plugs begin to wear out slowly after each start. They can accumulate soot, which prevents the formation of a high-quality spark. At some point, you will still need to replace them, because your car will not budge, and this can happen at the most inopportune moment.
Given the above factors, professionals advise changing the spark plugs at the time indicated by the car manufacturer (or if you notice any of the above symptoms) and not save money when buying them.
Questions and answers:
When do you need to change the candles on the car? It depends on the type of candles and the recommendations of the car manufacturer. Often, the replacement interval for spark plugs is about 30 thousand kilometers.
Why change spark plugs? If the spark plugs are not replaced, ignition of the air / fuel mixture will be unstable. The engine will start to triple, which will increase fuel consumption and reduce the dynamics of the car.
How long do candles go on average? Each modification has its own working resource. It depends on the material of the electrodes. For example, nickel ones take care of 30-45 thousand, platinum - about 70, and double platinum - up to 80 thousand.
