Did you know most cars need to have their spark plugs changed about every 30,000 miles to start smoothly? To learn how to replace them on your own, read this post by Synthetic Oil Inc. in San Diego.

What do Spark Plugs Do, and Why It's Important to Replace Them?

First, let's go over how important the spark plugs are. Like any other gasoline-powered machine, your vehicle requires three elements for its ignition system to work correctly: fuel, oxygen, and a spark. As the name implies, the spark plug is responsible for producing that spark. Every time you start your car, the spark plug receives electricity from the ignition coil. Current flows through the spark plug's center electrode to the insulating tip, where electricity "jumps" from the center electrode tip to the ground electrode, generating a spark of 20,000 to 25,000 volts, ultimately enabling the fuel-air mixture to ignite. Although the spark plug is built to produce numerous sparks, it eventually wears out. Exposure to combustion gases, corrosion, and extremely high temperatures gradually deteriorate both the center electrode tip and the insulator, which is why it is necessary to replace your spark plugs from time to time. If you want to learn step-by-step how to substitute your spark plugs safely, continue reading.

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Step-to-Step on How to Change Your Spark Plugs

First, Gather the Right Tools and Supplies

The first step is to get the right products and tools to make the job easier and safer; considering that, here are the things you'll need:

• A new set of spark plugs (check your owner's manual to know which type)
• Spark plug socket
• Ratchet
• Extension
• Gapping gauge
• Torque wrench
• Compressed air

Look Into New Spark Plugs' Gap

If you've seen a spark plug up close, you know that on one end, it has a gap between the insulating tip of the center electrode and the tip of the ground electrode. This gap must have the size specified in your owner's manual; otherwise, the spark produced may be faulty, and you may have trouble starting your vehicle. With that in mind, measure the gap of your new spark plugs using your spark plug gauge. If you notice any new spark plugs have an incorrect gap size, use your gauge to press the ground electrode closed or lift the gap open, depending on what you need.

Make Sure the Engine is Cool

Another critical step is to make sure the engine is cold before changing the spark plugs. This tip is vital to avoid burns and prevent damage to the spark plug due to friction. It is worth explaining that the engine materials expand when the machine is hot. Hence, removing the spark plug when it is still hot could cause friction between the expanded steel and the aluminum of the cylinder heads; thus, it is better to change the spark plugs when the engine is cold.

Find the Spark Plugs

The next step is to find the spark plugs. Most vehicles have four spark plugs, one for each cylinder (if your vehicle's engine has six cylinders, it probably has six spark plugs). Refer to the information described in your operator's manual to find them. You can also find them by following the wires on your engine to the boots that cover the spark plug wells.

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Remove Used Spark Plugs

Next is to remove the spark plugs. First, take your air compressor and blow around the cylinder head to remove loose dirt. Next, remove the wires by grabbing them by the boots and gently wiggling them until they come out. Again, blow compressed air into the wells of each spark plug to remove any debris. Next, take your spark plug wrench and connect it to an extension with the ratchet attached. Insert the wrench into the spark plug well and plug it in (if your wrench is magnetic, you will hear it click when it grips the spark plug). Finally, loosen the spark plug and unscrew it until it comes out.

Take a Look at the Old Spark Plugs

Each time you remove a spark plug, inspect it visually before replacing it. Ideally, all the used spark plugs should look good enough for continued use; however, if one has a rounded insulating tip, worn electrodes, or a cracked insulator, replace the entire set of old spark plugs with new parts.

Insert New Spark Plugs

Finally, carefully insert the new spark plugs. Start by connecting the first spark plug to the wrench (which should be attached to the extension); then, insert the spark plug into its respective well to screw it in and tighten it by hand. When you can no longer turn the spark plug wrench by hand, add the torque wrench to give it a final tightening. Cover the spark plug well with the proper wire boot, and that's all. Repeat the same procedure with the rest of the spark plugs.

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