Modern Spark Plugs and Spark Plug Installation Tips

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Modern Spark Plugs 101

With the multitude of different kinds of spark plugs in today’s market, it can be very difficult to decide what kind or brand to use. Many people make the mistake of buying on price alone figuring the spark plug is a simple device, and why spend more money? When you use price only as the determining factor, you have purchased a copper core spark plug. If it were 1980, when 12,000-mile tune-ups were the norm, you would have had the best technology available.

Automakers have made great strides in improving ignition system performance since then. A single platinum spark plug can last twice as long as a copper core spark plug. Recently, many automakers have adopted the use of Iridium alloy spark plugs with very small center electrodes.

Why are they using these expensive spark plugs? Wonder how they can benefit your vehicle? The Iridium alloy fine wire spark plugs have many advantages over conventional spark plugs.

• They last nearly 100k miles before they are worn out.
• They present a bigger flame kernel in your engine’s combustion chamber.
• The bigger flame kernel in your engine’s combustion chamber makes more power, provides better fuel economy and less emissions.

When to Change Spark Plugs

If you look at your vehicle’s owner manual, you will find that spark plug change intervals vary according to what kind of plugs were installed originally. The change interval can be anywhere from 25,000 - 100,000 miles. How can you tell you need new plugs? Typical symptoms it is time to change your spark plugs are:

• Your fuel economy is dropping.
• The check engine light is flashing.
• You are experiencing a lack of power.

Spark Plug Installation Tips

It is best to buy a repair manual for your particular vehicle. This manual will provide the location of the plugs as well as the correct spark plug gap. On many vehicles, it is pretty easy to change the plugs; others may be difficult and require a visit to your local auto technician.

When you replace the spark plugs:

• You should start by using the best spark plugs you can afford; they will last much longer and provide the best performance.
• You will need a "gap gauge" to check and adjust the gap between the center wire and side wire of the spark plug.
• You should purchase silicone dielectric grease to put inside the spark plug boot.
• If your car is in the 100,000-mile range, its best to replace the coil boots or spark plug wires as well. They may be ok now, but they are old and brittle and will likely be damaged when you remove them to replace the spark plugs.
• Other tools you will need are a spark plug socket, ratchet and extension. A torque wrench to tighten the plugs to the correct setting is also a necessary tool to do the job right.

To learn more about spark plug technology, click here.