How Often To Change Spark Plugs

You need spark plugs to work properly for your internal combustion engine to move your vehicle forward. Without spark plugs, your vehicle won’t go anywhere because they ignite the gas-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Spark plugs literally provide the spark that moves the pistons up and down, and that motion goes to the transmission to push the wheels forward.

Do you wonder how often to change the spark plugs in your vehicle? Experts generally recommend replacing spark plugs every 30,000 miles. But, how often you change your spark plugs may vary depending on your exact model. Check your owner’s manual or vehicle information center (computer) for more information about your spark plugs.

Find out additional details about how often to change spark plugs with our handy guide. Then, contact our INFINITI of Tallahassee service center if you need help with your spark plugs. We’re happy to assist you with any car maintenance you need!

When Do I Change Spark Plugs?

You might be surprised, but one of the most common questions we receive from buyers is “When do I change spark plugs?” We’ve gotten it so often from Tallahassee and Pensacola customers, it’s become something we want to address.

Your vehicle’s spark plugs work by moving the high-voltage current from the ignition coil, which is connected on one end of the component, to ignite the combustion chamber as soon as you start your vehicle. Here’s how this works. Fuel injectors atomize gasoline in the chamber, and then air gets added. The spark plugs ignite the gas by regulating the voltage from the ignition coils. The explosion pushes the pistons downward in the right order to send power to the transmission and hence the wheels to move your car forward. This happens several hundred times a minute to move the vehicle forward.

If the spark plugs in your vehicle don’t function properly, you’ll notice problems in the performance of your vehicle’s engine. They might be innocuous at first, and then get more serious later.

You might see issues such as the following:

• Slow or no start
• Engine misfire
• Engine is running rough
• Rough idling
• Poor acceleration
• High fuel consumption
• Worse fuel efficiency

How to Take Out Spark Plugs

To remove the spark plugs, you need a specialized spark-plug socket.

1. Make sure your engine is cold. That way nothing will burn you.
2. Disconnect the battery. This prevents possible electrocution or shock.
3. Remove the ignition coils attached to each spark plug. You’ll need to grasp the spark plug with one hand and pull the coil out with the other.
4. Now, take the spark-plug socket to gently turn the spark plug and remove it from its housing. Be careful not to let anything drop into the chamber.
5. To install a new spark plug, apply anti-seizing lubricant to the threads to make sure you can turn it easily.
6. Use your fingers to turn the spark plug until the last half-turn. Then finish the job with the socket.
7. Reconnect the ignition coil.
8. Reconnect the battery.

If you have any more questions on how to take out spark plugs, call us at 866-984-2839 or contact us online.

Benefits of Changing Your Spark Plugs

So, how often to change spark plugs also depends on when they start to degrade. However, you might consider changing your spark plugs before they run out with regular tune-ups at least once a year. A tune-up will catch any problems with spark plugs before they happen when technicians test your electrical system.

Changing the spark plugs regularly helps you prevent those problems we mentioned but also prevents some issues later on. When you find out how often to change spark plugs as part of a preventative maintenance schedule for your new vehicle, you could receive some cost-saving benefits by taking care of this sooner rather than later.

This is what you get from new spark plugs:

• Improved fuel economy – A worn-out spark plug could reduce your fuel economy by as much as 30%. For example, if you get 20 miles per gallon you’ll get around 14 miles per gallon with a faulty spark plug. Replacing a bad spark plug can help get higher fuel economy and put your gas mileage back to where it needs to be.
• Consistent combustion system – Spark plugs continually produce combustion and leave your vehicle’s system running properly. Without a working spark plug, your combustion won’t run consistently.
• Your Vehicle Starts Smoothly – Your vehicle starts effortlessly when all of the spark plugs in your vehicle are working properly. Bad spark plugs can keep your engine idle.
• Less harmful emissions – Spark plugs help increase your gas mileage, and as such they also improve your emissions to lower your carbon footprint. You’ll see fewer trips to the gas station.

Get New Spark Plugs Installed at INFINITI of Tallahassee

Now you know how often to change spark plugs, schedule a service appointment or call 866-984-2856 to bring your vehicle in for service if you think your vehicle needs new spark plugs, whether you bring your INFINITI vehicle or another brand in for service. If you’re considering a new INFINITI model, check out our new inventory and find something that works for your needs and budget.

Our experienced technicians will evaluate and repair your vehicle as soon as we can! We also service tires, brakes, batteries, and radiators, as well as perform oil changes. Our team is happy to help in any way we can! Check out our service specials to save money on your next vehicle maintenance.