Introduction. Changing spark plugs takes about an hour (for a four-cylinder engine) and will save you at least a hundred bucks in labor if you do it yourself. In most cases it's a simple job that will help to maintain peak performance and the highest possible gas mileage.
The general rule of thumb about how often to change spark plugs is that they should be replaced after about 100,000 miles of driving.
Fortunately, spark plugs only take about an hour to replace in vehicles with a four-cylinder engine. For V6 engines, the process could take at least an hour longer.
Spark plugs, themselves, can cost anywhere from $5 to $20, depending on the make and model of your car. Mechanics and auto shops will typically charge anywhere from $115 to $200 for a professional spark plug replacement.
Replacing spark plugs will take roughly an hour if your vehicle has a four-cylinder engine. With a V6 or V8, it could take two to three hours. The cost to replace spark plugs will also vary by vehicle, as some spark plugs designs are more expensive but are designed to last longer.
Continuing to drive on worn out or damaged spark plugs can ultimately cause engine damage, so don't put it off.
If you aren't replacing the wires, make sure you change one spark plug at a time so you can be sure you connect the right plug to the right wire. If you are replacing the wires, look through your vehicle repair guide for a wiring diagram.
AutoZone provides performance spark plugs that can help you achieve that smooth startup in any situation.
Many factors can cause a spark plug to fail; from incorrect heat ranges to improper gapping, to chemical contamination. Yet 90% of spark plug damage claims are due to improper torque. Proper installation torque is critical in the plug's ability to dissipate heat out of the combustion chamber and into the cylinder head.
The deposits that build upon the plugs can eventually cause them to misfire. When this happens, the unburned fuel in the cylinders can start to eat away at the cylinder walls. This can cause dangerous pressure levels to build up, and it can even lead to engine failure.
Changing a set of spark plugs is a relatively straightforward task on some cars. In other instances, the job can be a nightmare. Some plugs are hard to get to or may have engine components that need to be moved out of the way first.
Ordinary copper and nickel spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, unless otherwise suggested by the spark plug manufacturer. Platinum and iridium spark plugs tend to last longer than standard copper and nickel spark plugs. Expect to change them every 60,000 to 150,000 miles unless otherwise noted.
In most cases, you'll see a noticeable difference in performance after replacing your spark plugs and wires. The engine will run smoother and faster, and the car will have better acceleration. You may also notice an improvement in fuel economy.
Like rotating tires or changing oil, replacing spark plugs is a job that can be easily, and inexpensively, done in the confines of your own home. Although they don't need maintenance as often as the other two tasks, spark plugs are equally as important and require consistent monitoring.
The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Chevrolet Spark ranges from $95 to $4507, with an average of $265.
The Car Has Trouble Starting
If spark plugs have become clogged or worn down, the car's engine has to work overtime in order to make up for the overworked plugs. Sometimes the car will not start at all because there is simply not enough spark created to turn the engine over.
During acceleration, the air and fuel that is forced into the cylinders extinguish whatever spark there is, which causes the car to stall. So, if a car is running on a weak spark, the car will be able to turn on, but will stall out soon after acceleration.
Loss of spark is caused by anything that prevents coil voltage from jumping the electrode gap at the end of the spark plug. This includes worn, fouled or damaged spark plugs, bad plug wires or a cracked distributor cap.
Labor Charges
For a faulty spark plug replacement, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40-$350. These charges will also vary from engine to engine. For example, a repair shop may charge $60-$140 for a four cylinder engine.
You can pay between $16 and $100 for a set of spark plugs, depending on the type of plugs you need and the number of cylinders your engine has. And when figuring out the price, it helps to remember that some specialty engines use two spark plugs per cylinder.
Spark plugs are normally a wear and tear kind of part instead of an "all or nothing" kind of failure. Over time, they get worn or build up deposits from years of use and they become less effective and efficient. I have rarely ever heard of a spark plug failing 100% all of a sudden.
Cars typically do not run worse after changing spark plugs, but there are a few reasons why someone might perceive that the car is running worse: Incorrect spark plugs: If the wrong type of spark plug is used or if the gap between the electrodes is not set correctly, this can cause the engine to misfire or run poorly.
Many factors can cause a spark plug to fail; from incorrect heat ranges to improper gapping, to chemical contamination. Yet 90% of spark plug damage claims are due to improper torque. Proper installation torque is critical in the plug's ability to dissipate heat out of the combustion chamber and into the cylinder head.