How to Change Your Own Spark Plugs

This easy task will be impossible unless you have an appropriate set of automotive tools. Spark plugs are critical to the smooth running of your car. As a bridge for electricity in your engine they are integral to the operation of the engine. As electricity runs through the spark plug it ignites compressed fuel within the cylinder. Without a functioning spark plug, there will be no kick start to set your engine in motion. The trouble is that this integral component will only last for a short time, a couple of years, so it will need to be changed often in the lifetime of the car. In most cars, changing the spark plug is a fairly quick and simple procedure. When do you make the change though? What signals do we get that it is time? Less effective performance from the engine is always a big give away. If the spark plug has been worn out this will be one of the giveaway signs. A spark plug gage will give you the confirmation that you need. Look over the manufactures advice on the spark plug if you are going to change it. This will tell you the correct specifications of the plug, so that you can get a suitable replacement. It will also list any alternative replacements in case the exact same model is unavailable. When dealing with your spark plug, you should always protect yourself against the risk of electric shock, wearing rubber gloves when touching things will help. Also, be careful not to lean against the car while the engine is still running. You will need to remove each plug from the engine while it is running. To remove each plug, use a torque wrench, turning it in an anti-clockwise direction. When you remove the spark plug, listen carefully to see if it effects the functioning of the engine. If the engine does not slow down, then that plug is not contributing anything and should be replaced. You will indentify which plugs need to be replaced by removing them one at a time. The next stage in the procedure is testing the spark plus wires. You will not be able to do this with the engine running, switch it off and wait for it to cool. You will then test to see if the plug ignition is working. Any metal surface will indicate if the wire is working, all you need to do is expose it to one. If you get a spark when you do this then the plug is in good condition. Repeat this process for each wire to fully test your spark plug. This simple procedure, which rarely requires a mechanic, will show you if you need to replace your spark plugs.