Can I Replace the Spark Plugs of My Car by Myself?
2 Answers
You can replace the spark plugs of your car by yourself. Under normal maintenance conditions, spark plugs should be replaced after driving 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine type, so it is recommended to follow the user manual. The following standards can be used as a reference for maintenance replacement: platinum spark plugs should be replaced at 40,000 kilometers, ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs at 20,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs at 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Steps for replacing spark plugs: Open the hood, lift the plastic cover of the engine, and remove the high-voltage ignition wires. Mark the position of each cylinder to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. While removing them, check for any external debris like leaves or dust and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, and then use the socket to tighten it further. Reinstall the removed high-voltage ignition wires in the firing order and secure the cover.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I'm all too familiar with changing spark plugs myself. For an ordinary inline-four engine, it's a straightforward DIY job. However, the rear spark plugs on a V6 engine are positioned so awkwardly that you have to bend over or kneel down to reach them. Essential tools include a dedicated spark plug socket wrench and a torque wrench—never force it with a regular wrench, as a shattered ceramic insulator falling into the cylinder would spell trouble. Before starting, ensure the engine is completely cooled down and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Don't forget to apply some anti-seize copper grease on the threads of the new spark plugs to prevent them from seizing up during future removal. The trickiest part is inserting the ignition coil until you hear a distinct click to confirm proper seating. Once, I didn't push it in firmly enough, causing a misfire and engine shudder, which meant having to redo the whole process.
