Do I need to change spark plugs at 20,000 kilometers for a new car?
4 Answers
Under normal maintenance conditions, automotive 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 owner's manual. You can refer to the following maintenance standards for 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 engine's plastic cover, remove the high-voltage ignition wires, and mark each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. While removing them, check for external debris like leaves or dust and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Place the new spark plugs into the spark plug holes, hand-tighten them a few turns, and then use the socket to tighten them further. Reinstall the high-voltage ignition wires according to the firing order and secure the cover.
I just bought my car not long ago and have already driven nearly 20,000 kilometers. To be honest, changing the spark plugs is something that’s been bothering me. The new car manual suggests inspecting the spark plugs every 30,000 or 40,000 kilometers, so replacing them at 20,000 might be a bit early. Last week when I went to the 4S shop for maintenance, they didn’t mention it either. If the spark plugs were bad, the car would shake a lot or have higher fuel consumption, but my car is running fine with strong power. If I’m still worried, I can check for smooth ignition myself or ask the mechanic to inspect the electrode color during the next maintenance—if it’s black, it means they’re about to fail. Usually, avoiding sudden acceleration can help protect the spark plugs’ lifespan. For a new car, it’s better not to spend money randomly on parts—saving that money for gas is much better.
I'm an experienced driver with hundreds of thousands of kilometers under my belt. Changing spark plugs at 20,000 km for a new car? Pure waste. Most modern cars use iridium spark plugs designed to last at least 50,000 km, often even over 80,000 km without issues. Unless you notice slow engine starts or reduced power, there's no need to replace them. New cars rarely have problems, and spark plug wear is minimal. I remember checking a set at 30,000 km once - they were still a healthy tan color and perfectly usable. Don't fall for repair shops pushing premature replacements. That money's better spent on other maintenance. Smooth driving habits and quality fuel are what really affect spark plug life. If something actually feels wrong, you can always replace them then.
From a cost-saving perspective, it's unnecessary to replace spark plugs on a new car at just 20,000 kilometers. A spark plug costs around a hundred bucks, but with labor fees, it adds up to several hundred. At such low mileage on a new car, spark plug wear is minimal. If the engine accelerates smoothly and fuel consumption remains stable, there's absolutely no rush to replace them. The core function of spark plugs is ignition efficiency, and their lifespan depends on the type - factory iridium plugs might last up to 100,000 km, while standard ones typically go 30,000-50,000 km. Checking is simple: observe ignition performance yourself or mention it during your next maintenance service. Don't neglect regular maintenance, but avoid overreacting during the new car period.
