How many kilometers does a new car need to replace spark plugs?
4 Answers
Under normal maintenance conditions, car spark plugs should be replaced after driving 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine, so it is recommended to follow the user manual. The following standards can be referenced 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 to replace spark plugs: Open the engine hood, lift the plastic cover of the engine, remove the high-voltage distributor wires, and mark each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. When removing them, check for any external debris such as leaves or dust, and ensure they are cleaned thoroughly. 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 distributor wires according to the firing order, and secure the cover.
I'm sharing from an owner's perspective. I remember the car ran smoothly when new, and spark plugs generally last long. For my model, the manual recommends replacement every 60,000 to 80,000 km. It largely depends on driving habits: if you frequently encounter city traffic with constant start-stop cycles, carbon buildup on spark plugs may require inspection as early as 50,000 km. Conversely, mostly highway cruising can stretch it to 100,000 km. Material matters too—factory-installed iridium or platinum plugs last longer, while copper ones are less durable. Delaying replacement can cause minor issues like rough cold starts, increased fuel consumption, and even unstable engine ignition. After my last replacement at 60,000 km, I noticed smoother acceleration and slight fuel savings. It's best to have the entire ignition system checked at a professional shop during replacement.
I enjoy doing my own car maintenance, and changing spark plugs isn't too difficult. New cars usually come with high-quality OEM plugs that last longer. I check them every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers - if there's electrode gap erosion or carbon buildup, it's time for replacement. A basic wrench set is all you need, and YouTube tutorials make the process simple. Failing to replace worn plugs can cause misfires, increased fuel consumption, and catalytic converter damage - that's just throwing money away. While modern cars have improved technology, regular maintenance remains essential. My advice: adjust replacement intervals based on driving conditions - earlier changes for rough suburban roads, longer intervals for stop-and-go city driving. After replacement, the engine runs noticeably smoother.
Having driven for decades, experience tells me to consider actual conditions. On average, replace spark plugs in new cars every 70,000 kilometers, but pay attention to driving conditions. Frequent short trips or poor fuel quality can corrode plugs, requiring earlier replacement. If symptoms like weak acceleration or shaking occur, act promptly—otherwise, engine misfires may lead to faults. High-quality materials like iridium last longer, but don’t skimp on maintenance to save costs. Regular replacement improves fuel efficiency and ensures safety.
