
Vehicle mileage varies depending on the material of the spark plugs: 1. Nickel spark plugs need to be replaced approximately every 30,000 kilometers; 2. Platinum spark plugs require replacement every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers; 3. Iridium spark plugs, which are more wear-resistant, should be replaced approximately every 100,000 kilometers. If the car engine experiences significant shaking during idle operation, it may also indicate a problem with the spark plugs, and they should be inspected or replaced promptly. Alternatively, it could be due to aging engine mounts or excessive carbon buildup in the cylinder intake. It is recommended to have a professional repair shop conduct an inspection.

Having driven for over twenty years, I've found that the replacement interval for spark plugs really depends on the vehicle model. Veteran drivers often say replacing them every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers is a safe bet, but nowadays many new car manuals recommend inspection and replacement at 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Last time when my Japanese car reached 70,000 kilometers, the fuel consumption suddenly increased. When the mechanic opened it up, the spark plug electrodes were completely worn out. Actual replacement intervals should also consider driving habits – vehicles frequently stuck in traffic or driven aggressively will wear out faster. Always use the manufacturer-recommended spark plug model, as using cheap off-brand plugs might damage the engine. During maintenance, have the mechanic check one or two spark plugs – white color indicates too lean fuel mixture, while black means excessive carbon buildup, which is more reliable than simply going by mileage.

Many car owners often ask when to replace spark plugs during car repairs, but the answer varies depending on the vehicle's design. Standard nickel alloy spark plugs typically last around 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, while platinum ones are more durable, lasting up to 60,000 kilometers. For example, the iridium spark plugs I use can generally run for about 100,000 kilometers. The key is to observe idle vibration—last time, a car owner's steering wheel shook like a massage chair at idle, and upon removal, the spark plug's ceramic body was found cracked. Cars frequently driven on highways can extend spark plug life, whereas those used for short trips with frequent starts experience greater wear. Modified performance vehicles require earlier checks, as high-voltage ignition accelerates electrode wear significantly.

Don't just rely on the manual for spark plug replacement - pay attention to engine performance. My American car wouldn't start properly during cold starts after 50,000 km, and inspection revealed the spark plug gap had widened to 1.5mm. New spark plugs typically have a gap between 0.7-1.0mm - when worn, insufficient spark energy causes power loss. Using cheap gasoline accelerates spark plug damage as impurities create carbon deposits affecting ignition. During maintenance, use a borescope to check combustion chamber conditions; if carbon buildup appears on piston tops, consider replacement. Spark plugs in direct injection engines typically last 20,000-30,000 km shorter than those in port fuel injection vehicles.


