How many kilometers should a new car drive before replacing the spark plugs?
4 Answers
Under normal maintenance conditions, a new car should have its spark plugs 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 instructions in the user manual for replacement. Maintenance replacement can be based on the following standards: Replace platinum spark plugs at 40,000 kilometers, replace ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs at 20,000 kilometers, and replace iridium spark plugs at 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Damaged spark plugs may exhibit the following symptoms: difficulty starting, reduced power, excessive exhaust emissions, and increased fuel consumption. If these symptoms occur, the spark plugs should also be replaced. Steps for replacing spark plugs: Open the engine hood, lift the plastic cover of the engine, remove the high-voltage branch lines, and mark each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Remove the spark plugs one by one using a spark plug socket. During removal, check for any leaves, dust, or debris on the outside and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Insert the new spark plugs into the spark plug holes, rotate them a few times by hand, and then tighten them with the socket. Reinstall the removed high-voltage branch lines in the firing order and secure the cover plate.
I think the timing of changing spark plugs in a new car is crucial. Having driven for over a decade, experience tells me that consulting the manual is the most reliable. Generally, most models recommend replacement every 40,000 to 80,000 kilometers, but modern spark plugs are more durable—some can last up to 120,000 or even 160,000 kilometers. Don’t just focus on the numbers; if you experience hard starts, acceleration hesitation, or a sudden increase in fuel consumption, the spark plugs might be failing. If you frequently drive in congested city traffic, spark plugs wear out faster, so I always ask the mechanic to check the spark plug gaps and condition during regular maintenance. Neglecting this small component can damage the engine. Early detection costs little but ensures smoother driving and better fuel efficiency.
Nowadays, spark plugs in new cars have a pretty long lifespan. My car's manual says they only need replacement at 160,000 km. But in reality, it depends on how you drive. If you often drive on highways, the wear is slower, but frequent short trips with constant ignition can speed up the wear. Normally, replacing them around 100,000 km is fine—changing them too early, like at 30,000 km, is just a waste of money. If you notice issues like rough starts or increased fuel consumption, don’t delay—get them checked. Spark plug problems can even affect the emission system, and a damaged catalytic converter is extremely expensive to fix. Regular maintenance diagnostics can ensure everything is running smoothly, and good driving habits can help spark plugs last longer.
Safety first. It's recommended to check the spark plugs of a new car at around 50,000 kilometers. The manual provides detailed specifications, mostly ranging between 30,000 to 100,000 km. Don't wait for ignition issues to arise - worn spark plugs can cause engine misfires and instability, which is especially dangerous on highways. Poor ignition leads to a sharp increase in fuel consumption and lack of power. My habit is to replace them slightly earlier with high-quality plugs. During regular oil changes, mechanics can easily spot the condition - a small cost for peace of mind.
