How Many Spark Plugs Should Be Replaced at Once?
2 Answers
You need to replace as many spark plugs as there are cylinders in your car. Under normal maintenance conditions, spark plugs should be replaced every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine type, so it's recommended to follow the user manual. Here are some general guidelines for maintenance replacement: platinum spark plugs should be replaced at 40,000 kilometers, standard 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 engine cover, 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 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, then secure the cover.
I'm the most qualified to talk about changing spark plugs, just replaced the whole set on my old car last month. Actually how many to replace depends on your engine cylinders - four for a four-cylinder engine, six for six-cylinder, this number must match your engine's cylinder count. My buddy tried cutting corners by only replacing two bad ones last time, ended up with the engine shaking like a sieve. The mechanic said the performance gap between new and old spark plugs was too big, causing ignition timing mismatch. Nowadays proper repair shops recommend complete set replacement - after all, four new spark plugs only cost a few hundred bucks, much cheaper than engine repairs later. Don't penny-pinch on this - these things last about 100,000km together, so replace them all at once properly.
