How Often Should the Factory Spark Plugs Be Replaced on the 10th-Generation Civic?
2 Answers
The factory spark plugs for the 10th-generation Civic should be replaced every 100,000 kilometers. The standard for the factory spark plugs in the 10th-generation Civic is typically characterized by the heat range, which represents the thermal characteristics of the spark plug. The heat range indicates the balance between heat absorption and dissipation in the insulator nose of the spark plug. A higher heat range signifies a stronger balance between heat absorption and dissipation. Hot-type spark plugs have a lower heat range, while cold-type spark plugs have a higher heat range. Spark plugs are a crucial part of the engine's ignition system, primarily responsible for introducing the high voltage from the ignition coil into the engine cylinder, generating a spark across the electrode gap to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the engine, thereby providing power to the vehicle.
I've worked on quite a few 10th-gen Civics before. The factory manual states spark plugs should be replaced at 100,000 km. But in actual use, this number really depends on your driving habits and road conditions. If you're stuck in city traffic every day with frequent engine start-stops, the spark plugs wear out faster and might need replacement at around 70,000-80,000 km. I've disassembled spark plugs from several Civics and found that prolonged low-speed driving causes faster electrode gap wear, leading to reduced ignition efficiency and increased fuel consumption. Additionally, using poor-quality gasoline that causes incomplete combustion and severe carbon buildup can also shorten their lifespan. I recommend having the mechanic check the spark plug condition during every 20,000 km maintenance service, rather than waiting until the mileage hits the recommended interval. This provides better engine protection.
