How to Replace the Spark Plugs on a Lavida?
2 Answers
Steps for replacing spark plugs on a Lavida: 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. While removing them, check for any leaves, dust, or debris on the exterior and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Place the new spark plug into the spark plug hole, hand-tighten it a few turns, then use the socket to tighten it further. Reinstall the removed high-voltage distributor wires according to the firing order, then secure the cover. Methods to determine if spark plugs need replacement: Remove the spark plugs and observe their condition based on the following appearance colors. A normal spark plug's insulator skirt and electrodes appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug has a reddish-brown insulator skirt, with an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm and no signs of electrode burn. If the spark plug has oil stains or deposits but is not damaged, it can continue to be used after cleaning off the oil and deposits. If the spark plug is severely damaged, with signs like blistering at the tip, black streaks, cracks, or melted electrodes, identify the cause of the damage, fix the issue, and replace the spark plug. Additionally, if the spark plug appears black as if smoked, it indicates the wrong heat range was selected, the air-fuel mixture is too rich, or there is oil leakage.
I often do DIY car maintenance, and changing the Lavida's spark plugs isn't actually difficult. First, make sure the car is completely cooled down and parked on level ground—safety comes first. You'll need a spark plug wrench, the appropriate extension bar, and matching new spark plugs, such as NGK or Bosch models. Remember to wear gloves and safety goggles to avoid injuries. Then, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental electric shock. Open the hood, locate the ignition coils, and use the wrench to unscrew the bolts and gently pull them out to reveal the old spark plugs. Slowly loosen and remove the old spark plugs with the wrench, being careful not to damage the threads. After cleaning any dust from the holes, hand-tighten the new spark plugs by turning them a few times until they feel smooth, then use a torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer's recommended torque—typically around 25 Nm for the Lavida. Once replaced, reinstall the coils and reconnect the battery. Take the car for a test drive, and you'll notice smoother starts and slightly better fuel efficiency. Spark plugs should be checked every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers.
