Is it necessary to replace spark plugs at a 4S shop?

[LukeLynn]

Spark plugs can be replaced either at a 4S shop or by yourself. The specific replacement steps are as follows: Open the hood, lift the plastic cover of the engine, remove the high-voltage distributor wires, and 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 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, and then use the socket to tighten it further. Reinstall the removed high-voltage distributor wires according to the firing order, and then secure the cover. Spark plug replacement intervals: 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 is recommended to follow the owner's manual. The following standards can be used as a reference for maintenance and replacement: Platinum spark plugs should be replaced every 40,000 kilometers, standard nickel alloy spark plugs every 20,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.

[Tim]

I'm usually quite mindful of car maintenance costs, and getting spark plugs replaced at a 4S shop is indeed much more expensive. For the same set of NGK spark plugs, the 4S shop charged me over 600 RMB, while a local repair shop did it for 300 RMB. However, the key lies in the mechanic's skill. Once I had them replaced at an auto parts market, and the engine shook badly—turned out the torque wasn't applied correctly. Now I always go to a trusted repair shop and bring my own double iridium spark plugs bought from JD.com, saving enough money to fill up two tanks of gas. After the car's warranty expires, there's no need to stick to 4S shops, but make sure to choose the right model—turbocharged cars require spark plugs with a higher heat rating. Regularly cleaning carbon deposits can also extend spark plug life; I usually check them every 40,000 kilometers.

[DiPresley]

As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I usually change spark plugs myself. Just remove the ignition coil and unscrew them with a 16mm socket—it's even simpler than changing tires. You can buy genuine Denso or Bosch spark plugs online for less than 200 yuan, and the manual provides torque specifications for installation. However, be cautious with newer cars featuring auto start-stop systems—they require special anti-seize compound. Last time I helped a neighbor, I found his old spark plugs had severe electrode erosion, causing delayed ignition and skyrocketing fuel consumption. Judging when to replace them is straightforward: if you experience hard cold starts or jerky acceleration, it's time for inspection. For direct injection engines, though, it's advisable to use professional tools to check the gap. Standard nickel alloy plugs last around 20,000 km, while iridium ones can exceed 60,000 km.

[IrisLee]

I've been running an auto repair shop for almost ten years and often encounter customers who get ripped off when replacing spark plugs at dealerships. Unless it's a special model like a Porsche, regular family cars don't necessarily need to go to dealerships. The key is buying the correct model—many repair shops now have OBD scanners that can read the factory gap parameters. What's important during installation is thoroughly cleaning the threaded holes; I once had a car that leaked air due to leftover metal shavings. What car owners should be most wary of are counterfeit products—genuine spark plugs have laser anti-counterfeit codes on their ceramic bodies. For naturally aspirated engines, regular platinum ones are sufficient, while direct injection engines are better off with iridium-platinum. It's recommended to check electrode wear at 60,000 kilometers, as excessive carbon deposits can shorten lifespan.