Must spark plugs be replaced after 60,000 kilometers of driving?

[LeNicole]

Spark plugs that have run for 60,000 kilometers do indeed need replacement. Under normal maintenance conditions, they should be replaced after 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers of driving. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine type, so it's recommended to follow the user manual. You can refer to the following standards 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: First, open the hood and lift the engine's plastic cover. Remove the high-voltage distributor wires, marking each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Then, 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 everything is cleaned thoroughly. Next, 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. Finally, reinstall the removed high-voltage distributor wires according to the firing order and secure the cover. How spark plugs work: Under high voltage, the air between the spark plug's center electrode and side electrode rapidly ionizes, forming positively charged ions and negatively charged free electrons. When the voltage between the electrodes reaches a certain level, the number of ions and electrons in the gas increases like an avalanche, causing the air to lose its insulating properties. A discharge channel forms in the gap, resulting in a "breakdown" phenomenon. At this point, the gas becomes a luminous body, creating a "spark." Along with thermal expansion, a "crackling" sound is also produced. The temperature of this electric spark can reach 2,000 to 3,000°C, which is sufficient to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber.

[OAaliyah]

I think it's best to replace spark plugs at 60,000 kilometers, after all, safety comes first. My car started to experience sluggish acceleration and severe idle vibration after hitting 60,000 km last time. Later inspection revealed that the electrode gap had widened, directly affecting ignition efficiency. Car manuals typically recommend replacement at this mileage, especially for standard copper-core spark plugs, as their lifespan falls within this range. If not replaced, fuel consumption can skyrocket, and engine misfires may damage the catalytic converter, leading to more expensive repairs. I suggest not skimping on this small expense and going directly to an authorized shop for new replacements to prevent failures. Handling it during regular maintenance can both improve driving smoothness and save fuel. I once neglected this and ended up stranded on the road, wasting time and money—a lesson learned the hard way.

[MaggieRose]

Based on my years of driving experience, spark plugs don't necessarily need replacement at 60,000 km. The key factors are material and vehicle condition: standard copper plugs may indeed require changing, but iridium or platinum plugs can last over 80,000 km. Diagnostic methods include observing symptoms like idle stability, acceleration responsiveness, and fuel consumption changes. If everything performs normally, you can wait and simply conduct regular gap inspections. Driving habits significantly impact wear - frequent short trips in stop-and-go traffic accelerate deterioration, warranting earlier replacement. I've used long-life plugs in my car; DIY replacement offers cost-effective results. Don't blindly follow trends to save unnecessary expenses, but address issues promptly to prevent minor faults from becoming major problems - that's the most practical approach.

[DelAaron]

I understand spark plug technology, whether to replace at 60,000 km depends on the type. Copper plugs have shorter lifespans and need timely replacement; premium material plugs have longer official ratings. Aging can cause ignition failure, cylinder pressure instability, and increased carbon deposits. Inspection can be done using tools to measure resistance or gap width for decision-making. Replacing with new ones improves fuel efficiency and emission quality while protecting the engine.