Must spark plugs be replaced at a 4S shop?
4 Answers
Spark plugs do not necessarily need to be replaced at a 4S shop; you can choose to go to an external repair shop or replace them yourself. Spark plugs are a crucial component of a gasoline engine's ignition system, which introduces high-voltage electricity into the combustion chamber, causing it to jump across the electrode gap to generate a spark and ignite the combustible mixture in the cylinder. Their components include: terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and shell. Methods to determine if spark plugs need replacement are: 1. Abnormal engine shaking during acceleration; 2. Vehicle idling shake; 3. Difficulty starting. The replacement intervals for spark plugs vary by material: 1. Nickel alloy spark plugs should be replaced approximately every 20,000 kilometers; 2. Platinum spark plugs should be replaced approximately every 40,000 kilometers; 3. Iridium spark plugs should be replaced approximately every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.
I usually enjoy DIY car repairs, and changing spark plugs is definitely something you don't necessarily have to go to a 4S shop for—you can do it at home. Last time I changed spark plugs, I bought a set of the right model on Taobao and prepared a spark plug wrench. The online tutorial made it easy to understand. The 4S shop would charge five or six hundred yuan, but I did it myself for less than two hundred, saving time too. Spark plug quality is crucial—I used iridium ones, which last twice as long as regular ones. After the change, the engine starts much faster, and throttle response is more sensitive. Just remember to check the cylinder head's seal ring for oil leaks and monitor fuel consumption for a few days after replacement. Small jobs like this don't require a 4S shop visit unless your car is still under warranty—otherwise, it's not worth the extra cost. Owners with complete tools and decent DIY skills can give it a try—safety first, of course.
As a seasoned car repair veteran, I've seen countless spark plug issues with customers. Dealerships aren't the only option. Some models have hard-to-reach spark plug positions, but regular repair shops with professional equipment can handle them just as well at half the price. I often advise car owners to choose reputable parts stores for replacements rather than opting for dealership convenience - unless specifically required by the manufacturer. Spark plug types affect performance; platinum or iridium ones last longer, but improper torque during installation can damage the engine. DIY replacements are risky - incorrect electrode gap adjustment can cause engine vibration and significantly increase fuel consumption. I've encountered several cases where roadside shops skipped standard procedures, leading to minor issues requiring rework. In summary, consider your budget and time constraints - for non-new vehicles, professional repair shops offer more practical, cost-effective and reliable solutions.
My old car had a bad spark plug, and the 4S shop quoted too high a price, so I ended up choosing the small repair shop at the entrance of my neighborhood. The boss had good skills, and after replacing the spark plug, the car drove like new, at less than half the price. Choosing the right spark plug material is important—I used standard copper-core ones, which only need checking every 20,000 kilometers. After the replacement, the engine noise reduced, and acceleration became much smoother. Actually, the advantage of 4S shops is their genuine parts, but the cost-performance ratio is low; ordinary cars don’t necessarily need to go there. Checking for carbon buildup to prevent faults is key.
