How Often to Change Spark Plugs

row of spark plugs

Some Sharon customers wonder how often they need to change spark plugs in their vehicles. While most auto experts recommend replacing them every 30,000 miles, this depends on your Honda model. Review your owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle’s components. Learn how to change spark plugs with the service team at Shenango Honda. We’ll showcase how this process works, and you can always contact our technicians for more information!

Service Center Service Specials

 

What Happens if I Don’t Change Spark Plugs?

Before answering how to change spark plugs, it’s important to understand how vital these pieces are to your Hubbard-area drives. As an ignition component, spark plugs transfer the high-voltage current from the ignition coil to ignite the combustion chamber once you start your vehicle. If your spark plugs aren’t working well, you’ll begin to see problems in your car’s performance, including any of the following:

 

  • Slow or no start
  • Engine misfire
  • Your engine is running rough
  • Rough idling
  • Poor acceleration
  • Higher fuel consumption

 

In addition to some of what we highlighted above, there are additional benefits that come with knowing how often to change your spark plugs: 

 

  • Improved Fuel Economy: Having a worn-out spark plug will reduce your existing fuel economy by nearly 30%. Replacing it can regain what’s been lost.
  • Consistent Combustion: Spark plugs allow for the continuous production of combustion, allowing your vehicle’s system to run as efficiently as it should. 
  • Smoother Vehicle Start: Replace your spark plugs and your vehicle will start effortlessly when you turn the key in the ignition. 
  • Less Harmful Emissions: Changing your vehicle’s spark plugs doesn’t just increase your gas mileage, but also improves your emissions.

How to Change Spark Plugs

You can easily replace your worn-out spark plugs with some tools, but review your owner’s manual to get the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t downgrade from what Honda recommends, as this can lead to poorer performance or cause issues for your other engine components. Below, we spotlight some tips on changing spark plugs when they wear down, including what tools you’ll need:

Recommended Tools for Changing Spark Plugs

  • Torque wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Spark plug socket
  • The vehicle owner’s manual
  • A vehicle repair guide
  • Engine firing diagram
  • Personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves, etc.)

Steps and Tips to Change Spark Plugs

  1. Park your vehicle on a dry, flat surface, and only start working when the engine is cool.
  2. Before removing anything, clean your engine area of any debris, dirt, or particles that might have fallen into the engine cylinder.
  3. Disconnect the battery if you have to, but review your vehicle repair guide before doing so.
  4. Clear away any obstructions, and remove the spark plug wire. Avoid damaging the rubber “boot” or tearing the wire terminal away from the plug wire end.
  5. Remove the coil on plug (COP). You may need a screwdriver for this part.
  6. Using a spark plug socket, unscrew and remove the spark plug. Avoid damaging the threads, but you can restore them using a spark plug thread restorer. 
  7. Inspect your new spark plugs and make sure they meet your engine requirements. When you install these spark plugs, avoid cross-threading, as this can damage your cylinder thread heads and the spark plug. Use a torque wrench to tighten to the appropriate amount of torque.
  8. Now you will be able to reinstall your spark plug wires. Connect the plug wires to the right spark plugs for each cylinder. You can refer to a firing diagram if required. Once everything has been reinstalled, including components you might have needed to uninstall to get access to your spark plugs, you can start up your engine.

 

Turn to Shenango Honda for Your Service Needs!

If you’re experiencing issues while driving around the Grove Cityarea, it’s time to get your vehicle checked. Schedule your next service appointment with the team at Shenango Honda! You can also replace worn-out pieces by buying from our rotating parts specials. Keep your vehicle at peak performance in Hermitage with Shenango Honda!