The Truth About Extended Life Spark Plugs
Vehicle manufacturers make much of the fact that their products come equipped with extended-life spark plugs that can maintain a precise gap for 100,000 miles. However, before you wait that long to replace them, you should bear in mind that spark plugs that hit the 80,000-mile marker are four-fifths worn. As the gap in the plug widens, engine performance and gas mileage begin to suffer. In addition, spark plugs that have remained in place for tens of thousands of miles have a tendency to seize in the cylinder head or the two piece designs tend to break. Once this happens, it can be a potentially costly job to remove them. Since your vehicle’s spark plugs are going to require replacement sometime, better to do it sooner rather than later.
How Often To Replace Spark Plugs
Even if your vehicle is equipped with extended-life spark plugs, you should still have them inspected approximately every 30,000 miles. During that inspection also have checked the other items that require replacement such as the air filter, fuel filter, cabin air filter, brakes, tires and the starting and charging system. These inspections, when regularly performed can help keep the vehicle properly maintained, alerting the vehicle owner of needed service and repairs. When theses services and repairs are performed, it helps maintain the value of the vehicle, the exhaust and emissions system of the vehicle, the safety of the vehicle, and the reliability of the vehicle.
Is It Okay To Just Replace Some Of The Spark Plugs?
We recommend that when the spark plugs are replaced, to use the same type of spark plugs that the vehicle was originally equipped with. For instance, if it has platinum or double platinum spark plugs we would recommend replacement with the same style of spark plugs since this is what the vehicle manufacturer engineered the vehicle to use. If the vehicle is equipped with spark plug wires, they should be checked at the time of spark plug replacement. When they are old and crispy, just disengaging them from the spark plug can cause them to come apart. A quality set of spark plug wires can generally last around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Again, it is a good idea to replace these parts prior to a failure, like a misfire. A vehicle that is running rough or misfiring can cause catalytic converter damage.
Preventative maintenance is the key, have your spark plugs inspected every 30,000 miles and replaced when the gap is beyond what is specified by the vehicle manufacturer’. Happy Motoring!
All About Automotive Offers The Best Quality Auto Repair & Auto Maintenance in Gresham
Steve and Karen Johnston are owners of All About Automotive, providing auto repair and auto maintenance in Historic Downtown Gresham. If you have questions or comments, call them at 503-465-2926 or email them at [email protected].
