How Often Should You Change Spark Plugs?

If you are an owner of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, you’re familiar probably with spark plugs, what they do, and how important they are to running your car smoothly. To the average driver, spark plugs might seem like a trivial part but without them, internal combustion would not happen. In other words, they have a vital role in making your car run.

Like every other part, spark plugs are susceptible to wear and tear and replacing them in a timely manner will ensure your car is running efficiently. If you are not quite sure what are the tell-tale signs indicating when to replace spark plugs, then continue reading as this article contains all the information you need. Here are a couple of things to consider when wondering how often to replace spark plugs.

Check Your Owner’s Manual

Spark Plugs come with an owner’s manual where you can find the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Most standard units should last you at least 30,000 miles but make sure to consult the owner’s manual when wondering when to change spark plugs. 

Copper vs. Iridium

Copper spark plugs tend to have a shorter lifespan than the Iridium ones. Iridium spark plugs are generally considered to be of better quality than their copper counterparts and their electrodes tend to be less susceptible to wear and tear, hence why they last longer. 

High-Performance Spark Plugs

Certain units are designed for high-performance cars and offer more “punch” but they come with a caveat. High-performance spark plugs have a shorter lifespan and need to be replaced more often than regular, stock units that you would normally find in a standard vehicle.

Your Driving Habits

If you’re a fan of high revs and stepping on the gas pedal, your spark plugs will be taking a beating. Higher RPMs tend to take a toll on spark plugs so don’t be surprised if you need to replace them more often than the recommended time frame.

Oil Leaks

Unfortunate oil leaks can also affect your spark plugs via contamination. The easiest way to check this is by pulling the spark plugs out of the engine and inspecting the base. If there is oil present on the base of the plug, you’re probably dealing with a blown seal that needs to be replaced together with the spark plugs. 

Rough Idle

One of the culprits of a bad spark plug is a rough idle. In simple terms, if you switch the ignition on and leave the engine in an idle state, ideally you want the tachometer to be showing steady low RPMs. However, if the gauge is spiking while you’re just standing in place, then you’re dealing with a rough idle and you should consider inspecting your spark plugs to find out if they are malfunctioning. 

We hope you find this advice on how often to change spark plugs helpful and that you replace the faulty ones in a timely manner.