If you want your vehicle to last you as long as possible, or if you are preparing it to sell, then you need to make it a point to keep up on general maintenance. Getting gas and changing the oil is really just the beginning. There is a lot more to it. Car owners need to keep a checklist of maintenance items to stay up to date on. Checking your spark plugs is one of these things that are necessary to the longevity of your vehicle. If your spark plugs are not working properly then it could lead to further issues with your car. Prevent it from happening by inspecting your spark plugs regularly.

When it comes to checking your spark plugs, you should make a point to do it every 10,000 miles or so. If you neglect to do this you could be sorry later. If you do not drive your car 10,000 miles in a year then you should check the spark plugs once a year. They tend to need replacing every two years or so or every 20,000 miles. Even if you are not having trouble with your car, the spark plugs still need to be replaced and kept maintained.

Before you reach beneath the hood of your car, make sure that it is turned off and that the engine is cool. You could risk burning yourself if you reach in while it’s still hot. You should use colored tape to label the spark plug wires so that you remember where they go back in after you take them out. Twisting and pulling the spark plug wires is all you need to get them out. Be careful though so that you do not wreck anything. If you notice any kind of dirt or debris after taking them out, clean them out with a vacuum of some kind.

You need to be sure to check the instructions for your car so that you know how the gap should be. You can get a spark plug gauge to make sure the gap is the right distance. There is often a sticker under the hood that tells you the right steps to take in this regard. Check your manual if there is no sticker or if you are not certain.

You have to coat the new spark plugs with special oil called penetrating oil first. Be careful when you put the new spark plugs into the car. You need to do it correctly so that you do not make a mistake and have the car not work correctly. Spark plugs that have a gasket should be tightened a quarter turn to half a turn with a ratchet. Those that do not have a gasket should be turned one sixteenth of a turn.

If you are not entirely sure how to check your spark plugs, ask a mechanic that you know and trust to show you how it is done. Some of them will not have a problem doing this. Make sure it is a professional that has a great reputation. Maintaining your spark plugs is vital to your car’s efficient operation.

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