How to Change Spark Plugs

It may seem like a simple process but it is one that can determine if all that complex engineering that went into a car is really working. The ignition distributor and oxygen sensor can’t do their job correctly if the spark plugs are not installed properly. Most of us think changing a spark plug is as simple as screwing the new plug into place…and in some ways it is. In other ways it is a very complicate and can cause a vehicle to run worse than it did before the install.

What is it that causes a car to lose performance whenchanging a spark plug? How can this be done wrong? The spark plugs in modern vehicles are calibrated to a specific gap and this gap must be followed or the combustion in the cylinder can be less or more than is needed. A Gap tool will make sure that you are in the factory gap tolerances. With incorrect fuel combustion the engine will run rough, sometimes in such a significant way that the car will not run. The main thing to remember is the check the gap and make sure it is within factory tolerances.

A few last checks will keep a car running smooth and give the performance gains that can be expected from a tune up. The plugs need to be torque to specific specs, under torque can cause air to escape and this will cause lose of compression. If the spark plugs are over torque it can cause the plugs to crack or even worse the threads can strip in the head. Next make sure the coil packs or plug wires are properly seated. If the packs or wires are loose there will be no connection for the electric current to travel and no spark will be created. So yes there are some issues that can arise doing this install but if you follow the factory specs it is as easy as one, two, three.