Best Spark Plugs for Horsepower – Performance – Fuel Mileage and More

Any cars and engines can’t go anywhere or can’t work without spark plug. A healthy spark plug will directly make great engine performance. A bad or weak one will cause many problems such as: misfires or cold – starting during acceleration. If your spark plug is not good – working, your ride is unable to sustain maximum power and your car can see a fall in fuel economy. From these, you can see how important the spark plugs to your cars.

Look spark plugs as the tiniest light bolt, you can see they look small, but mighty. The electricity of spark plugs produces the ignition for combustion which is necessary for your car to start. Putting the piston in motion of engine can help to increase and stay power, create the compressed air-fuel mixture with a smooth burn. Spark plugs can tolerate great heat and pressure in the cylinders. They are created to burn of the deposits from many fuel additives and other contaminants. This is the main function of spark plugs.

According to spark plugs’ requirement, they can go a lot of miles for years and we don’t need to replace them very often. However, some time, you should replace your existing spark plug because of long – time use. You should have known about their type, quality and other distinctive features. Here I will recommend you some best spark plugs with the hope that you will have the large selection of the best products with the prestigious brans for replacement. Then this article will give you some guides about the way they work, how to change them and some essential knowledge for the spark plugs.

Top 12 best spark plugs for your car

With the various spark plugs on the market, choosing the spark plug is a long journey. Each type has each advantage and disadvantage. Let’s consider 12 top rated spark plugs below. I hope you will have the best choice for your vehicle.

What do you look for in spark plugs? Performance? Increase horsepower, gas mileage or Iridium type? This list also includes spark plugs for specific engine and vehicle (5.3 Vortec, 350 Chevy engine, Harley Davidson, Toyota Tacoma and Mustang v6).

Let’s scroll down to start our journey!

1. Best performance spark plugs

NGK 7090 BKR5EGP G-Power Spark Plug

on Amazon

NGK 7090 BKR5EGP G-Power Spark Plug, Pack of 4

  • Weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3.4 x 1.1 x 0.9 inches
  • Folding: No

This is the high – performance product of industry leaders NGK. G-Power Spark Plug is the platinum alloy type providing the great performance with a quicker start, lower emissions and fuel efficiency. The platinum with 0.6 mm laser reduces required voltage which ensures the consistently stable spark plugs with high durability. Special configurations used for insulator noses can help to improve the throttle response and prevent the insulator from fouling withcorrugated ribs to avoid flashover.

Moreover, the center electrode of platinum alloy ground can create the greater spark plugs when ensuring the precise gap within the plug life. Trivalent mental plating provides the anti -seizing properties and the superior anti – corrosion while the triple gasket seal can remove combustion gas leakage.

Of course, the price of the 4 packs is higher than a single spark plug. However, if you divide the price by four, the price for each individual is rather equal to the decent product. If you have a strong demand for replacing your existing spark plugs, you should consider this kind of product.

Pros:

  • 4 pack of plugs
  • 0.6 mm electrode
  • Reasonable price

Cons:

  • Platinum tip only

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


ARES 70190

on Amazon

ARES 70190 3/8-Inch Drive by 5/8-Inch Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug

  • Weight: 5.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 2.4 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
  • Folding: No
  • Product includes a rotate magnetic plug socket

The ARES magnetic swivel socket with the 3/8 – inch driver can construct the chrome vanadium steel with durable and heat treated features. Chrome plating also makes it easy to clean and have the professional look. This spark plug with the advanced design of 360 degree swivel can enhance the maximum flexibility.

The inner magnet will protect and retain the spark plugs for easier installation. This magnet is strong enough to keep your spark plug. The price includes spark plugs and dielectric grease. Not only is the affordable price, the process is quite easy and takes short time.The shaft with knurled grip will help you to keep the light grip in order to reduce or minimize the possibility of slipping.

Furthermore, unlike other traditional rubber gaskets, the inner magnet will not wear out over time. Thanks to this, the socket can provide the reliable use for years. Many consumers trust to use the quality products of ARES due to their performance assurance. If you have any problems with their spark plugs, feel free to contact their customer service to find troubleshooting help, replacement or refund.

Pros:

  • Smooth swivel
  • Perfect length (6 inches)
  • Strong enough magnet

Cons:

  • Little weak, quite easy broken

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


2. Best spark plugs for horsepower

8 New NGK IRIDIUM IX Spark Plug LZTR7AIX-13 # 5107

on Amazon

8 New NGK IRIDIUM IX Spark Plug LZTR7AIX-13 # 5107

  • Weight: 15.4 ounces
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 3.1 inches

This product can provide an awesome performance which upgrades over the OEM spark plugs. It also offers from 40000 to 50000 mile service life. Iridium center electrode with a fine wire and the Nickel alloy electrodes will make the torque and maximum engine horsepower with high melting temperature. Moreover, NGK IRIDIUM IX Spark Plug LZTR7AIX-13 is designed with turbocharged and fuel – injected engine.

The electrode construction with precise welded laser and trivalent metal plating which has some superior properties in anti-corrosion and anti-seizing will contribute to making the great performance of the spark plugs. This spark plug also has the amazing durability, high fuel efficiency, and outstanding acceleration. Furthermore, it also has the great features in antioxidation and anti-erosion.

Also, NGK is also the well - known brand for the numerous contributions in spark plug market that includes the copper core development, new ceramic technology, and iridium development. In general, with many superior features, this spark plug type should be under consideration for those who need to replace their existing one.

Pros:

  • Longer life
  • Improve ignition
  • Ultimate design

Cons:

  • Hard to install due to its size

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


3. Best spark plugs for gas mileage

NGK 6240 PLFR5A-11 Laser Platinum Spark Plug

on Amazon

NGK 6240 PLFR5A-11 Laser Platinum Spark Plug

  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.2 x 2.1 inches

NGK Laser Platinum Spark Plugs are designed to provide enhanced throttle response and excellent fuel ignition. They also have the OEM specifications and trivalent metal plating that ensure the long-lasting durability and protect the plug against anti-seizing. Besides, the center electrode has a laser welded platinum tip which makes the quicker acceleration and your vehicle start faster.

Behind the ground electrode, a welded platinum disc also affects enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions. The corrugated ribs can prevent flashover. The ceramic insulator with pure alumina silicate will provide better heat transfer and superior strength. This is a copper core that can help heat removal.

You should buy a silver anti-seize to apply on the thread of new spark plugs and transparent boot grease that you have to apply on the spark plugs’ ceramic portion. With these tools, you can not only place them easily, hold the threads and coil boots in good shape but also pull them easily when you want to replace them.

Pros:

  • Engine warms up quicker
  • Start faster and smoother
  • Less noisy

Cons:

  • Check their size carefully if any unfit issues

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


4. Best iridium spark plugs

NGK (5464) BKR5EIX-11 Iridium IX Spark Plug, Pack of 1

on Amazon

NGK (5464) BKR5EIX-11 Iridium IX Spark Plug, Pack of 1

  • Weight: 0.16 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.2 x 2.1 inches

With a specific design for the performance enthusiast, this product provides extreme ignitability, superior anti – fouling and improved throttle response. The fine iridium with 0.6 mm welded laser tip can ensure the consistent stability of spark plugs and their high durability. Besides, the tapper ground electrode also reduces the electrical quenching effect to a minimum.

The longer insulator nose can help the plug to prevent fouling, and the corrugated ribs also prevent flashover. Furthermore, a triple gasket seal removes combustion gas leakage as well. Iridium alloy has a super high melting temperature. This not only gives the high durability electrical wear and heat but also generates perfect high-performance engines.

Also, trivalent metal plating offers great properties in anti-seizing and superior anti-corrosion. This is the great spark plugs with great packaging. There are 4 spark plugs in a large box; each is in small box separating from others. This will prevent them from damaging to each other. They do not fall out of spark plug sockets and fit snugly. They run consistently and smoothly.

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Run faster and smoother
  • Good quality for engine

Cons:

  • Double check the size to fit your vehicle

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


5. Best for 5.3 vortec

ACDelco 41-962 Professional Platinum Spark Plug, Pack of 1

on Amazon

ACDelco 41-962 Professional Platinum Spark Plug, Pack of 1

  • Weight: 0.8 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.8 x 1.3 inches
  • Folding: No

ACDelco 41-962 is one of the double - platinum spark plugs with premium aftermarket spark plugs. This model is the ideal replacement with a high quality performance for many vehicles. The center electrode has the double platinum and copper core pads which provide the long-lasting performance. The optimal replacement is designed to meet your function, form, fit expectations of aftermarket spark plugs.

The pure copper core material can make the electrode temperature cooler for fouling resistance and maximized durability. The fired – in, one – piece suppressor seal combines with a gas-tight seal that results in reducing engine interference and protecting from compression pressure for long longevity.

This product not only is rather easy to be installed but also has the properly price. The price you pay goes with the quality you get. Why do you spend your time and money in inferior quality spark plug? I believe ACDelco 41-962 with the professional platinum will not let you down.

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Gas mileage is up and runs greatly
  • Good quality for engine

Cons:

  • Have a new wire before stating

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


6. Best for Harley Davidson

NGK (6046) DCPR7EIX Iridium IX Spark Plug, Pack of 1

on Amazon

NGK (6046) DCPR7EIX Iridium IX Spark Plug, Pack of 1

  • Weight: 0.32 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.2 x 2.1 inches
  • Vehicle Service Type: all-terrain-vehicles and off-road motorbikes.

This is one of Iridium IX series of NGK – prestigious brand. This product is designed specifically to provide extreme ignitability, superior anti – fouling and improved throttle response. The tapper ground electrode also reduces the electrical quenching effect to a minimum. The fine iridium with 0.6 mm welded laser tip can ensure the consistent stability of spark plugs and their high durability.

Like most products of Iridium IX series, the longer insulator nose can also help the plug to prevent fouling, and the corrugated ribs also prevent flashover. Iridium alloy has an amazing high melting temperature. A triple gasket seal removes combustion gas leakage, which results in the high durability and perfect high-performance engines.

 Trivalent metal plating offers great properties in anti-seizing and superior anti-corrosion. There is no hot or cold in starting issues. This is excellent and virtually spark plug which improves idle smoothness. I guarantee that it will bring the better satisfaction than your old spark plug.

Pros:

  • Last well
  • Improve fuel efficiency
  • Run smoothly

Cons:

  • Careful setting the gap

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


NGK Iridium IX DCPR7EIX Spark Plugs for 1999-2016 Harley Davidson Twin Cam

on Amazon

NGK Iridium IX DCPR7EIX Spark Plugs for 1999-2016 Twin Cam

  • Weight: 1.44 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches
  • Exterior: Smooth
  • Folding: No

This is manufactured by NGK – the leaders of spark plug industry with the ultimate technology and performance. The size of Iridium IX DCPR7EIX is just ¼ the size of common nickel electrode and 25 percent smaller than the platinum electrode. The center electrode with an extreme small diameter can extend ignition system life and reduce voltage requirement.

The metal shell plating will enhance the anti-corrosion qualities. It brings the big difference from the standard spark plugs. No cold problems happen when starting and the engine runs smoothly. With the awesome price, it will meet the replacement need of many people who have the tight budget with amazing quality.

Pros:

  • Pocket-friendly price
  • Running smoothly
  • Remarkable performance

Cons:

  • Make sure it fits your vehicle

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


7. Best for 350 Chevy engine

ACCEL 0526-4 Copper Core Spark Plug, (Pack of 4)

on Amazon

ACCEL 0526-4 Copper Core Spark Plug, (Pack of 4)

  • Weight: 5.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 0.9 x 3.6 x 4.9 inches
  • Folding: No

ACCEL brand provides the model 0526-4 with the copper core material, which is designed to offer a significantly hotter spark. This hotter spark makes a more efficient and complete burn of the fuel and air mixture. Furthermore, it also expands flame more quickly in the combustion chamber.

With significant power at high rpm, ACCEL 0526-4 will reduce the misfire and fouling. Not only this, but it also minimizes the flame dissipation. Moreover, this model also provides noticeably fuel economy and instant throttle response. With advanced design in fuel management technology and cylinder head, the copper core type with the normal ground electrodes will increase the thermal conductivity and protect the cylinder heads by the machine – rolled 14 mm threads.

Pros:

  • Burn longer and stay hotter
  • Advanced technology
  • Fuel efficiency

Cons:

  • Not ideal for most vehicles

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


ACCEL 0526-4 Copper Core Spark Plug, (Pack of 4)

on Amazon

NGK 3403 NGK G-Power Platinum Spark Plug TR55GP - 6 PCSNEW

  • Weight: 9.9 ounces
  • Dimensions: 6.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
  • Folding: No

NGK spark plugs are some of the best performance products around. These have the fantastic platinum electrodes. They become popular and reliable by most consumers. This model of spark plugs can smooth your idle and brings the best bang for the buck. Overall, this is the great spark plugs for your Chevy 350 engines.

With this spark plug type, you will obtain the most value. Your vehicle can start and run will under the cold weather. I believe that new spark plugs will make your car better than the stock.

Their price maybe is affordable for those who are on tight budget, but they will also bring better performance than your original one. That means you will get more than what you pay. Great quality – great price, so if you are looking for the good spark plug, don’t hesitate to pick up an NGK 3403 for your vehicle. You won’t be disappointed with its surprising result.

Pros:

  • Saving money
  • No misfiring
  • Run efficiently and smoothly

Cons:

  • Not fit all vehicle

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


8. Best for Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Genuine Parts 90919-01235 Spark Plug

on Amazon

Toyota Genuine Parts 90919-01235 Spark Plug

  • Weight: 1.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches

Toyota is the most popular vehicle brands in Japan with proved quality products. Toyota Genuine Parts are the exact OEM part for your vehicle (original equipment manufacturer). If you choose the genuine OEM part, you can be confident in the great quality and effectiveness of the brand and product. The product will run extremely effectively in your vehicle. 

The single ground electrodes with patented design will result in the hotter spark plug. With the awesome longevity, before replacement, the copper-tipped spark plugs can last up to 60000 miles. Toyota has added the iridium and nickel to the platinum, which can make spark plugs durable, strong and prevent from cracking.

Toyota spark plugs also have an amazing price, and the result you get is more than what you pay. With the long life and high performance, Toyota Genuine will not let you down. With Toyota’s reputation, you should put this spark plug under your consideration when you have demand for replacement.

Pros:

  • High performance
  • Long longevity
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Relatively unfit with some vehicle

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


9. Best for Mustang v6

NGK (7164) TR55IX Iridium IX Spark Plug, Pack of 1

on Amazon

NGK (7164) TR55IX Iridium IX Spark Plug, Pack of 1

  • Weight: 0.32 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.2 x 2.1 inches
  • Folding: No

This model product provides the extreme ignitability, super antifouling and better throttle response. The 0.6 mm laser in fine iridium will enhance high durability and consistent stability. The corrugated ribs can prevent flashover, and the longer insulator nose prevents from fouling. A triple gasket seal also helps to remove the combustion gas leakage.

With super high melting temperature, NGK (7164) TR55IX Iridium IX will give the best performance engine. Furthermore, trivalent metal plating offers superior anti-seizing and anti-corrosion properties. Your vehicle will have the better acceleration with smooth start and run. This spark plug has longevity, virtual maintenance, and clean burn.

Overall, if you want to replace your existing spark plugs, but you are in tight budget, let’s consider NGK (7164) TR55IX Iridium IX.

Pros:

  • Smoothly start and run
  • Affordable price
  • More power and better fuel efficiency

Cons:

  • Check to ensure its fitment to your vehicles

Read customer reviews on Amazon right here.


Overall, with most spark plugs I recommend you, I hope your choosing spark plugs task is much easier. However, to have the best choice, you must know the spark plugs such as their role in our vehicles, what types of them, how they work and how to change by yourself. Here I will give you some guides with the hope that you can select and replace them on your own.


Thing to consider when choosing spark plugs

Why would I need spark plugs?

Simply that your car will not start with a misfiring engine, spark plugs are the connection of the ignition to the engine. They play an integral role in the combustion engine. Spark plugs create the electric current which can make the ignition system linked to the combustion of the engine to explode the compressed mixture of air and fuel inside engine’s firing chamber or cylinders.

A spark plug is a cover with a threaded metal shell. A porcelain insulator can isolate electricity from the central electrode. This electrode may often include a resistor, which is the connection of the output terminal of a coiled ignition or magneto to the heavy insulator wire. The metal shell of spark plugs is screwed into the cylinder head of engine and accordingly electrically grounded.

Spark plugs are also used for many various purposes. In Saab Direct Ignition, they are not responsible for firing; they are often used for measuring ionization in cylinders. This measurement is commonly used to replace the misfire function, knock sensor and a typical cam phase sensor. Spark plugs are also used in other applications like furnaces where a combustible air or fuel mixture will be ignited as flame igniters.

In general, spark plugs are the indispensable part of any cars and motor engine. A substandard, dirty or damaged spark plug will affect negatively to the performance of the most engine. 


Types of spark plugs

Most people think all of the spark plugs are similar to each other. Although they have the general purpose of generating an electric current to ignite the compressed fuel and air inside the combustion chamber, they have many various kinds, and each type has each feature appropriate to each vehicle’s brand. There are 4 common kinds of spark plugs, which indicate the materials used by manufacturers to make spark plugs such as copper core, platinum, iridium and double platinum.

You should choose a spark plug which is recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer to have the best performance. Below I will give you the detail of the four main kinds of spark plugs

Spark-Plug-Diagram

Source: championautoparts.com

  • Copper Core Spark Plugs

Copper core spark plugs are the most popular kind with the better performance than any other kinds of spark plugs. In general, other metals are not as conductive as copper. Iridium and platinum maybe easily overheat, which leads to the damage of the plug components. Moreover, it also affects negatively to the spark’s delivery to the engine block.

The copper type is the cheapest and most common plug available. A spark plug with typically standard features often goes with a nickel – alloy outer material that is fused to the copper – core electrode. Copper ones can run cooler and generate more power for the high performance in any driving situations. This type is usually installed as original equipment in engines with greater compression ratios and turbocharged engines.

Before the 1980s, copper spark plugs were commonly used in older vehicles with the ignition system based distributor. The nickel-alloy outside material used in the copper type isn’t as hard as other materials, so at the high temperature and pressure in the engine’s cylinder, the spark plug wears down more quickly. Over time, this will make spark plug become fouling, and they can’t work efficiently as the new one. Because of short longevity, we should replace for the new one about every 20000 miles to ensure the effective performance.

  • Platinum Spark Plugs

Platinum is a type of metal that not only is much harder than nickel alloy but also has a higher melting temperature. Due to the harder specific, platinum can hold its sharp edge far longer than any usual spark plug, maybe up to 100000 miles. The superior advantage to others is platinum spark plugs’ lifespan.

Furthermore, running a little hotter is another advantage of platinum type. This will make burning deposits off the engine better and prevent from fouling. Platinum spark plugs can also handle high heat and wear down the spark plug better. This type is also classified into 2 varieties: single platinum and a double one. A single one is rather similar to a copper spark plug with a platinum disc that is fused to the center electrode. Double platinum spark plugs have a platinum disc on the center electrode and the side electrodes.

  • Double Platinum Spark Plugs

Double platinum type is recommended for the distributor ignition system, which is a waste spark system. This system has allowed the spark plugs to enhance the firing performance to twice. Once is firing the compression stroke within the cylinder and twice is the exhaust stroke in the cylinder. The spark for the second gets wasted because of no ignition there. The waste spark system is also more reliable and can’t be affected by conditions of environment like dampness or rain.

  • Iridium Spark Plugs

Iridium Spark Plugs has amazingly higher performance than the platinum ones with eight times stronger and six times harder at 700 degrees melting temperature. They not only can keep the excellent wear features but also have greatly fine electrodes. From these strengths, iridium spark plugs can enhance their durability up to 25 percent longer than any comparable platinum type.

With the design of a fine wire center electrode, iridium spark plugs conduct the better electrical energy and boost firing efficiency. However, people often concern about their higher price. Overall, this is the most expensive type in the variety of spark plugs, but I believe the quality you get worth what you pay.

What kind of spark plugs do I need?

If you want to know which kind of spark plugs you need for your car, let’s check your own car’s manual. The good spark plug for your car should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Manufactures always design the engine with distinctive characteristics. A specific spark plug for each engine model configuration will make the efficient performance.

For instance, the older vehicle models (before the 1980s) brought, the better performance with copper spark plugs. Some later models (after the 1980s) go with platinum spark plugs for the perfectly operation. And for late model vehicles such as Lexus or Pontiac, iridium type is the better efficiency.


What should I look for in buying spark plugs?

To buy the good spark plugs for your vehicle, you should know some specifications of them. The owner’s manual can provide you knowledge about this. If you don’t have the manual and lack of necessary information, “Turn- up specification guide” at the supply store can help you. To gain the specification for your vehicle, you should have some basic information which often printed in owner’s manual or metal tags.

The below are some specs of your vehicle you should know:

  • The brand of your vehicle such as Chevrolet, Toyota,
  • The model, for example Malibu, Prius
  • The model year of manufacturing
  • The type of engine and the quantity of cylinders
  • Type of transmission: automatic or standard (manual) transmission
  • The displacement of engine: How much room of each cylinder is when the piston reaches the lowest point. For instance, a three – liter six – cylinder engine has one – haft liter displacement or 500 CCs (cubic centimeters). You should know that the more displacement the engine has, the more fuel and air in the cylinder’s engine.
  • The type of fuel system.
  • The gap of spark plugs. This is the space between the side and the center electrode
  • The part number of your vehicle’s spark plugs.

Can Spark Plugs Increase Horsepower, Performance and Gas Mileage?

As you can imagine, the answer to the above question is various. It depends on the person you talk to. If he is a spark plug dealer or an auto part store clerk, you will get a sure – fire with the answer “definitely they can”. However, with gearheads and tuners, there are much more skeptical and they are often cautious to give the answer due to the type dependent.

In general, the new spark plugs increase horsepower, performance and gas mileage. You know that sparks plugs are factually the driving force of the behind engine’s motion. This motion includes the reciprocating of pistons in cylinders (up and down motion) and the rotational motion which is transferred from the crankshaft to the wheels.

If your spark plugs are getting old, fouled up and worn down, they are not likely to create maximum spark. Hence, after igniting the air and fuel mixture, this will cause a loss in downward force to the pistons and power like horsepower out your vehicle’s wheel. Spark plugs are the most important components relating directly to the performance of your engine. Therefore, in order to have the best performance, you should not neglect them.

Many people think that the loss in power from failure spark plugs is not negligible and spark plugs do not make lots of difference when gaining horsepower. Just keep everything simple and consider about the new and properly functioning one. New spark plugs will always produce maximum possible horsepower.

Regarding gas mileage, similar to the basic principle of horsepower, the new properly – functioning spark plugs will generate the amazingly great performance with the optimal fuel economy that your vehicle is capable of. However, if you get inefficiently functioning or worn out ones, the performance of your engine will reduce significantly. Along with other parts, gas mileage will also be affected negatively.


How often should spark plugs be replaced?

Fortunately, spark plugs do not require the replacement very often. They can go years and miles. However this also depends on the longevity of spark plugs regarding the working condition and type.

Here are 6 signals indicating your spark plugs need to be replaced:

  • The rough idle engine:The sound they produce is smooth and constant but they are not performing as well as they should. Or the jittery and rough sound will made up if the spark plugs produce larger vibrations. Check carefully to see what happens you’re your spark plugs, otherwise it will cause the costly damage.
  • You have a trouble with starting your car: Most people think that a flat battery or out of fuel is the main factor making your car not starting down. Check and overlook another possibility of your worn and bad spark plugs. If they can’t produce the necessary spark for vehicle moving, you can’t go anywhere. Faulty spark plugs are also leading to your battery to drain. The best option is that you should replace them as soon as possible.
  • Your engine misfires: This will make your spark plugs’ function not smoothly as you want since more cylinders do not fire properly, which will cause to the higher amounts of emissions.
  • Engine surging: If the combustion process has more air than usual, it will make your vehicle jerk and slow down or start continually then even stop. This means your vehicles engine might work inefficiently. The dangerous situation and engine hesitation can occur and arise in traffic.
  • High fuel consumption: If your spark plugs have problem, your vehicle will drop the fuel economy up to 30 percent because of the incomplete combustion. Notice that if you have to fill fuel more often than usual, your spark plugs can be deteriorated. For the optimal fuel saving, you need to change your existing spark plugs.
  • Lack of acceleration: This makes your car really hard to respond and put itself along. The slowness due to lack of acceleration can be improved by a spark plug change.

How to change Spark Plugs?

Your car can’t run without a spark plug. By shooting sparks to and igniting the mixture of air and fuel in cylinders of engine, they produce the power running your car. Over time, they will wear down and need replacing. Unlike other complex parts of your car, spark plug is simple to be installed by yourself without any special tools or experts by following the steps below:

Step 1: Remove your old spark plug and get your new equipment ready to be installed

Find the location of your spark plug in your car

Disconnect the wires from the spark plugs

Disconnect the wires from the spark plugs

In most vehicle models, spark plugs locate in a row on the top or at the front of engine. With other older V engines, they locate to the side of engines. In some exceptional case, one spark plug goes with cylinder.

  • Make sure that your engine is cool enough and gets ready for you to start
  • If you have trouble in locating the spark plugs, find the black rubbery wires around the engine. Follow these current, you will find the spark plugs. Sometimes, some modern engines are covered with the plugs and coils. You should remove the cover for access.
  • Check the owner manual of your car for right location of spark plugs and the exact size you need.

Get your supplies and tools ready

After determining the exact size of your spark plugs, prepare all the necessary tools and supplies. There are just a few thing needed for changing the spark plugs such as a socket wrench with right - sized socket extension of your spark plugs like a new set of your spark plugs.

  • A gapping tool always had the requirement of the properly fitting plugs in the past, but now, modern spark plugs can be pre – gapped. They can be set incorrectly. You are responsible for checking and setting the gaps to be sure.
  • A rag, rubbing alcohol or compressed air can make your job go smoothly.
  • To make sure that your plugs unscrew more easily next time, you should replace with a bottle off anti – seize on hand. Before screwing on, apply the light coat over threads of your spark plugs.

Make sure the area around the plugs is clean

Ensure that no dirt in the cylinder and the around area is clean.  You can use compressed air or any rag with rubbing alcohol to clean this area.

Step 2: Remove your old spark plugs

Use the boot to pull out the first plug

Use a socket wrench to pull out the first spark plug

The boot is the connection of the spark plug wire to engine. Grip and carefully pull it out to separate the spark plugs. If you feel hard to pull the boot out, you should use boot pliers to take it out. Remember that do not pull two or more spark plugs at the same time. Otherwise, you may get a big trouble for reattaching. And don’t pull by the wire. You will damage it with this action.

Check the valve cover

There is a well in valve cover through which spark plugs installed at the center of the head. When you remove the plug boot, check the end to see whether it has oil cover or not. If not, inspect the well and oil with a flashlight. If you find oil on the valve cover or spark plugs, valve cover reseal should be in order. Don’t let oil in the cylinder, this will cause the damage.

Unscrew your old spark plug

This might come off easily. Choose a socket wrench which is fit to the spark plug socket. Place it around the old one then turn counterclockwise to easily unscrew the socket. If you have any resistance, do not force the spark plug to unscrew. You should stop and start with moving the wrench a little backward. Forcing can lead to the damage to the setting.

Clean the threads

Use a rag or rubbing alcohol to wipe away any dirt in the area of screwed wires in the spark plug. Make sure this place free of debris and grime before you install.

Step 3: Install the new one

Double check whether the old and the new spark plug is the same size or not.

check-spark-plug-size

Make sure that the replaced one and the new spark plug have the same length. If you are unsure about what spark plugs you should buy, take the old one to the store. An expert at the store may help you to solve your problem.

Seat the new spark plug

If you want to change the spark plugs more easily and smoothly next time, a little anti – seize on the threads can make you to unscrew simply. Remember that you should not leave any on the electrode as that will lead to fail. Screw the spark plug by hand, twist clockwise until it’s in the right place. You shouldn’t screw to tight since this may cause the damage.

Replace wire

You should add a little amount of dielectric grease to inside the boot. Pick it up and place it back the place it came from. The boot could snap in snugly. Ensure that it stays in the right place by giving it a tug.

Change the existing plugs

After changing one spark plug, you continue to replacing all the remaining plugs with the same method. Check the wires for rips or gouges. If they are in the bad shape, looking into changing them is also the best solution.

How Do Spark Plugs Work?

Spark plugs are the extremely important part of most vehicles and engines with two main functions. The first is to provide a strong spark for burning the compressed mixture of air and fuel in combustion chamber efficiently. The other is to wear down heat from combustion chamber.

In order to perform this function better, spark plugs need from 4000 volts to 28000 volts from the ignition coil. Maybe more, it depends on the requirement of the particular engine. This voltage goes through the center electrode of plug, heats it up then ionizes it electrically (charges it). The center electrode surrounded with the ceramic that can keep the heat confined to pug. Besides, it also avoids electric energy from skipping off to ground before getting the center electrode’s tip.

The combination of the voltage strike and the ionization effect will lead the electrical current to jump the air gap at the bottom of the center electrode and to reach the side electrode, which can produce the electric arc igniting the air and fuel mixture in engine’s cylinder.

In conclusion

Due to the complicated function and the various selections, choosing the good spark plug for your vehicle is not simple at all. With the helpful information provided by this awesome article, I believe your look – for – spark plug will be shorter, and you will get the spark plug which can meet your requirement. After top 12 great spark plugs with the highest rate in Amazon, the article also gives some guides and technical knowledge for those who have a strong demand for high – performance spark plugs.

Spark plugs are the most important part of most vehicles and engines. The best spark plug will improve and boost the amazing performance of your engine. A second-rate spark plug may be harmful to your engine. Hence, you should choose the great – quality one for the best result of engine’s operation carefully. Finally yet importantly, thank you so much for keeping reading the whole article. I hope you will get whatever you want from it. Don’t forget to press the like button below and share my articles with your friends. And feel free for any question at the comment section, I will answer as soon as possible.

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