For the engine of any car to operate optimally, it requires good spark plugs and these plugs need to be replaced after approximately every twenty thousand miles. However, their condition needs to be checked after about ten thousand miles. This is normally done when the car goes for a tune up. It is also recommended by the manufacturer that the spark plugs are checked regularly incase of any splits, corrosion, cracks or any other damage that would interfere with the car’s performance. Checking the condition of the sparks does not require a qualified mechanic and the procedure for checking spark plugs is as follows.
First, pull the release lever for the hood which is located below the dash board. This will enable the hood to open. Move to the front of the vehicle and open up the hood with the latch underneath it. The spark plugs in four cylinder engines are found on a row that is on one side of the engine and cars which V-shaped engines have the plugs are on two sides of the engine. They need to be removed one at a time and thereafter; the plug wire should be replaced before checking another plug. The plug wire should then be pulled at the point where it connects to the plug. A rubber boot at the wire’s end is then pulled gently so as not to damage the plug.
Remove the plug with a ratchet and socket by twisting it counterclockwise. An extension of the ratchet and socket may be needed if the plugs are in a deep set and not easily accessible. Any dirt on the spark plug should be wiped or blown away to prevent anything getting in the cylinder. A spark plug in good condition should have a light coating of brown grayish deposits. If the plug happens to have a black coating or the core nose looks damaged then replacement is needed.
To carry out gapping of the spark plug, the correct gap should be determined from the car’s manual. It may also be indicated on the hood of the car. Put the gapping tool in the space that is between the centre electrode and the side electrode of the plug tip. Study the ruled edge of the tool and do a gap measurement. The gap can be adjusted by bending the tip of the spark plug to make the right size. This should be done for every plug. When putting in the new plugs, hand tighten them, and if resistance is felt then begin again to avoid cross threading. Socket wrenches are used to tighten them until they are securely in. The plug wires also require regular replacement. If gapping is not done appropriately, a car may not run properly and the right model of plugs should be bought for effective performance. The final step is to start the engine to find out whether the engine runs smoothly. Regular checking of spark plugs is vital to ensure that overall car safety is maintained.
Enjoy your car and find the best deal on the insurance coverage you need. Visit us for money-saving tips, no-obligation auto insurance comparisons and advice for finding affordable rates at Auto Insurance Rates Direct.
Levi_Quinn
Last 10 posts in Repairs
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Car Power Adapter Charger for Garmin Nuvi 200 200W 205 205W 250 250W 255 255W 260 260W 265 265W 270 300 310 350 360 370 500 550 600 610 650 660 670By Generic
For the engine of any car to operate optimally, it requires good spark plugs and these plugs need to be replaced after approximately every twenty thousand miles. However, their condition needs to be checked after about ten thousand miles. This is normally done when the car goes for a tune up. It is also recommended by the manufacturer that the spark plugs are checked regularly incase of any splits, corrosion, cracks or any other damage that would interfere with the car’s performance. Checking the condition of the sparks does not require a qualified mechanic and the procedure for checking spark plugs is as follows.
First, pull the release lever for the hood which is located below the dash board. This will enable the hood to open. Move to the front of the vehicle and open up the hood with the latch underneath it. The spark plugs in four cylinder engines are found on a row that is on one side of the engine and cars which V-shaped engines have the plugs are on two sides of the engine. They need to be removed one at a time and thereafter; the plug wire should be replaced before checking another plug. The plug wire should then be pulled at the point where it connects to the plug. A rubber boot at the wire’s end is then pulled gently so as not to damage the plug.
Remove the plug with a ratchet and socket by twisting it counterclockwise. An extension of the ratchet and socket may be needed if the plugs are in a deep set and not easily accessible. Any dirt on the spark plug should be wiped or blown away to prevent anything getting in the cylinder. A spark plug in good condition should have a light coating of brown grayish deposits. If the plug happens to have a black coating or the core nose looks damaged then replacement is needed.
To carry out gapping of the spark plug, the correct gap should be determined from the car’s manual. It may also be indicated on the hood of the car. Put the gapping tool in the space that is between the centre electrode and the side electrode of the plug tip. Study the ruled edge of the tool and do a gap measurement. The gap can be adjusted by bending the tip of the spark plug to make the right size. This should be done for every plug. When putting in the new plugs, hand tighten them, and if resistance is felt then begin again to avoid cross threading. Socket wrenches are used to tighten them until they are securely in. The plug wires also require regular replacement. If gapping is not done appropriately, a car may not run properly and the right model of plugs should be bought for effective performance. The final step is to start the engine to find out whether the engine runs smoothly. Regular checking of spark plugs is vital to ensure that overall car safety is maintained.
Enjoy your car and find the best deal on the insurance coverage you need. Visit us for money-saving tips, no-obligation auto insurance comparisons and advice for finding affordable rates at Auto Insurance Rates Direct.
Levi_Quinn
Last 10 posts in Repairs
- Buy an Extended Warranty For a Used Car With Instant Coverage For Pennies on the Dollar! - August 21st, 2009
- Best Way to Remove Tires - August 21st, 2009
- How to Use ELM327 OBD-II OBD2 CAN USB Interface Diagnostic Tool - August 21st, 2009
- How to Find Oil Leaks - August 21st, 2009
- Things to Think About Before Working on Your Car For the First Time - August 21st, 2009
- 1997-2001 Toyota Camry P0401 Diagnosis - August 21st, 2009
- A Serious Tire Failure That You Can Prevent - August 20th, 2009
- Once-A-Month Maintenance to Keep Your Car Running For Years - August 20th, 2009
- When Should You Visit a Transmission Repair Specialist? - August 20th, 2009
- How to Fix a Trunk Latch - August 20th, 2009
Car Power Adapter Charger for Garmin Nuvi 200 200W 205 205W 250 250W 255 255W 260 260W 265 265W 270 300 310 350 360 370 500 550 600 610 650 660 670By Generic
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