Checking Your Spark Plugs

If you want your vehicle to last you as long asthe spark plug wires is all you need to get them out.
possible, then you need to make it a point to keep upBe careful though so that you do not wreck anything. If
on general maintenance. Getting gas and changing theyou notice any kind of dirt or debris after taking them
oil is really just the beginning. There is a lot more to it.out, clean them out with a vacuum of some kind.
Car owners need to keep a checklist of maintenanceYou need to be sure to check the instructions for your
items to stay up to date on. Checking your spark plugscar so that you know how the gap should be. You can
is one of these things that are necessary to theget a spark plug gauge to make sure the gap is the
longevity of your vehicle. If your spark plugs are notright distance. There is often a sticker under the hood
working properly then it could lead to further issuesthat tells you the right steps to take in this regard.
with your car. Prevent it from happening by inspectingCheck your manual if there is no sticker or if you are
your spark plugs regularly.not certain.
When it comes to checking your spark plugs, youYou have to coat the new spark plugs with special oil
should make a point to do it every 10,000 miles or so. Ifcalled penetrating oil first. Be careful when you put the
you neglect to do this you could be sorry later. If younew spark plugs into the car. You need to do it
do not drive your car 10,000 miles in a year then youcorrectly so that you do not make a mistake and
should check the spark plugs once a year. They tendhave the car not work correctly. Spark plugs that
to need replacing every two years or so or everyhave a gasket should be tightened a quarter turn to
20,000 miles. Even if you are not having trouble withhalf a turn with a ratchet. Those that do not have a
your car, the spark plugs still need to be replaced andgasket should be turned one sixteenth of a turn.
kept maintained.If you are not entirely sure how to check your spark
Before you reach beneath the hood of your car, makeplugs, ask a mechanic that you know and trust to
sure that it is turned off and that the engine is cool.show you how it is done. Some of them will not have
You could risk burning yourself if you reach in whilea problem doing this. Make sure it is a professional that
it’s still hot. You should use colored tape to label thehas a great reputation. Maintaining your spark plugs is
spark plug wires so that you remember where theyvital to your car’s efficient operation.
go back in after you take them out. Twisting and pulling