Even the simplest jobs on your car will require automotive tools. Spark plugs are critical to the smooth running of your car. They act as a high voltage bridge for electricity within your engine. When electricity crosses this bridge it triggers a spark that ignites the compressed fuels that makes your car engine start. Without a functioning plug, there will be no kick start to set your engine in motion.
However, spark plugs do wear out after a relatively short time, and as car owners we are advised to change them every 2 years. In most cars, changing the spark plug is a fairly quick and simple procedure.
If you do decide to change your spark plug yourself, how do you know when to do it? A good indicator that a plug needs changing is when the engine performance slows down. This usually means that the spark plug is worn out. To confirm this, you can test it using a spark plug gauge.
If the spark plug is indeed worn out and is in need of replacement, the first thing to do is check out the manufacturers description. This will tell you the correct specifications of the plug, so that you can get a suitable replacement. It will also list any alternative replacements in case the exact same model is unavailable.
When dealing with your plug, you should always protect yourself against the risk of electric shock, do this by putting on rubber gloves before you touch anything. Also, be careful not to lean against the car while the engine is still running.
The next stage in testing the the plug is to take apart each plug from the engine, as it is running. To remove each plug, use a torque wrench, turning it in an anti-clockwise direction. If the engine starts to slow down once you have removed each plug, then you know that the plug is doing its job, because the engine can no longer function as well without it. If the engine does not slow down, then that plug is not contributing anything and should be replaced. By removing each plug one at a time and checking the engine as you go, you can pinpoint and identify any plugs that need changing.
You should now remove and test the spark plug wires. To do this, stop the engine and wait until it has cooled. You should then test to see if the plug ignition is working. You can test this simply by exposing the plugs wire to a metal surface. If the plug gives off a spark then it is in good condition. Repeat this process for each wire to fully test your plug.
Follow all of these processes and you should know for certain whether or not your spark plug does need replacing.
