What are spark plugs and how do they work?\r\n
\n\n
Spark plugs are one of the key components of your vehicle\u2019s ignition system. They ignite gasoline and air inside of your engine. This gives your engine the power to propel you down the road. The spark plug takes high voltage electricity from the ignition coil and creates a spark at just right moment during the engine\u2019s combustion cycle. This gives the engine the best mix of power, fuel economy and low emissions. However, the electrode at the end of the spark plug eventually wears out and can cause performance issues.
\n
","articleDesc2":"
When should you replace spark plugs? \r\n
\n\n
Replacement should follow the vehicle maintenance schedule. This will be listed in the vehicle\u2019s owner\u2019s manual. Some cars require regular replacement at 30k, 60k or 100k miles. It is possible in some cases that a spark plug might fail before the service schedule, but it\u2019s not typically common.
\n\n
Avoiding spark plug replacement can cause:
\n\n
\n- Difficulty starting your car.
\n- Check engine light for a misfire code.
\n- Flashing check engine light during acceleration for misfire, this can cause engine damage.
\n- Reduced fuel economy and/or power.
\n- Rough idle and/or unexplained engine vibration.
\n- Failed State emission testing.
\n
\n\n
Even if only one spark plug is found to be faulty, they should always be replaced in sets. Most engines will require 4,6, or 8 spark plugs.
\n\n
How do mechanics replace spark plugs?\r\n
\n\n
Spark plugs are threaded into the engine\u2019s cylinder head(s). Most cars have one plug per cylinder, so a four-cylinder engine will have four plugs, a six-cylinder engine will have six plugs, and so forth.\nThe mechanic will:
\n\n
\n- Have the correct spark plugs on hand for your vehicle
\n- Pull any diagnostic trouble codes that may be related to worn spark plugs.
\n- Remove the original spark plugs and look at removed spark plugs for any clues indicating engine mis-operation exists; such as oil burning, excessively rich mixture, pre-ignition damage etc. Inform owner of any found unusual conditions.
\n- Install new plugs using a torque wrench.
\n- Finally, a road test of the vehicle to confirm normal operation.
\n
\n\n
Is it safe to drive with worn spark plugs?\r\n
\n\n
Yes, but spark plugs that are worn enough to cause engine-misfiring have the potential to cause engine damage and overheating of the catalytic converter. Regardless of the age of the plugs, or mileage, if the engine misfires or runs poorly, the plugs should be inspected for defects. Generally, spark plug failure will not keep the engine from running, but in cases of extreme wear, you may experience a limitation in the speed at which you can drive the car. If the maintenance schedule says the plugs should be replaced, it is best to do so promptly.
\n\n
When having spark plugs replaced keep in mind:\r\n
\n\n
\n- High-speed driving may accelerate spark plug wear. Consider earlier than required inspection and tune-up if you operate the car in severe conditions.
\n- Plugs should always be promptly replaced per the manufacturer maintenance schedule even if they appear to be working perfectly.
\n- If your vehicle is equipped with spark plug wires (as opposed to a coil-on-plug system), the wires should be replaced at the same time. This may increase the cost of your repair.
\n- It is possible that when doing a spark plug replacement, your vehicle may also need additional parts like ignition coils, this will add to the repair cost.
\n- Some engines require that the intake manifold be removed while replacing spark plugs. This may increase the parts and labor cost for the repair.
\n- Leaking valve cover gaskets, which have let oil get in contact with the spark plugs, coils or wires, may be the cause of ignition system issues. Valve cover gaskets will need to be replaced in addition to the spark plugs, wires or coils. This will add to the repair cost.
\n
\n
"},"reviewsAndRatings":{"reviewsData":{"make":null,"model":null,"jid":207,"city_id":null,"state_id":null,"review_count":10,"mechanics":[{"id":68519,"name":"Steven","login":"slaramee","mech_location":"Surprise, AZ","experience":14,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/2774901873232849352","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/2774901873232849352","profile_url":"/pro/slaramee","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":425,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Fixed the problem the first time. Went the extra mile by checking engine codes and reset the check engine light. I had called because the car failed emission test, after Steven fixed the problem the car passed emissions. Thank You.","author":"Daniel","review_date":"2016-07-30T16:08:14-07:00","service_location":"Sun City, Arizona","year":"1997","make":"Honda","model":"Civic","engine":"L4-1.6L","car":"1997 Honda Civic L4-1.6L","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]},{"id":698621,"name":"Shaun","login":"sfenner","mech_location":"Phoenix, AZ","experience":10,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/11977838565940506146","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/11977838565940506146","profile_url":"/pro/sfenner","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":542,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"First class","author":"Carla","review_date":"2017-12-19T00:49:44-08:00","service_location":"Sun City, Arizona","year":"2003","make":"Jaguar","model":"S-Type","engine":"V6-3.0L","car":"2003 Jaguar S-Type V6-3.0L","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]},{"id":440608,"name":"Todd","login":"twright","mech_location":"Tempe, AZ","experience":53,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/1139529456515059736","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/1139529456515059736","profile_url":"/pro/twright","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":13,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"VERY GOOD MAC.","author":"Donald","review_date":"2015-11-12T23:29:42-08:00","service_location":"Sun City, Arizona","year":"2013","make":"Ram","model":"1500","engine":"V8-5.7L","car":"2013 Ram 1500 V8-5.7L","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]},{"id":1790146,"name":"Peter","login":"pmichaelmejia","mech_location":"Brentwood, CA","experience":12,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/14292774415739435357","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/14292774415739435357","profile_url":"/pro/pmichaelmejia","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":119,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Very knowledgeable and would recommend. Definitely a huge help from your mechanic for the credit for healthcare workers.","author":"Tamara","review_date":"2020-05-29T02:35:00-07:00","service_location":"Oakley, California","year":"2014","make":"Dodge","model":"Durango","engine":"V8-5.7L","car":"2014 Dodge Durango V8-5.7L","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]},{"id":367094,"name":"Carlos","login":"carlosm","mech_location":"River Oaks, TX","experience":16,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/10683425478597398202","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/10683425478597398202","profile_url":"/pro/carlosm","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":362,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Carlos provided a detailed explanation of the issue and answered all of my questions. He was very professional and I was very happy with his work.","author":"Demarco","review_date":"2015-12-15T04:10:07-08:00","service_location":"Fort Worth, Texas","year":"2008","make":"Mitsubishi","model":"Endeavor","engine":"V6-3.8L","car":"2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor V6-3.8L","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]},{"id":719932,"name":"Daniel","login":"dlanders","mech_location":"Chapel Hill, NC","experience":30,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/16177028638084103553","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/16177028638084103553","profile_url":"/pro/dlanders","average_rating":4,"ratings_count":40,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Daniel is a special person. He is very skillful and knows a lot about cars. As I did, I'm sure you will learn to appreciate the gift he has, and benefit from knowing that the job is done right. Thank you Daniel for a job well done.","author":"Mo","review_date":"2017-04-30T22:46:05-07:00","service_location":"Cary, North Carolina","year":"2007","make":"Lexus","model":"RX350","engine":"V6-3.5L","car":"2007 Lexus RX350 V6-3.5L","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]},{"id":398730,"name":"Enrique","login":"emoran","mech_location":"Kissimmee, FL","experience":21,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/1052068417000983837","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/1052068417000983837","profile_url":"/pro/emoran","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":244,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Thanks Enrique, you did a great job, was nice meeting you!","author":"Ernst","review_date":"2015-12-11T20:33:35-08:00","service_location":"Davenport, Florida","year":"2009","make":"Chrysler","model":"300","engine":"V6-3.5L","car":"2009 Chrysler 300 V6-3.5L","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]},{"id":1981270,"name":"Daniel","login":"daniel483","mech_location":"Fort Lauderdale, FL","experience":9,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/12757358006355950003","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/12757358006355950003","profile_url":"/pro/daniel483","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":42,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"!!!","author":"Catherine","review_date":"2021-03-17T16:35:15-07:00","service_location":"Fort Lauderdale, Florida","year":"2012","make":"Toyota","model":"Prius","engine":"L4-1.8L Hybrid","car":"2012 Toyota Prius L4-1.8L Hybrid","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]},{"id":6226,"name":"Stefan","login":"sgill","mech_location":"Danville, CA","experience":17,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/5441106441261057547","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/5441106441261057547","profile_url":"/pro/sgill","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":367,"reviews":[{"rating":4,"content":"","author":"Andy","review_date":"2014-04-22T16:50:46-07:00","service_location":"Fremont, California","year":"2003","make":"Toyota","model":"Camry","engine":"L4-2.4L","car":"2003 Toyota Camry L4-2.4L","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]},{"id":1134669,"name":"Cesar","login":"cesarpineda","mech_location":"Everett, WA","experience":9,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/18344169042591161535","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/18344169042591161535","profile_url":"/pro/cesarpineda","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":292,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Very fast and pro much appreciated.","author":"Erik","review_date":"2018-03-26T22:58:29-07:00","service_location":"Bothell, Washington","year":"1995","make":"Nissan","model":"Pathfinder","engine":"V6-3.0L","car":"1995 Nissan Pathfinder V6-3.0L","job":"Spark Plugs","job_id":207}]}],"hide_description":true},"aggregateRating":{"jid":207,"extrapolated_service_count":55671,"rating_count":5061,"rating":"4.9","count_1_star":80,"count_2_star":19,"count_3_star":23,"count_4_star":149,"count_5_star":4790},"linkToReviewsPage":"/reviews/?mktg_jid=207&city=27234","cityLinks":[{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Agoura Hills, CA","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=agoura-hills-ca"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Addison, IL","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=addison-il"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Bargersville, IN","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=bargersville-in"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Dedham, MA","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=dedham-ma"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Malden, MA","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=malden-ma"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Zebulon, NC","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=zebulon-nc"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Riverton, NJ","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=riverton-nj"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Roosevelt, NY","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=roosevelt-ny"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Macedonia, OH","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=macedonia-oh"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Northfield, OH","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=northfield-oh"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Franklin, OH","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=franklin-oh"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Sperry, OK","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=sperry-ok"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Hillsboro, OR","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=hillsboro-or"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Issaquah, WA","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=issaquah-wa"},{"title":"Spark Plug Replacement In Fox Island, WA","url":"/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=fox-island-wa"}]},"repairPricingTableData":{"pricingData":[{"car":"2013|Ford|Fusion|L4-2.5L","labor":3600,"parts":5088,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$146","partsCost":"$50.88","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"7%","averageDealerPrice":"$158.38"},{"car":"2006|GMC|Savana 3500|V8-6.6L Turbo Diesel","labor":7560,"parts":36000,"url":"/cars/0/0","estimate":"$559","partsCost":"$360.00","laborCost":"$199.47","savings":"4%","averageDealerPrice":"$585.75"},{"car":"2007|Suzuki|SX4|L4-2.0L","labor":3600,"parts":9208,"url":"/cars/0/0","estimate":"$187","partsCost":"$92.08","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"6%","averageDealerPrice":"$199.58"},{"car":"2011|Mercedes-Benz|G550|V8-5.5L","labor":12600,"parts":26600,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$598","partsCost":"$266.00","laborCost":"$332.46","savings":"6%","averageDealerPrice":"$642.25"},{"car":"2010|Audi|Q7|V8-4.2L","labor":6120,"parts":31124,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$473","partsCost":"$311.24","laborCost":"$161.48","savings":"4%","averageDealerPrice":"$493.99"},{"car":"2008|Jaguar|XJ8|V8-4.2L","labor":5400,"parts":6360,"url":"/cars/0/0","estimate":"$206","partsCost":"$63.60","laborCost":"$142.48","savings":"8%","averageDealerPrice":"$224.85"}],"sidebarTitle":"Need new Spark Plugs?","sidebarBody":"Get your Spark Plugs changed by a top-rated mechanic at the convenience of your home or office."},"seoData":{"metaData":{"service":{"itemType":"https://schema.org/Service","metaProps":[{"itemProp":"url","content":"//m.whoreclub.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement/?city=sun-city-az"},{"itemProp":"areaServed","content":"Sun City, AZ"},{"itemProp":"serviceType","content":"Mobile Car Repair"}]},"organization":{"itemType":"https://schema.org/Organization","metaProps":[{"itemProp":"name","content":"YourMechanic"},{"itemProp":"legalname","content":"YourMechanic"},{"itemProp":"logo","content":"//m.whoreclub.com/assets/ym-logo-straight.png"},{"itemProp":"telephone","content":"1 (855) 347-2779"},{"itemProp":"url","content":"//m.whoreclub.com"},{"itemProp":"areaServed","content":"Sun City, AZ"},{"itemProp":"address","content":"Sun City, AZ"}]}}},"bookEngineState":{"quote":{"jobs":[{"id":207,"description":"Spark Plug Replacement"}]}},"serviceMerchandiserUI":{"heading":"Spark Plug Replacement at your home or office in Sun City.","isDiagnosticJob":false,"costRangeMin":11311,"costRangeMax":71647,"serviceRating":4.9,"totalRatings":5061,"benefits":[{"title":"Online Booking"},{"title":"Mechanic comes to you"},{"title":"12-month / 12k-mile warranty"},{"title":"Free 50 point safety inspection"}],"notFixedOnMobile":false,"jobTitle":"Spark Plug Replacement","cityName":"Sun City","seoFriendlyHeading":"","seoFriendlyTitle":"","ctaTextTitle":"","navBarCities":[{"id":9232,"name":"Greenville","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/greenville-sc","city_state":"Greenville, SC"},{"id":25324,"name":"Pasadena","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/pasadena-tx","city_state":"Pasadena, TX"},{"id":10263,"name":"Orlando","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/orlando-fl","city_state":"Orlando, FL"},{"id":8635,"name":"Charlotte","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/charlotte-nc","city_state":"Charlotte, NC"},{"id":19657,"name":"Chicago","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/chicago-il","city_state":"Chicago, IL"},{"id":25545,"name":"San Antonio","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/san-antonio-tx","city_state":"San Antonio, TX"},{"id":24056,"name":"Austin","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/austin-tx","city_state":"Austin, TX"},{"id":9514,"name":"Atlanta","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/atlanta-ga","city_state":"Atlanta, GA"},{"id":10370,"name":"Tampa","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/tampa-fl","city_state":"Tampa, FL"},{"id":6106,"name":"Washington","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/washington-dc","city_state":"Washington, DC"},{"id":27890,"name":"Los Angeles","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/los-angeles-ca","city_state":"Los Angeles, CA"},{"id":27167,"name":"Phoenix","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/phoenix-az","city_state":"Phoenix, AZ"}]}}" data-trace="true" style="display: none">
