Factors That Indicate You Need To Change Your Car’s Spark Plugs

Do you know how often you should change your spark plugs to maximize benefits? Many people don’t, so they go with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

In this blog post, Cutter Mazda Waipahu, serving Waipahu, HI, will break it down for you to decide when to change your spark plugs. Spoiler alert: It’s not as often as you might think! Read on to find out more.

Spark Plug Replacement Factors:

How often should you change your spark plugs? It’s a question that we get a lot, and it’s not as simple to answer as you might think. Several factors come to light when deciding how often to change them.

Your Vehicle Engine Oil Type:

The motor oil in your vehicle engine can play a role in how often you need to replace your spark plugs. If you use conventional motor oil, it’s recommended that you change your spark plugs every 30,000 miles or so.

However, if you use synthetic motor oil, you can usually go a bit longer between replacements. Synthetic oil lasts longer and withstands higher temperatures to help your spark plugs last longer.

You might be able to get away with changing your synthetic oil-based spark plugs every 40,000 miles or so. Just check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval for your specific vehicle.

The Type of Spark Plug You Use:

The spark plug you use can also affect how often you need to replace them. For example, Iridium and platinum spark plugs can last up to 60,000 miles before they need to be replaced. So if you’re using one of these types of plugs, you might be able to go a bit longer between replacements.

Again, it’s always most suitable to consult your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for your specific vehicle. And if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and replace your plugs more often than less. After all, they’re not that expensive, and it’s a pretty easy DIY job.

Your Driving Habits:

Driving can also affect how often you need to replace your spark plugs. For example, if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving in city traffic, your plugs will have to be replaced more frequently than if you mostly drive on the highway.

Your Regular Terrain:

Do you regularly drive on smooth, well-maintained roads? Or do you find yourself frequently going off-road or driving on rougher terrain? The latter will put more wear and tear on your spark plugs and other engine parts, resulting in a need to change your spark plugs often.

Bottom Line:

So there you have it! These are the main factors that will affect how often you need to change your spark plugs. Remember, it’s not as often as you might think – so don’t be afraid to put it off for a while.

However, if you start to notice any performance issues with your vehicle, it’s always a good idea to check your spark plugs and see if they need to be replaced. Better safe than sorry!

We hope this Cutter Mazda Waipahu blog post has been informative and helpful. If you have more queries or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us or browse our parts inventory. We have all your automotive solutions under one roof.

Thanks for reading!

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