Easy, Here's How to Replace Your Own Car Spark Plugs at Home!

How to replace car spark plugs can be done yourself without having to come to the workshop. Even so, you need to be careful because there is a risk of damage if you install it wrong.


The car's own spark plugs do need to be replaced because the more often the combustion process occurs in the car engine, the function of the car's spark plugs will decrease. If the condition is rusty or damaged, you need to replace the spark plug immediately.


Here are the steps on how to replace car spark plugs that are practical and can be done yourself at home!


How to Replace Car Spark Plugs


Spark plugs have an important role in the combustion process in the ignition chamber of a car engine. In the compression process, the spark plug will emit a spark because there is a mixture of air and fuel.


Replacement of car spark plugs must be in accordance with the operating standards and specifications of the manufacturer from which the car spark plugs originate. If it is done carelessly, it will risk damaging the ECU (Electronic Circuit Unit ) because of the spark plug resistance that does not match the car engine.


Here are the steps on how to replace car spark plugs that are safe and minimal risk:


1. Know the Location of the Spark Plug in Advance


Before changing spark plugs, you need to know in advance where the location of the spark plugs will be replaced. Some car manufacturers have different spark plug locations in each car engine.


Look back at the manual so you can understand first, before taking further action.


2. Prepare Supporting Equipment



The next step of how to replace car spark plugs, of course, is to prepare the equipment. The preparation of supporting tools such as the spark plug key provided in the car's built-in toolkit. of course, should not be left behind.


There are three types of spark plug wrench with different functions, viz.


  • Ratchet model :Has a flexible shape so that it can adjust to the groove of the spark plug position in the car engine.
  • Model T: Has a shape like a ratchet model. but on the head can not be removed or added additional accessories.
  • Pipe model: Has a pipe-like shape that requires an additional 10 or 14 wrench, depending on the size of the spark plug to be replaced.

3. Remove the Car Spark Plug



Position your car in a state of active handbrake. This is so that the car remains silent during the spark plug replacement process.


After knowing the location of the spark plug to be replaced, you simply remove the spark plug wire. The way to replace the spark plug wire is to pull the car spark plug wire while holding the wire so that the wire doesn't break easily.


Next, install the spark plug wrench leading into the spark plug housing and loosen its position by turning it counterclockwise until the spark plug is released from the spark plug housing.


4. Install a New Car Spark Plug



After all the car spark plugs are removed, then proceed with the installation of new car spark plugs. Follow how to replace the following car spark plugs:


  • First, first insert the new car spark plug in the spark plug lock.
  • Position it correctly so that the spark plug is right on the spark plug housing.
  • Next, just tighten it by turning it clockwise.

Be careful if you lock too tight. Doing so can damage the cylinder threads of the new car spark plug cylinder head. Don't forget to rewire the cables regularly.


5. Warm Up the Car Engine


The last step of how to replace a car spark plug is heating the engine. Reheating the car engine that has been installed by the new car's spark plug aims to ensure the ignition process has run normally again.


It is recommended to replace the car's spark plugs as a whole. This is so that the car's spark plugs remain functionally optimal, so they don't interfere with driving performance on the highway.


Change Spark Plugs Every How Many Km?


Really, change the car's spark plugs every how many km? The time to replace a car's spark plugs varies, depending on the driving style, the type of manufacturer and the type of car itself.


Even so, you can estimate how many km the time to replace the spark plugs, before the car's spark plugs die completely.


The average car spark plug replacement is the longest after traveling 60,000 km or based on 12 months after the latest car spark plug replacement. The time used, depends on what factors are missed first.


Changing car spark plugs regularly can prevent the car from breaking down and keep the car engine in prime condition, especially the ignition system in the car engine.


as a Result of Not Replacing the Car's Spark Plugs


Cars that have spark plugs that are not replaced are at risk of experiencing damage to the ignition system in the car's engine. In addition, several other risks will continue to haunt, as long as the car's spark plugs have not been replaced with new ones.


Here are some of the risks caused if the car's spark plugs are not replaced:


1. Car Performance Has Decreased


The driving experience becomes uncomfortable when the spark plugs start to fail. In addition to damaging the ignition system, damaged car spark plugs will have a direct impact on other components.


There is a gap between the electrode and the ground which has the potential to cause an electric spark or fire due to abnormal combustion of the motor.


When conditions like this, other components will also be affected. So there is a decrease in performance when driving. In fact, often the car pull will feel heavier than before.


2. Permanent Electrical Damage


Another component that was damaged was the car's electrical components. A damaged car spark plug will have an impact on the need for more electricity than normal needs.


This affects other supporting components to work harder than usual.


If left unchecked, it will cause permanent damage to the car's electrical system. Initially it may have an impact on the engine starter. but over time it will affect the components of the two motors that are directly related to electricity.


As a result, the engine shuts down completely without any incoming electricity supply.


3. Short on Fuel


Fuel becomes very wasteful because the engine rotation at idle is heavier than normal conditions.


The power produced also becomes weaker and affects the speed of the car on the highway. Even the torque on the engine is reduced which results in the car being heavier than before.


The risk caused by neglecting to replace the spark plugs of a car is very large and expensive.


Changing car spark plugs regularly can help you be more efficient and keep your favorite car in good condition when used for daily activities.


That's a discussion about how to replace car spark plugs that apply to Avanza, Grand Livina, and other types of cars.


Hopefully this article can help you understand how to replace car spark plugs that are practical even at home.


Tips from Auto Insurance Agencies! Car spark plugs are quite complex components and should be avoided to replace them yourself if you do not understand the ins and outs.


Give Protection for Your Favorite Car


In addition to taking good care of your car, you also need to provide financial protection for your favorite car with the best car insurance.


Car insurance can provide reimbursement for service costs at the workshop due to minor or major damage. Find out on Auto Insurance Agencies the best car insurance recommendations and compare the coverage benefits for yourself. Get up to 20% discount and free service for claims.


If you are still confused about choosing the right vehicle insurance, take the quiz from Auto Insurance Agencies below. After that, calculate the estimated cost of insurance premiums with a calculator.