Reasons Why You Should Have a Mechanic Replace Your Car’s Spark Plugs

Spark plugs will naturally wear out and will need to be replaced every 30,000 miles. Some newer spark plugs, however, can last as long as 90,000 miles. In any case, replacing spark plugs is best left to the professionals. Here’s why getting your car’s spark plugs replaced at a car repair shop is essential for the reliability of your car.

Changing Spark Plugs Requires Precision Gapping

The process of replacing spark plugs is tedious and more time-consuming than many people assume. If it is your first time, the process can take over four hours—or at least fifteen minutes per spark plug. This is not the same thing as changing oil, fixing a flat, or changing an air filter. When a spark plug is installed, the distance between the two electrodes needs to be adjusted. This is called adjusting the gap. To precisely gap each spark plug, a mechanic will use a spark plug gap tool and bend the electrodes if needed to achieve optimal gapping.

Incorrect Changing Will Cause Engine Problems and Inefficiency

Poorly installed spark plugs will cause engine misfires and result in reduced overall engine performance. Furthermore, spark plugs that are improperly gapped will suffer from decreased efficiency, which will cost you a noticeable amount of money in fuel costs over time. Improper spark plug installation also greatly increases emissions, which in addition to increasing pollution can lead your vehicle to fail its emissions test.

Professional Installation Ensures Reliability

If you want your new spark plugs to last as long as possible, be sure to have your spark plugs replaced professionally. Spark plugs that were not installed correctly won’t last as long as they were designed to last. Further, they will make your engine more difficult to start, which means you might not always have a reliable method of transportation if your spark plugs were installed unprofessionally.

For more information about getting your vehicle’s spark plugs replaced, come to Murray’s Auto Clinics. We have over thirty years of experience installing spark plugs. Call us at 301-585-7557 or check us out on the Web to learn more about our auto repair services.