Are you looking to replace your car spark plug? Perhaps you’re wondering how much it will cost for a new spark plug? If so, read on, this article will tell you everything you need to know about spark plugs; from what they are and why they need changing to how much you are likely to pay for a new one.
you’re likely to pay between $100 and $200 for the labor + the plugs...
Table of Contents
1. What is a Spark Plug?
1. How Often Does a Spark Plug Need Replacing?
2. Why Does Your Spark Plug Need Replacing?
3. How Much Does Spark Plug Replacement Cost?
4. Conclusion
What is a Spark Plug?
Spark plugs are small but mighty and are a vital part of your car’s engine. They are a small dynamo that supplies a spark that powers up a car’s combustion.
Pistons inside the car engine will then begin to move, and your vehicle will power up. Your vehicle will then maintain the power to burn the compressed air-fuel mixture. Spark plugs are very strong and durable as they can cope with high temperatures as well as pressure from the cylinders. They can also burn off any fuel deposits or contaminants that come from the engine.
How Often Does a Spark Plug Need Replacing?
Spark plugs are generally a long-lasting component, but they will need to be changed occasionally. It’s a good idea to replace your spark plug once you’ve driven between 30,000 and 100,000 miles. This will vary slightly depending on what type of vehicle you own. It’s a good idea to check the owner’s manual for advice; many cars require their spark plugs to be changed once a year.
Regularly replacing your vehicles spark plug will reduce the risk of your car developing starting problems. It’s a good idea to pay close attention to your cars spark plugs and replace it when you see signs of wear and tear.
Why Does Your Spark Plug Need Replacing?
After years of use, spark plugs will eventually stop working effectively and need replacing. During its life span, a spark plug will go through extremes of temperatures. They are made of hardwearing, durable materials so that they can withstand extreme heat.
Although spark plugs last for years, they do eventually wear out. One of the main reasons spark plugs fail is that deposits build up on their surface. This is often as a result of air and fuel mixing which can cause fuel pre-ignition. If this happens, your car will start to have problems as your vehicle’s power supply will be unpredictable, which can cause issues with starting your vehicle.
Another reason that spark plugs fail is that the gap that the spark has to jump becomes wider. In regular use, the space in which the spark travels need to be wide enough to provide effective combustion. As a spark plug ages, it becomes worn, and the gap becomes more extensive. The gap may widen because of exposure to extremes in temperatures as well as the build-up of debris and daily wear and tear. If the gap becomes too wide, your spark plug will fail to start your vehicle and will need to be replaced.
How Much Does Spark Plug Replacement Cost?
How much a replacement spark plug costs will vary significantly. The component is relatively cheap and is likely to cost you about $30. Spark plug costs vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
If you’re an amateur mechanic, you may be able to change the spark plug yourself; if however, you’re planning to take your car to the garage, there will be hefty labor charges. Changing a spark plug yourself may be difficult as the way engines are designed sometimes makes it hard to change their components. Changing a spark plug is also likely to be time-consuming and is something that’s best left to the professionals.
If you take your car to a mechanic, you’ll be likely to pay between $100 and $200 for the labor + the plugs. Many mechanics charge $100 per hour. To find a good mechanic, you can have a look through review sites to find someone who’s able to change a spark plug in your local area. You could also ask friends and family to recommend a mechanic that they’ve used in the past. You should be able to find a mechanic that offers excellent value for money as well as a good service and who can provide good quality parts.
If you choose to take your car to one of the chain garages, this may be a cheaper option as special offers are often available. Prices for spark plug replacement at Walmart usually cost between $30 – $100 depending on the make and model of your car. Firestone has similar rates, and its costs are $34-$94.
Pep Boys and Midas are slightly more expensive options, and their price for replacing a spark plug starts at around $60. It’s worth shopping around to get the best deal. You can get free quotes from a few mechanics to see who’ll give you better value for money.
Conclusion
When buying a replacement spark plug, you should ensure that it’s compatible with your car’s other components. It’s a good idea to buy a spark plug that’s the same brand as the one you are replacing. If your old spark plug was made from either platinum or double platinum, its best to replace them with a spark plug that’s made from the same material.
A mechanic will probably inspect the spark plug wires while carrying out a replacement procedure. The cables can quickly start to disintegrate or become entangled as they age. This is an extra cost that you may need to pay when getting your spark plug replaced.
If you’re looking to save money on your spark plug replacement, you can search for special offers online. Some of the large chains such as Walmart or firestone have regular discounts.
featured image credit: Christopher Bowns; https://www.flickr.com/photos/cipherswarm/38354452