Most manufacturers recommend replacing spark plugs every 50,000 kilometres, but spark plug quality varies. Some last around 130,000 kilometres, while cheap plugs made of copper may last approximately 40,000 kilometres. “Extended life” spark plugs made of more resilient metals can last up to 160,000 kilometres.
Many automakers recommend you replace the spark plugs in your vehicle around every 100,000 kilometers.
Even if you're not having problems you'll still want to have your spark plugs changed out at every 30,000 mile interval. For most drivers, that will mean that you're due for spark plug service once every 2-3 years!
Standard copper spark plugs last around 20,000 – 30,000 kms. The spark plugs play an important role in your engine, they produce electrical sparks that ignites the mixture of fuel and air in your engine's combustion chambers, causing the pistons to move up and down.
Luckily, spark plugs don't require replacement very often and can go years and many miles before replacement is needed. Most auto manufacturers suggest having new spark plugs installed about every 100,000 miles; however, spark plug longevity depends on the engine, condition, and spark plug type.
Ordinary copper and nickel spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, unless otherwise suggested by the spark plug manufacturer. Platinum and iridium spark plugs tend to last longer than standard copper and nickel spark plugs. Expect to change them every 60,000 to 150,000 miles unless otherwise noted.
Continuing to use a spark plug with worn electrodes puts stress on the ignition coil and can shorten its life. Please replace spark plugs sooner rather than later. Beware of only using your vehicle for short trips or slow driving! This can lead to carbon fouling or oil fouling.
The most common signs of bad spark plugs include start-up trouble, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, declining fuel economy, engine misfiring, and engine knocking.
A spark plug usually lasts about 30,000 miles, but cleaning them and maintaining them periodically lets your engine perform better and increases your plugs' lifespan. If you see rust, carbon, gunk, dust, or any type of buildup during the inspection, it may be time to clean them.
The spark plugs in many vehicles today have iridium or platinum tips on the electrodes (the parts that transmit the spark) that last longer than conventional plugs with copper and nickel-alloy electrodes.
Investing in high-performance spark plugs is a surefire way to save some money in the long run. Better gas mileage is just the beginning. These premium spark plugs last longer than conventional plugs, which means you'll be able to go a longer time between tune-ups, keeping your maintenance costs down.
But unlike some of our devices, ageing spark plugs might not be very evident for a layman. As spark plugs go through thousands and thousands of miles along with your vehicle, their internal components tend to wear out and even though they can withstand extreme temperatures, their durability goes down with time.
Platinum is much harder metal than nickel alloy and has a higher melting point. Since platinum is harder, it holds its sharp edge much longer than a conventional spark plug, up to 100,000 miles. Longevity is a key advantage of platinum spark plugs.
It is mandatory to maintain a balanced spark gap between the two electrodes. A short gap can weaken the spark plug and a wider gap might prevent the spark from firing at all or may misfire at high speeds. Before creating a balanced gap between the electrodes, refer to the user's manual for a balanced figure.
The deposits that build upon the plugs can eventually cause them to misfire. When this happens, the unburned fuel in the cylinders can start to eat away at the cylinder walls. This can cause dangerous pressure levels to build up, and it can even lead to engine failure.
You can pay between $16 and $100 for a set of spark plugs, depending on the type of plugs you need and the number of cylinders your engine has. And when figuring out the price, it helps to remember that some specialty engines use two spark plugs per cylinder.
What's The Lifespan Of An Iridium Spark Plug? The average, modern iridium spark plug should last for 3-4,000 hours of engine uptime, depending on the gas quality. Each make and brand of spark plug should come with its own estimated rating for hours of use without degradation or failure.
Repeated overheating of the spark plug tip can cause the plug to prematurely fail. Overheating can be caused by many things like pre-ignition and a malfunctioning cooling system. Pre-ignition can lead to heat building up in the combustion chamber causing the spark plugs to fail.
Many factors can cause a spark plug to fail; from incorrect heat ranges to improper gapping, to chemical contamination. Yet 90% of spark plug damage claims are due to improper torque. Many factors can cause a spark plug to fail; from incorrect heat ranges to improper gapping, to chemical contamination.
The kind of spark plugs in your car will determine this. Older vehicles (15 to 20 years old) are more likely to have conventional plugs, which have a lifespan of 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Newer models produced up to the year 2000 have platinum tips, which have a lifespan of 30,000 miles.