Get some inexpensive zip and zap. Changing your plugs gives performance and economy.
Neglecting your car’s spark plugs can have some serious side effects including a degrading your fuel mileage, increasing emissions and a host of other problems. Eventually, if neglected long enough, your vehicle’s performance will reflect that of a 1972 model. Not something that most owners really want.
Most auto owners want the most “bang†for their buck. Paying attention to small things like spark plugs will help keep your money in your pockets and not your mechanic’s. It isn’t always necessary to spend hundreds of dollars to get minimal performance gains. One quick and easy way is to upgrade your ignition system. This begins with upgrading your spark plugs, followed by changing your wires and ignition coil.
Pop your hood open and take a look at your vehicles ignition system. What kind of condition is it in? Are your spark plug wires frayed or disintegrated? If they are, those are obvious signs that replacement is in order.
Maybe you have a new vehicle and your wires and ignition system are practically brand-new. Good. But you may want to consider upgrading your plugs and your wires with a set of Nology Hotwires. They are a simple and cost efficient way to upgrade both power and efficiency.
Nology HotWires are the most technologically advanced ignition wires available. HotWires create the most powerful spark possible. HotWires are engineered with a special built-in capacitor, exclusive only to HotWires. This revolutionary design allows energy from the ignition coil to accumulate in the capacitor until the voltage at the spark plug electrodes reaches the ionization point.
At that split second point the entire power of the stored spark is discharged at once, creating a spark 300 times more powerful. The result is faster, more complete combustion, and most importantly, MORE HORSEPOWER and they’re 100% smog legal.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for changing the plugs. There is no better tool than a good socket wrench for changing your spark plugs. Refer to the following points to assist you with changing your plugs:
∑ Trying changing your plugs before you start your engine for the day. Spark plugs are typically well set into the engine block and require some touching of the block. You don’t want to do this when it is HOT. Have all the essential tools gathered before you get to work. A set of mechanic gloves will provide you with some protection and makes for a cleaner job.
∑ Do not attempt to remove the spark plug wires by pulling on them. Rotate the spark plug boots 90-180 degrees before attempting to pull them off with a Spark Plug Wire Puller. Rotating helps break the covers loose without tearing the fragile wires within. Do not pull on the wire.
∑ Mark the wires with a piece of tape. Number them from 1 to however many cylinders you have. This makes putting the wires back much easier. You cannot just simple reattach the wires in whatever order you’d like.
∑ Clean all debris or moisture from around the old spark plugs with some sort of air pressure. This helps to prevent any engine damage.
∑ Visually inspect the condition of the old spark plug tips to see if there is an indication of some type
of engine problem. Worn plugs with carbon buildup can cause overheating, converter failure, rough idle and other problems.
∑ A crucial step not to be avoided is to properly gap your new plugs. People have the tendency to put the plugs directly from the box into their block. Gapping your plugs will give you the intended performance will also help extend the life of the spark plug. Use an Ignition Spark Tester with an Adjustable Spark Gap for the best results. The tester can test for no start conditions and for spark strength. The adjustable gap feature allows for spark gap requirements from 0 to 40,000 volts. A gauge background makes spark easier to see for accurate measurement. An alligator clip securely fastens to ground. Screw assembly adjusts spark gap quickly and easily. It now includes safety shield.
∑ The new plugs should be installed by hand. This makes sure that the fine threads are lined up properly and the spark plug is set correctly. If this proves to be difficult, try to use a piece of hose to slip over the end of them to extend your reach. It’s important to adhere to the manufacturer’s torque recommendations when you torque the plugs.
∑ Reconnect the wires in the order in which you removed them. Failure to do this correctly could result in damage to your vehicle, or your vehicle simply will not start.
∑ If oil has covered any parts of the plug or boots make sure to clean them well. A clean plug and boot will extend the life of both of them. Keep wires off of manifolds and other hot areas, or away from areas which may damage them.
_________________________________________________________________________
Auto Broker – John Boyd “The Cool Car Guyâ€
John is an automotive consultant with JFR & Associates in Denver, Colorado. He can help you save time and money on any make or model, new or used, lease or purchase – nationwide! Call or email John about your next vehicle!
jboyd@coolcarguy.com