Replacing the spark plugs in the car

Spark plugs are a part that is to be replaced somewhere in 30-35 thousand kilometers of mileage. And for sports cars, replacement of candles is carried out through 15-20 thousand km. This is due to the impact of an aggressive external environment with high temperatures and electrical discharges on individual elements of the candle design.

A conventional automotive candle consists of a central electrode, a side electrode, a sealant, a metal sheath, an insulator, insulator ribs (for better spark escape), and a contact output. Electrodes that burn out under the influence of high temperatures, breaking a predetermined distance between themselves (between the side and central electrode), called the spark plug gap, are usually out of order. The insulator may also suffer, as a result of which a spark does not form in the spark plug, which affects the operation of the engine.

Replacement of spark plugs is made according to the specification specified in the technical passport of the car. Experts recommend to produce it on time and in a complete set, because A worn out candle can create a threat of engine detonation, in which case there will be a need for very expensive repairs.

In general, it is recommended to put "native" candles, but if they are not at hand or there is a desire to put more efficient parts of this kind, then you can take advantage of the fact that the automotive industry provides for the interchangeability of spark plugs. Because There is no universal international marking for spark plugs, then candle selection is carried out using tables where candles of German, French, American, Czech, Japanese, etc. are compared to Russian candles (the coding often starts on "A").

Replacement of candles can be made taking into account the style and place of driving the car (city, route). The more aggressive the style, the more must be the glow number, which is inversely proportional to the temperature in the circuit of the insulator. In some cases, the use of candles with platinum inserts or candles with several lateral electrodes that last longer than usual due to greater resistance to corrosion (platinum) or uniform discharge distribution between 3-4 electrodes can positively affect the operation of the car.

Experienced motorists know how to change spark plugs without turning to a car repair shop. For this, firstly, the ignition elements are switched off (they are twisted by a key to 10-12). Secondly, before changing candles around them, dirt is scraped to avoid getting garbage into the engine. This is done using a compressor for tires, a high-pressure compressor or a simple brush. Next, take the candle wrench, which has a special head with a gasket, the spark plug is unscrewed and removed. The new spark plugs are also screwed in using a spark plug wrench, the ignition is reconnected into place. The operation takes about ten to fifteen minutes.

Most spark plugs change to new ones. However, in some cases, after simple operations, the "life" of a candle can be extended. It is cleaned of solvent deposit, examined for damage, checked for serviceability on special stands, regulates the gap between the main and secondary electrode and set back.

Note that some samples of modern automotive equipment are so complex that replacement of candles on them in handicraft conditions is impossible. In this case, there is nothing left to do but to ask about the replacement of the spark plugs in a specialized service. The cost of the service is not very high - from 300-400 rubles and depends on the design features of the machine of a particular brand.