Replacing your spark plugs when in due is crucial to keeping your car's ignition system in mint shape. To learn how to change the plugs yourself, read this post by Schell Distributing Inc. in Idaho Falls.

Did you know that spark plugs make it possible for your engine to start? As their name indicates, spark plugs have the function of producing the spark that ignites the mixture between oxygen and gasoline; therefore, you could not start your vehicle without them. As devices that withstand high temperatures, combustion gases, and corrosion, spark plugs wear out over time; therefore, they ideally should be replaced approximately every 30,000 miles; or sooner if your vehicle has trouble starting. If you want to learn how to change your car's spark plugs safely, keep reading this post by Schell Distributing Inc.

Giving your vehicle a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls can contribute to keeping it in mint condition for longer. Reach out to Schell Distributing Inc. at (208) 524-0322 and ask their oil experts which AMSOIL formulas work best for your engine. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to place your order on top-shelf products for your car maintenance.

How to Replace Your Spark Plugs

First, Gather the Required Tools

First, get the necessary tools to perform the spark plug replacement. Since you will be working on the inside of your engine, you will need some implements to make the procedure easier, faster, and safer; therefore, make sure you get the following tools:

• New spark plugs
• Spark plug socket
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet
• An extension
• Gap gauge
• Air compressor

Inspect the Gap in the New Spark Plugs

Once you have your new spark plugs, look at them closely: you will notice a gap between the center electrode and the ground electrode on one of their tips. This gap is where the spark that ignites the combustible mixture is produced; therefore, it is of utmost importance to consider its size and condition. Your operator's manual will tell you how many inches your spark plug gap should be, so once you have that information, take your gap gauge and measure the gap between the electrodes on each new spark plug. If any piece has a wider or tighter gap, correct the measurement by adjusting the ground electrode with the gap gauge.

AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil is formulated with anti-wear additives that maximize engine life and performance. To learn more about the most effective synthetic oil in Idaho Falls, browse AMSOIL's online shop or call Schell Distributing Inc. at (208) 524-0322.

Make Sure the Engine is Cool

As mentioned above, changing spark plugs involves reaching inside the engine; therefore, it is safer to do so when the machine is cold to the touch; on the other hand, removing the spark plugs while cold is better to minimize friction when unscrewing them. Keep in mind that some engine materials can expand due to heat; therefore, removing a spark plug when its steel is hot and swollen could increase friction against the aluminum of the cylinder heads. To avoid any damage caused by friction, be sure to work on your engine when it is off and cool.

Pinpoint the Spark Plugs

Do you know how many plugs your vehicle has and where they are? Some drivers overlook such details about their engine; however, knowing that information is essential to change the spark plugs successfully. Since most vehicles have a four-cylinder machine, they have four spark plugs; in that case, the spark plugs are located under the boots of the wires; hence, it is easy to find them by following the path of the wires. Regardless, be sure to consult your operator's manual to familiarize yourself with the location of your spark plugs.

Uninstall the Old Spark Plugs

The next step is to remove your spark plugs. Before you begin, note that each spark plug is attached to its corresponding wire; therefore, be careful when following this step and replace the spark plugs one after the other, so you don't get confused with the wires. That said, start by cleaning the top of the cylinder head with compressed air to remove loose dirt and dust. Next, grab one of the wires by the boot and wiggle it back and forth until it comes out. Once you remove the boot from the wire, you will see a hole called the "spark plug well"; be sure to clean it out with compressed air. Connect your spark plug wrench with an extension and insert it into the well to get the spark plug. Then, connect the ratchet to the other end of the extension to loosen the spark plug, and start unscrewing it a little until it comes out.

Do a Visual Inspection

Once the spark plug is out, you should look at it. If it shows no signs of wear or damage, you may continue to use it; however, be sure to replace it if it has a cracked insulator, worn electrodes, or a rounded insulator tip.

Install New Spark Plugs

Finally, install the new spark plug. To do this, take the socket and connect it with the new spark plug. Insert it with the help of the extension to the corresponding well; once the spark plug is in place, hand-tight it. When you can no longer screw the spark plug by hand, connect your torque wrench to the extension to give the spark plug a final tightening. In the end, cover the well with the wire boot, and you're done. Repeat the same steps with the rest of the spark plugs.

Reach out to Schell Distributing Inc. at (208) 524-0322, and speak to their AMSOIL professionals about the benefits of choosing the most effective synthetic oil in Idaho Falls for your car maintenance. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to get familiar with the full line of top-shelf products for your car!