Changing spark plugs can be relatively inexpensive, and new plugs do not need as much maintenance as other car parts.
However, when it’s time to replace them, how much does a spark plug replacement cost?
And what’s the right solution for replacing spark plugs?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions, and some other frequently asked questions, including how often you should replace your worn spark plugs and whether you should replace them in pairs.
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Let’s begin!
How Much Does a Spark Plug Replacement Cost?
Unless you own an electric car, you’re bound to run into some spark plug troubles sooner or later. Spark plugs are a small but integral part of your ignition system. They’re responsible for getting electrical energy from the ignition coil pack to burn the air fuel mixture.
While spark plugs don’t require much maintenance, you do need to change them after certain intervals.
The cost of spark plugs replacement primarily depends on two factors:
1. Cost of Replacement Part
The replacement part cost is largely driven by the type of spark plugs you’ll use. Whether you buy platinum, iridium, or copper spark plugs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2-$100 per piece. Copper spark plugs are generally considered standard spark plugs.
To give you a fair idea, here’s how much different types of spark plugs cost:
- Copper spark plugs: These can cost about $2-$10 per piece.
- Silver spark plugs: These start at $5 per piece.
- Platinum or Double platinum spark plugs: Platinum spark plugs start at $10 per plug, while double platinum can cost about $20 per piece.
- Iridium spark plugs: Iridium spark plugs can cost around $20 to $100 per piece.
Additional charges may apply if your mechanic has to courier new spark plugs in or source them from somewhere else.
2. Labor Charges
Labor charges are the fees you pay to your mechanic for your repairs. For a faulty spark plug replacement, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40-$350.
These charges will also vary from engine to engine.
For example, a repair shop may charge $60-$140 for a four cylinder engine. For some V6 engines (6 cylinder), the intake manifold has to be taken out to access the bad spark plug, taking the labor costs as high as $260-$320 for the vehicle.
In total, spark plugs replacement can cost you anywhere from $100-$250 on the low end and $250-$500 on the high end (usually for a V6 engine).
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s take a look at other queries about changing spark plugs and their answers.
6 Spark Plugs Replacement FAQs
Here’s what you should know before you get a spark plug change:
1. Should I Replace all Spark Plugs?
Ideally, yes.
A spark plug replacement is done to ensure that worn spark plugs do not cause an engine misfire or problems with ignition coil packs. Even the power steering can be affected by power loss due to spark plug issues.
Regardless of type — whether copper, iridium or platinum spark plugs, if you replace one failing spark plug at a time, each spark plug will end up on different replacement cycles. As a result, you’ll spend more time and effort changing spark plugs whenever you encounter a problem.
Another reason why spark plugs need to be replaced as a set is that you need your car’s spark plugs to be on parallel levels of performance.
For example, if you have a faulty spark plug in two out of your four cylinder engine while the others are relatively new, it would put the cars engine out of sync.
Note: Other parts, like the ignition coil, can also cause car troubles that might look like a spark plug issue. So it’s best to get your car checked out by a professional before you replace your spark plugs.
2. Do I Need to Replace the Spark Plug Wire too?
Usually, yes.
Spark plug wires often get chipped or cracked with regular engine wear and tear.
A good rule of thumb is to replace your spark plug wire every time you change a faulty spark plug. Failing spark plug wires are obviously more prone to damage and wear.
It’s also a good idea to have your fuel filter, oxygen sensor, coil pack, etc. replaced around the same time. An old air filter can foul your new spark plug, cause a rough idle or engine misfire, affect fuel efficiency, and may trigger the check engine light.
Applying dielectric grease on spark plug threads helps prevent the plug from getting stuck to the boot when removing them next time. Make sure to keep the dielectric grease off any metal terminals, as it’s an insulator.
Note: A spark plug socket with a torque wrench is useful while handling a new spark plug. Along with dielectric grease, a spark plug socket can help appropriately install the new plug or remove an old spark plug.
3. How Often Should I Replace My Car’s Spark Plugs?
It depends.
Although you need not get a replacement as often as you get an oil change, spark plug replacement intervals are determined by the type of spark plugs and how you maintain them.
A standard spark plug has a changing interval of 30,000-40,000 miles, while iridium spark plugs can last over 60,000 miles. Extended-life spark plugs need a new spark plug replacement every 100,000-120,000 miles.
Regular inspection and a spark plug change at proper intervals will help prevent spark plug related issues. These could include but aren’t limited to rough idle, check engine light turning on, poor fuel economy, engine misfire, or odd noises from the combustion chamber.
Note: If you ever find an oily fluid on your spark plug electrodes, it’s due to a valve stem or valve seal leak. It could also be unburned fuel that flooded the cars engine during a failed cold start. In this case, consult a mechanic.
4. What Happens if I Don’t Change My Car’s Spark Plugs?
Over time, worn spark plugs can affect your combustion chamber and catalytic converter, eventually causing engine damage.
The electrical energy from the ignition coil deposits on the spark plug electrodes instead of jumping across and igniting the air fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. As a result, you may experience spark plug fouling, engine misfire, or other ignition issues.
An old spark plug will also affect fuel efficiency and fuel economy and possibly cause trouble with your power steering. So it’s best to go in for a routine spark plug change and check your wires, fuel filter, coil pack, and other sensors.
5. Do Electric Cars Have A Spark Plug?
No, electric vehicles don’t need a spark plug.
Spark plugs are used by gasoline-powered vehicles to kickstart fuel combustion and start the car. Whereas electric cars, like Audi e, Chevrolet Bolt, or Kia EV6, rely on batteries to power the internal parts and run the electric car.
So if you’re trying to decide between electric cars vs gasoline-powered vehicles —you know which one to go for as it’s one part less to worry about.
6. What’s a Convenient Solution for Spark Plug Replacement?
A spark plug replacement can be pretty easy to DIY for someone with good mechanical knowledge. But in case you’re new to it or do not have the right tools, you can always reach out for help!
If you’re looking for a reliable mechanic for replacing spark plugs or another auto repair (like an oil change, lit check engine light, or a faulty ignition coil), look no further than AutoNation Mobile Service.
AutoNation Mobile Service is a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution with a range of vehicle repair services. Here’s why we make a good fit for your vehicle:
- We offer competitive and upfront pricing
- You get a 12 Month | 12,000 Miles warranty on all repairs
- Your repairs are handled by expert technicians
- Online booking is convenient and easy
- All maintenance and repairs are carried out using high-quality equipment and gear
Fill out this form to get a spark plug replacement cost estimate!
Final Thoughts
The cost of your spark plug replacement depends on the type of spark plug you use and your car’s engine requirements.
A spark plug replacement is usually a quick and easy procedure. A bad spark plug can lead to other engine problems like misfiring, poor fuel economy, and rough idling. So the more you prolong it, the more likely it’ll lead to costly repairs.
If you ever decide to DIY your spark plug replacement, make sure you use the right tools. And if you need help with any ignition system related issues, you can always reach out to AutoNation Mobile Service!
AutoNation Mobile Service can take care of all your vehicle maintenance and auto repair needs. The best part? We come to you.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians.