spark plugs
I thought I changed my spark plugs a couple years ago but a car reminder came up to replace them. Seems like the car is running fine but is there a way to check to see if I do need to replace them?
My car has 103000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello there, the spark plugs on your 2008 Acura RDX are replaced in regular service intervals. The service interval for your vehicle states the spark plugs should be replaced every 60,000 miles. The RDX is equipped with a maintenance minder system that will inform you when parts should be replaced or serviced based on mileage and wear. If your vehicle is informing you to replace the spark plugs it likely needs them. The only way to check the spark plugs is to remove them, at which point it is best to just replaced them at that time. A qualified Technician such as one from YourMechanic will be able to diagnose your spark plugs and replaced them as needed.
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Gap . 030″ 0.8 mm.
Gap 0.032″. Laser Iridium high ignitability spark plug.
Every 90,000 Miles
Then, by the time you reach 90,000 miles, your Acura RDX will be ready to have its spark plugs replaced and your valve clearance adjusted.
Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity – better than any other type of material used in spark plugs – and also transfers heat faster.
Gap . 030″ 0.8 mm.
These plugs are pre-gapped at . 044″.
The gap setting is different for each vehicle but most are somewhere between 0.028″ and . 060″. Consult the owner`s manual or Champion ® catalog to find the recommended setting for the vehicle you`re working on.
Most experts agree that spark plugs should be replaced about between 20,000 and 40,000 miles, depending on your vehicle and driving habits. It`s important to check on the health of the spark plugs during normal maintenance checks.
While a typical iridium spark plug can last for 50,000-80,000 miles, manufacturers set different limits for these plugs based on driving conditions. For example, NGK`s Iridium IX spark plugs claim a 40,000-50,000 miles life expectancy on an unaltered motor.
From this perspective NGK would have to come out on top because the electrode has more material which in theory means they would have a longer life than Denso, making the savings from using NGK bigger.
At the top of the list, we have the NGK Spark Plugs. With iridium as its core material, this spark plug pack can operate at a much wider heat range as compared to ordinary spark plugs made out of platinum or copper.
Extended lifespan: The iridium spark plugs usually have a longer lifespan that keeps you free from worries for a long time. Enhanced durability: Iridium has a silvery-white metal that is usually harder compared to platinum. The material makes iridium spark plugs the hardest in the market.
For most racing applications, you usually want the plug gap to be between 0.020 and 0.040 of an inch. Most engine builders seem to settle around 0.035 of an inch.
While plugs are pre-gapped from the factory, the gap may need to be adjusted for the vehicle that the spark plug is intended for. Those with modified engines must remember that higher compression or forced induction will typically require a smaller gap setting (to ensure ignitability under higher pressure).
Denso Set 4 Iridium Long Life Spark Plugs Gap 0.044 For 1.5 1.8 2.2 2.4 2.7 L4.
The incorrect plug gap for your engine can contribute to a high rate of misfires, loss of power, plug fouling, poor fuel economy and accelerated plug wear. It is always best to check the gap against the manufacturer`s specifications.
A smaller gap will yield a short, intense spark and will usually make the engine real responsive. A wide gap creates a longer spark arc but without sufficient “juice” from your ignition system, (including amps), it can be weak and yellow in color.
DENSO spark plugs are manufactured with a pre-set gap. With nickel plugs, especially with motorcycles, the gap may need adjustment. Always use a special spark plug gapping tool to change the gap. Do not change the gap on platinum, iridium or twin tip spark plugs, as the fine electrodes may get damaged.
Tighten the spark plug finger-tight until the gasket reaches the cylinder head, then tighten about ½ – ⅔ turn more with a spark plug wrench.
Every time a spark plug creates an arc of electricity, it very minimally shortens the electrodes. Over time, the gap between the electrodes grows larger. As this gap increases, more electricity is needed to spark ignition of the air/fuel mixture.
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!
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.
Denso on the other hand have taken the superior hardness of Iridium and chosen to shrink the diameter of the electrode more than NGK. Because there is less material in the Denso Iridium spark (vs NGK Iridium) plug the life of a Denso Iridium Power spark plug is going to be theoretically less than an NGK iridium plug.
Long-life platinum and iridium spark plugs will typically last up to 100,000 miles or longer provided the engine isn`t using oil or doesn`t spend a lot of time idling.
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