When you start your car, you will not see any sparks under your hood. But to tell you frankly, the spark plugs are doing the main job to power up your engine. Is it time for you to change them? Read on and see how much it will cost you.
How Much Does It Cost?
Spark plug replacement price in the Philippines starts with Php 700 for cars. This involves labor only especially in auto shops. You need to provide the materials if you wish to choose the brand.
Some cars may need at least 3 to 4 units of the plugs. The price of a set ranges from Php 1,000 to Php 2,800 depending on where you will buy it. Sets already include 4 pieces of the plugs.
Can I change only one? No. Mechanics and the car manufacturers do not recommend replacing only a single plug. Ideally, you have to change all of them at the same time.
When To Change Them?
If I am to follow my car’s manual, one of the obvious signs is to see the odometer. For beginners, it says that one needs to change the plugs starting at 20,000 Km. This is also the same info when I checked Mitsubishi’s published guide. However, some cars may require a shorter period especially if it is under warranty from the dealer.
You will also feel rough idling (when the car is on standby and not running) when they are worn out. This is a good sign that it needs replacement.
Here’s another thing. When you step on the accelerator, it seems that there is loss of power or it is not the same as before. You will feel that the movement of the car is “bitin” and does not equate to how much you press on the pedal.
How Often to Change Them
Maybe I just got lucky with the items I bought. I replaced mine exactly 2 years ago and they are still working fine. No problems at all.
Types of Materials
In the Philippines, you can get at least three types of spark plugs in the market, they include copper, iridium and platinum. Iridium and platinum are usually more expensive than the copper type.
According to Inquirer, there are two types common in the country. They are “numbered 4-11 for NGK, and 16 to 29 for DENSO, hot and cold spark plugs.
Can I Do It Myself?
Yes you can but it will take technical knowledge to do so. Some cars have a specific type of covering and you will need tools to remove it before you can access the parts’ bay. I myself wanted convenience and simply paid for the service. But to save on labor, you can definitely do it yourself.
References: Firestone