Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

A Complete Guide on When to Change Spark Plugs on Your Car

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Spark plugs

Depending on the type of spark plug, there are different replacement intervals: Copper plugs (traditional): every 12,000 – 18,000 miles. Platinum plugs: every 37,000 – 50,000 miles. Iridium plugs (the most durable): every 50,000 – 75,000 miles. Double platinum or iridium-platinum plugs: can last up to 93,000 miles. Other factors that influence lifespan include fuel type (low-quality petrol can foul plugs more quickly); driving style: urban driving with frequent stop-and-go or short trips wears plugs out faster than motorway journeys. Engine condition: an engine that consumes oil or has air/fuel mixture issues reduces plug life. Environmental conditions should also not be overlooked. Replace plugs when experiencing starting difficulties, loss of power, increased fuel consumption, poor engine performance, unusual noises, black smoke from the exhaust, or an illuminated engine light. A visual inspection can tell you a lot: a good plug is beige or light grey; any other colour indicates damage. If you have a vehicle running on LPG or methane, plugs wear out more quickly, so if you replace them every 18,000 miles on a petrol car, do so at 15,500 miles.

Posted on 9 June 2026 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

The 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Spark Plugs
The 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Spark Plugs
(Various brands) Various When performing maintenance on your car yourself, it's easy to make mistakes, especially if you're a DIY enthusiast just starting to work on your veh…
Removing Car Spark Plugs
Removing Car Spark Plugs
(Various brands) Various In the following video tutorial, you will see the main steps to remove the spark plugs from a generic car: the procedure may vary from car to car, bu…
How to Properly Install New Spark Plugs in the Car
How to Properly Install New Spark Plugs in the Car
(Various brands) Various In this video tutorial, you can see how to properly install new spark plugs in the car. The first thing to do is to get in the vehicle and engage the…

Other guides you may be interested in

How to Open the Bonnet on the Lancia Y

To open the bonnet on this vehicle, follow these simple instructions: first, open the driver's door and locate the lever positioned just below the dashboard, marked with an image of the vehicle with the bonnet open. Pull this lever towards you until you hear a "click" indicating the bonnet is released. Next, exit the cabin and stand in front of the bonnet to disengage the safety catch and complete the opening. To do this, slightly lift the bonnet, locate the yellow lever underneath, and pull it to the left to fully release and open the bonnet.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos