consensus re spark plugs

[21Rouge]

I have a 2005 5 speed Vibe with mileage just over 42k miles. I was thinking that at the next oil change I would also get the spark plugs done...before summer is gone. I will bring it to a mechanic that I know but I always supply the parts. What has your experience been re replacement plugs? ie go to GM? go to Toyota? or aftermarket? Thanks as always

[THE VIBERATOR]

Just do them yourself. Go to any auto parts store, buy the spark plugs (preferably NGK IX plugs or Bosch Iridium plugs) and just install them yourself. You should be able to figure out how to install them. It's simple, just pull the 4 suction tubes out by hand (sometimes its a pain to do) and use a socket wrench with an extender to pull the old plugs out of the holes. Use the extender to hold the new plugs and put each plug into the hole, then replace the suction things. simple as that.

[vibe-04]

I replaced mine at 80km with OEM Pontiac and noticed no change. The factory spark plugs I pulled look like new. They are supposed to last at least beyond 100KM so I suggest leaving them. As for how to change, very simple. Just do a search and you can find a how to.

[Raven]

Leave them for a bunch more miles.

[Vibe_dude]

your still good for another 20,000 miles for sure...mine never went bad till over 100,000 kms..but they started to cause misfires.and hard starting issues.so dont let them go to long.

[altimar]

Quote, originally posted by THE VIBERATOR »Just do them yourself. Go to any auto parts store, buy the spark plugs (preferably NGK IX plugs or Bosch Iridium plugs) and just install them yourself. You should be able to figure out how to install them. It's simple, just pull the 4 suction tubes out by hand (sometimes its a pain to do) and use a socket wrench with an extender to pull the old plugs out of the holes. Use the extender to hold the new plugs and put each plug into the hole, then replace the suction things. simple as that.It is pretty simple, but make sure you use a torque wrench to tighten them properly. I'm not sure what the spec'd number is, but it's probably in the owner manual. I like to use a vacuum around the plugs before I take the old ones out so no dust or debris falls in.I'll concur with the other guys, if the car isn't running roughly or getting bad fuel mileage, you'll be fine going to the specified plug change interval.

[Nelson]

Definitely vacuum around the plug before you unscrew it.To ease insertion of the new plug, I used a piece of surgical tubing or hose to hold the plug and get it started.

[B14CK_H4WK]

i replaced my plugs at 72,000 miles because i noticed my mpg started to get pretty bad. i just bought the same ones that came stock and with the new plugs it runs great again

[THE VIBERATOR]

Agreed on that point. However, if he's come this far and is asking about changing them, while he has the topic up here, he probably wont remember it 20,000 miles from now, which is why i suggested doing them now to get them over with. Or he could check them to see if he's running rich or lean, that way he can get a good sense of whether he needs to change them soon or not.