Should I replace my spark plugs earlier than recommended?

curls · 10-20-2009, 10:43 AM

After reading a few threads about spark plugs, I thought to myself: Should I replace mine now even though I'm still 20K km away from the recommended interval?

The main reason I am thinking about doing so is because I had a problem with my previous engine burning oil, so it may have contaminated the plugs (even though they looked fine last time I checked). I did NOT see a line item on the warranty invoice when I had the new short block put in, saying that I received new spark plugs, so I can only assume they re-used my existing ones when they swapped the new bottom end of the engine in. (Everything else was on the invoice, down to how many quarts of oil, specific bolts, etc... so I'm positive that if they replaced the plugs, it would have been noted on here).

I have been checking around, and replacement plugs are $18 locally (and about the same online here in Canada). It's not exactly cheap to replace these 'because i feel like doing so'.

Lastly, I just had an emissions test yesterday and passed with flying colours. So maybe my plugs are just perfectly fine and I should wait until next fall when I'm closer to the recommended change interval?

What are your opinions on this, and why?

Thanks.

griffojm · 10-20-2009, 10:59 AM

I wouldn't worry about it unless you are having issues. Just wait until its recommended.

TSX_WS · 10-20-2009, 12:18 PM

TSX comes with nearly top grade spark plugs which can serve you for much longer than "usual" copper spark plugs found in cheaper, older cars. They last for quite a while.

francois · 10-20-2009, 01:36 PM

I know that some race team(maybe most of them?) are using NGK copper sparkplug.

They got rid of the iridium, platinum one.

Copper one are cheap and you can replace them whenever that suit your habit.

"They" say that they last 100 000miles (or at least 100 000km)
But why take the guess when your looking for a well maintened car or going a step further to keep the performance intact?

I'm not saying that they are not good.

Just that, it is most suited to the average guy that dosen't want to play and change things on a car, for at least a while.

Even with my low mileage, next summer I will switch to copper one.
The BKR7 is the one I will use.