Curious about how many spark plugs a car has? Wondering how to change them yourself? Well, you’re in luck! This article will teach you everything you need to know about spark plugs and how to change them on your own.
What is a Spark Plug?
A spark plug is a cylindrical device that helps to ignite the air/fuel mixture in an engine. There are usually six or eight of them located in a car’s engine block. When the engine is started, the plugs heat up and create a spark that ignites the fuel.
How many Spark Plugs do I need in my car?
It’s a common question, especially as the number of plugs in a car seems to change from year to year. Here’s a quick guide to help you out.
The most current EU legislation states that drivers must use a 10-pin plug (or a 7-pin plug with the addition of a 3-pin adapter) if the vehicle has an electric heater. If your car doesn’t have an electric heater, you can use either a 6- or 12-pin plug. Some vehicles have both 10- and 12-pin plugs, while others have only one type.
If your car has an electric fan, it needs a 3-pin adapter. Finally, if your car has an air conditioning unit, it needs a 4- or 5-pin plug.
How to change a spark plug on a car
If your car has an automatic transmission, it will likely have spark plugs located in the engine. If your car has a manual transmission, the spark plugs may be in the steering column. Spark plugs are essential for starting your car’s engine. When they wear out, they can’t create enough electricity to start the engine.
To change a spark plug on a car, first turn off the vehicle and remove the battery cable. Open the hood and locate the cylinder head. Use a socket wrench to remove the cap covering the cylinder head spark plug. Using a spark plug wrench, remove the old plug from the cylinder head and discard it. Install the new plug in the same position and tighten using a socket wrench. Restore the battery cable and re-cover the cylinder head with the cap. Close the hood and turn on the vehicle.
Conclusion
This question can be a little tricky to answer, as each car is different and will have a different number of spark plugs. However, if you’re looking to purchase new spark plugs, the general rule of thumb is that your car should have at least two spark plugs per cylinder. If you need help finding out how many spark plugs are in your car, or if you’re having trouble starting it up, don’t hesitate to give us a call!