What mileage to change spark plugs?

*Disclaimer: I'm not the most mechanically inclined (but I am learning)*

I've been told at dealerships that the stock spark plugs I have are good for 100,000 miles. I've heard from others that it is less. I'm getting close to 50,000 miles on my car was wondering at about what mileage should I get them changed?

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by Waroo
I've been told at dealerships that the stock spark plugs I have are good for 100,000 miles.

I was told the same thing too.

Our cars need platinum ones that are like $10 each. I called this shop that specializes in tuning cars and they said they wouldn't touch mine because it's hard to work on.:rolleyes:

I called the dealership and it'll run like $380 for the tune-up:eek:

So I think I'm going to try to do it myself and get a few of mine engineering friends to help.

There's no way I'm letting my car go that long w/o changing the plugs.

It's good to hear that I'm not the only one that has been told to. I spoke to a mechanic (not working at a dealership) and he advised changing them at 60,000. If it's going to cost me around $380, I might have my father help do it. He has a 1987 Camaro (since 1987) and he's done all of the maintenance himself. Again, thanks!

Buy $2 NGK Copper plugs at NAPA and change them yourself.

Ditto robvas. Except I put the iridiums so I don't neccessarily have to change them as often as coppers.

Should you elect not to do it yourself - as I did, many independent "hot rod" shops charge reasonable rates.

I had mine done for $100.00 - I've heard other being charged less.

I would have liked to have done it myself , but kind of liked to have someone around for "moral support" - nobody was available.

Ah , well - perhaps later.

I had mine done at 30K as I had heard that 100K claims notwithstanding, the platinum gets burned up fairly rapidly after a few WOT runs.

B.S. ? :confused:

Dunno.

I'll probably get them done (one way or the other) at 60K.

Good Luck !


Britt

Originally posted by SFB767
I called this shop that specializes in tuning cars and they said they wouldn't touch mine because it's hard to work on.:rolleyes:..........So I think I'm going to try to do it myself and get a few of my engineering friends to help.
Um, you realize it was the "engineers" who designed the car in such a way that it's hard to work on now?:think: yet you're going to ask for their help to change the plugs??:irk: :confused: Maybe engineers designed it, but it takes a true MECHANIC who has learned to work around the engineers' mistakes --- I mean "designs":p --- to get a job done;).

Platinums should be good for around 50-60k miles and if you are not into running the snot out of your car all of the time then put platinums back in.
If you go with the copper plugs then you'll have to change them every 20-30k for optimum performance.
And do it your self. Spend some time getting intimate with your car and you'll feel great knowing you did it your self.
Shop around for the plugs. I've seen the coppers anywhere from 79 cents to over 2 dollars.

I managed to get a hold of the Haynes guide for the Camaro. It reccomends either 50,000 miles or 36 months (which ever comes first) for changing spark plugs. I'll probably go with the platinum plugs. Thank you all for your input/advice.