There are many companies that make spark plugs, and choosing the proper one for your vehicle can be a confusing task. Frequently, some brands are recommended over other brands for specific makes and models. For instance, some vehicles may run better with certain Champion plugs than other brands of plugs. Using Champion spark plugs on a vehicle that is currently using NGK plugs is a straightforward replacement. Both of these are high-quality spark plugs that work equally as well, so some vehicles may run better with Champion plugs than NGKs and vice versa.
Locate the spark plug wires and the spark plugs. Depending on the vehicle you may need to remove a plastic engine cover that conceals the engine itself and the spark plug wires and spark plugs. Engine covers are usually held on with screws that need to be removed with a screwdriver or with clips, in which case the engine cover is simply pulled off by hand.
Remove the spark plug wire by grasping it firmly on the base where it slides over the plug. Do not remove it by simply pulling on the thin wire part itself, as this may damage it. If the vehicle is equipped with a coil on spark plug setup and does not have plug wires, unbolt the coils, disconnect the wiring harness and remove the coils from the plugs. Mark the plug wires or coils to ensure that they are reinstalled in the correct orientation. You can either mark the wires or coils with a piece of tape and a marker or simply remove the plugs and replace them one at a time to keep them in the proper order.
Place the spark plug socket over the spark plug until you feel the socket seat on the spark plug. The spark plug socket will have a rubber insert that grabs the end of the plug. Turn the wrench counter clockwise to loosen and remove the spark plug from the engine. Discard the old spark plug.
Gap the new Champion spark plug with a plug gapping tool, which is slid between the tip of the plug and the electrode to set the proper distance. Consult your owner's manual for the proper setting. The proper gap will depend on which Champion plug you are using as well as which vehicle you are using it on.
Thread the new plug into the engine by hand. If there is not enough clearance to thread the plug in by hand, insert the plug into the spark plug socket and carefully thread it in. Make sure that the spark plug threads in straight so that the threads in the motor are not damaged. Tighten the spark plug firmly with the socket, but do not overtighten the plug.
Reinstall the spark plug wire or the coil and wiring harness onto the plug. Repeat the above steps for the remaining spark plugs. Reinstall the engine covers if the vehicle used engine covers. Start the motor to ensure that it is running properly.
