With the introduction of the electronic ignition, and of course unleaded fuel, you don't have to change the spark plugs as often as people had to in the past. Recommendations fall in the range of 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but since the price for spark plugs is relatively low, it doesn't hurt to change them more often. Good clean plugs help to keep your car running economically and efficiently. They also help to keep the car from hesitating when you depress the gas pedal.
Open the engine compartment and pull the first plug wire off. Remove the spark plug with the spark plug socket, extension and ratchet. Discard the plug.
Open a new spark plug and use the feeler gauge to check the gap. Spark plugs are pre-gapped at the manufacturing facility but you should always check them. The gap should be .50 hundredths. The gap in the spark plug is the space between the electrode and the small bent piece of steel at the top of the plug. The feeler gauge is a tool used to check the gap.
Put the new plug into the engine and tighten snugly with the socket and ratchet. Push the spark plug wire back onto the plug and push it firmly until you feel it snap back into place. Repeat the process for each spark plug until you have replaced them all.
