The relationship between spark plugs and other engine components is very similar to human relationships: without a spark, it won’t work.
Faulty spark plugs can present themselves in many ways. Some symptoms include rough idling, misfiring, and rough driving.
Fortunately, changing spark plugs is not an expensive or complicated solution.
As with all auto parts, several factors determine the cost of a repair.
Replacing a spark plug is no exception. You can expect to pay between €5 and €60 for parts, while the cost of labor also differs greatly, depending on where you take your car for work.
Fortunately, in most cases, the price is on the lower end of the spectrum. We’ll look at all the factors so you can get a better idea of how much you’ll need to spend.
Let’s start with the symptoms!
Symptoms of bad spark plugs
Before you decide to replace the spark plugs in your car, you should make sure that they are the reason for the symptoms.
Symptoms and signs of bad spark plugs include misfiring, rough idling, high fuel economy, and hard acceleration where vibrations could occur.
While these symptoms often suggest bad spark plugs, there are many other possible causes.
The first thing to remember is the last time you replaced the spark plugs. Spark plugs typically last 50,000+ miles and can even double that, depending on the type.
Unless you recently misinstalled new spark plugs or last replaced them a long time ago, the problem could lie elsewhere.
At the same time, spark plugs are relatively cheap, which makes it always tempting to change the plugs first if the problem isn’t clear.
In many cases, other parts are the cause of the aforementioned problems. The most common cause is the ignition coil, not the spark plugs.
If it’s been a long time since the spark plugs were replaced and the engine starts to misfire or stops running smoothly, it may be time to replace the spark plugs.
spark plug price
If you or your mechanic have established that the spark plugs are to blame, the first question you might ask yourself is, “How much do spark plugs cost?”
There are different types of spark plugs. Some will cost upwards of €40, but luckily most cars use cheaper spark plugs which are around €5-€10.
You can choose a more expensive option, such as spark plugs with platinum or iridium tips.
Platinum and iridium tips will provide greater longevity compared to copper plugs.
It’s best to use what your car manufacturer specifies, but keep in mind that longevity depends on the type of spark plug used.
Total cost
The total cost may vary depending on the cause of the problem.
For example, if a spark plug turns out to have failed prematurely, it should be enough to replace that specific spark plug.
On the other hand, if a spark plug does go bad near the end of its expected life, it is better to replace all the plugs, which will increase the overall cost.
Changing spark plugs is not very complicated and can be done by almost anyone. If you decide to do it yourself, be sure to take all the necessary safety precautions.
If you decide to leave it to a professional, the cost of labor will vary based on several factors. In general, you should expect to pay between €50 and €130.
As mentioned above, the different types of spark plugs vary in life and price.
A 4-pack of copper spark plugs will cost, on average, between €8 and €12, while a 4-pack of iridium spark plugs will cost between €35 and €50. Platinum spark plugs cost something in between.
Keep in mind that not all cars use four spark plugs. Some cars use three, six, eight, or even ten spark plugs, depending on how many cylinders the engine has.
Conclusion
Changing spark plugs is not very complicated, nor is it expensive.
Symptoms of bad spark plugs include misfiring, poor fuel economy, and rough idling. These symptoms are not specific to spark plugs, but are very common when spark plugs go bad.
The different types of spark plugs vary in price but also in longevity. You should choose the type of spark plugs that your car manufacturer recommends.
Replacing spark plugs can be done as a small DIY project, saving you $50 to $130 in labor costs.
If one of the spark plugs fails prematurely for whatever reason, you may choose to replace only the specific spark plug that has failed.
If the spark plug stops working when it is close to its useful life, it is best to replace all the spark plugs.
A spark plug replacement will cost between €60 and €180 for a four-cylinder car. In most cases, the price will be somewhere within that range.
Remember that you can save money by replacing the spark plugs yourself. However, be sure to use all necessary security measures.
