How to Change Spark Plugs Is that car of yours not running right? Losing in power and acceleration? Or do you just want more life out of your engine? The best way to get all of this is routine maintenance, but it normally cost a large sum of money! Well, here is something you can do yourself that will get you power, acceleration and more life out of that engine. Changing your own spark plugs. This is how you git-r-done. First, check your owner’s manual to find out what kind of engine you have. This will tell you how many spark plugs are needed. Then you can start to gather the things you will need to get the job done. Go to your local auto part store. Tell the clerk what you know so far and he will get you what you need. This is also a good time to get the tools if you don’t have them. You will need a ratchet, ratchet extension, chalk, spark plug grease, proper size socket and a cold drink is all you will need. Now that you have all the tools and supplies, it’s time to get to work. Removing the spark plugs is simple task. Locate the spark plug wires. Pick a spark plug wire to start with. Next, remove that wire from the plug with a little tug. Then, mark the wire and area close to that spark plug with the chalk. They should be similar markings per pair a simple 1, 2, 3 type of order will work fine. After, you have done one set, repeat the removing marking process for the remaining spark plugs and wires. Make sure that each wire has the same number marking as the plug it was removed from. It will come into play with the replacing of the wires. With the wires removed and the markings correct, you can now go to the next step. Start removing the spark plugs with the tools. Now you can ready the ratchet, extension, and the socket. Don’t know how to ready the ratchet? You start by connect the extension to the ratchet then, connect the socket to the extension. The ratchet is now ready. Next, you will fit the extended ratchet with the socket onto a spark plug. Keeping the ratchet level and straight begin turning the ratchet to the left. If the ratchet isn’t keep at the proper position the spark plug could break and take a turn for the worst. Make sure not to wiggle the ratchet much. The slightest off balance bend could snap an old spark plug. That will require a special tool you would have to buy to remove that broken plug. So take your time and follow procedure correctly. Continue to turn the ratchet loosening the spark plug and eventually, remove it from the engine. If this process has been done properly, the spark plug should come free of the engine and stay within the socket for easy retrieval. The next step is to replace a spark plug. Start by fitting a new spark plug into the socket. Next, apply the spark plug grease onto the threads of the new spark plugs and the butt end of the spark plug. This will make it easier to remove the spark plug next time and better the conductivity to the spark plug wire. Now you can insert the spark plug into the open spark plug hole. Start tightening the spark plug by turning the ratchet to the right. Remember to keep it level and straight when tightening the spark plug to avoid stripping the threads. With the new spark plug in place match up the spark plug marking to the spark plug wire. Then with a little force push the spark plug wire onto the butt end of the newly inserted spark plug. You can now repeat this process for the remaining spark plugs. Some people think that the only way to get things done right is to do them yourself, in this case its true. What’s not right about saving money without cutting corners? In today’s world it’s important to save and being self-efficient by completing a task you can handle with these simple steps and a little bit of elbow grease you can do just that. By following this basic procedure correctly you can change your own spark plugs restoring power, acceleration, and extend the life of any engine at the same time saving money.