Spark plug changing?
Discussion
Views sought;
Spyder is in the garage right now having it's major service. 4yrs old, 8500 miles.
They have phoned to say they would recommend spark plug change. They haven't actually inspected them though to check their condition.
Would others change at 4 yrs?
Don't want to add another chunk to the bill if it is unnecessary at this time.
Spyder is in the garage right now having it's major service. 4yrs old, 8500 miles.
They have phoned to say they would recommend spark plug change. They haven't actually inspected them though to check their condition.
Would others change at 4 yrs?
Don't want to add another chunk to the bill if it is unnecessary at this time.
Just booked my RS in for it’s 4 year Major Service and received the same advice to change them – along with Air Conditioning Filters and various belt checking etc.
Of course it probably doesn’t need it, but I reason it’s better to be safe than sorry and if I take the recommended actions at service then there will be less to haggle over if a big warranty claim goes in...
Of course it probably doesn’t need it, but I reason it’s better to be safe than sorry and if I take the recommended actions at service then there will be less to haggle over if a big warranty claim goes in...
The key thing with spark plugs is not their condition - the key thing is will they unscrew? The heat-cycles and the fact they are made from a different metal from the head (bimetallic corrosion) means that at some point in time they will be half-welded in place. You don't want to damage the threads in the head on removal.
For you with your low miles (low number of heat-cycles) I wouldn't bother this time. But opinions will vary.
For you with your low miles (low number of heat-cycles) I wouldn't bother this time. But opinions will vary.
The change is probably triggered by time not miles.
Consult your owners manual, or have the dealer print out the latest for your car, but my WAG is plugs are on it to be changed after so many miles, or after so much time has elapsed.
The concern is the plugs corrode and this damages or can damage the heads when the plugs are unscrewed.
The corrosion comes from combustion gases being forced into the (tiny) space between the plug thread and the head thread. The gas carries moisture and other things that become acidic. This degrades the plug threads and these can damage/tear the threads in the head. Plugs are cheap. Heads? Not so much.
Up to you always but I'd have the plugs changed.
I can't understand why you are that concerned about a bit more money on the service bill when the biggest expense from owning the car is depreciation which is ongoing even with the lack of use it receives. You can't do anything about depreciation -- well, except to have the car properly serviced so when you sell or trade the car you can show it received proper care/servicing -- but you can use the car more.
Consult your owners manual, or have the dealer print out the latest for your car, but my WAG is plugs are on it to be changed after so many miles, or after so much time has elapsed.
The concern is the plugs corrode and this damages or can damage the heads when the plugs are unscrewed.
The corrosion comes from combustion gases being forced into the (tiny) space between the plug thread and the head thread. The gas carries moisture and other things that become acidic. This degrades the plug threads and these can damage/tear the threads in the head. Plugs are cheap. Heads? Not so much.
Up to you always but I'd have the plugs changed.
I can't understand why you are that concerned about a bit more money on the service bill when the biggest expense from owning the car is depreciation which is ongoing even with the lack of use it receives. You can't do anything about depreciation -- well, except to have the car properly serviced so when you sell or trade the car you can show it received proper care/servicing -- but you can use the car more.
mollytherocker said:
Change them you tight wad!
Its not all about mileage. They are due at 4 years and thats that!
Lol... Fair enough! Its not all about mileage. They are due at 4 years and thats that!
Thanks for all the advice. I think I will have the work done soon, but may use an good independent.
It isn't so much having to spend extra but whether the garage was just trying it on a bit. I'm sure they said another £300+, a 3 hour job and the engine needs dropping slightly due to really difficult access. I questioned about it, and they couldn't really tell me why they needed changing now or sound convincing and stopped pushing it straight away.
I recently had the 4 year service on my Spyder and the spark plug change was in the schedule. To be honest with that low a mileage (mine was 22k at service) you probably won't have any issues if you don't change them but personally I like to have the car serviced as per the manufacturers recommendation.
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