Changing spark plugs - few questions.

Spikey

Spikey

Spikey

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Hi, looking to change my spark plugs on my Corsa D (2009). Anything in particular I should be wary of? Looks simple enough. Also does it matter what brand I use? Ie Bosch over a cheaper brand? I don't mind paying more for a better brand.

Any advice would be great thanks.
 
It's really easy, just don't try and rush. Make sure you have a decent spark plug socket with the rubber bung in it. Check the condition of the plugs as you take them out - they should just be a dirty brown colour.

Take your time when putting the new ones in, put a little bit of copper grease on the threads and screw them up as far as you can by hand (separate the socket and extender from the ratchet) so that you don't cross thread them. Then just nip them up with the ratchet. And make sure you don't get the coils/leads mixed up :D
 
Excellent..thanks guys, next question is which ones do I need? Been looking on the Halfords website and can't seem to find out which ones I need? I've got a 1.2 Petrol 59 plate.
 
Try eurocarparts instead, halfords are a bit ****

You can search by registration and there's a shop in most towns
 
Thanks, was hoping to do it today but I don't have one of those stores close to me. Do Halfords sell them?
 
If you're unsure, write down the catalogue number and take it to the counter. Explain that you think it's the right part but would they mind double checking for you
 
Cheers, might as well do the pollen filter as well. I assume any brand will do? They do a Crossland one on there for £6.
 
As Howard said, to avoid cross-threading, screw them in using your fingers first (with the plug attached to the socket) I always rest the plug on top of the plug hole and just gently turn and feel it as it settles in the correct place, if that makes sense.

Yeah, any pollen filter will do. I'd call them up first to double-check they have them in stock (they should do, but worth checking if it's not local).
 
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There's always a good debate to be had about whether to lubricate the thread or not... I think it was Porsche who did a big thing about it in the 80s and concluded you shouldn't lube them. A) you are putting the plug under more tension when torquing up do to a lower level of friction on the thread and B) insulating the plug from the head both electrically and thermally...

I personally dribble a touch of oil from the dipstick onto them though, never cause me any troubles..
 
sigma said:
As Howard said, to avoid cross-threading, screw them in using your fingers first (with the plug attached to the socket) I always rest the plug on top of the plug hole and just gently turn and feel it as it settles in the correct place, if that makes sense.

Yeah, any pollen filter will do. I'd call them up first to double-check they have them in stock (they should do, but worth checking if it's not local).
Click to expand...

Excellent thank you. There is a local car parts shop where I live so I will see what they have, I assume I'm best of sticking with Bosch for the plugs?
 
I've used NGK plugs with no issues before. I doubt it'd make too much difference on brand, unless you go for some super el cheapo Chinese brand.

Also, (just to reiterate what Howard said) when you do finally tighten them up using the ratchet, only nip them up with the final tightening, don't go overboard, they don't need to be super tight like you would if bolting something together - finger screw then ratchet gently until you feel it tighten up and stop, then just a little extra squeeze to nip up and that'll be enough. Over tightening will mean they are a **** to get out next time and may even snap. If you don't think they're tight enough then check them again after a few days just to see how they're getting along :) Also, use a bit of masking tape on each lead to number the coils/leads so they go back in the same place (if it's not obvious to tell).
 
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