Do you have trouble starting your car in the morning or does it idle roughly?

Does the engine misfire, surge or hesitate? Do you have high fuel consumption yet a lack of acceleration? If so, you might need to replace a spark plug.

A spark plug transmits an electrical signal to create a spark that ignites the air fuel mixture inside the combustion engine. The electrical signal is sent through an ignition coil to reach the combustion chamber at the exact right moment. If this signal doesn't happen or is mistimed it can cause ineffective engine function.

Each car requires a specific spark plug determined by the manufacturer. So, how do you know what spark plug your car requires?

The first step is to find your Owner's Manual and look for the car's specifications sheet. You will need to know the make, model and year of manufacture of your car. You will also need to know the number of cylinders and the engine type.

It's also helpful to know the engine displacement (how much room there is in each cylinder when the piston is at its lowest point) and the kind of fuel system your car has (whether it is a fuel injected system or not). you might also find information on the size of spark plug gap and the part number for the spark plug that is designed for your vehicle.

Then, you need to take all that information to a spare part supplier to help you find the correct spark plug.

When you have found the correct spark plug it is time to install it.

Before you install the new spark plug you will need to clean the spark plug hole with a lint free cloth.

Then you will need to perform the following steps:

• Lightly coat the threads of the spark plug with some oil from the oil dipstick;
• Carefully thread the spark plug into the engine turning clockwise;
• Slip the spark plug socket over the spark plug and tighten with a ratchet;
• Connect the cable by slipping the boot over the socket.

It's a good idea to check that the cable is intact and clean and that there is no fraying or oil on it.

Good luck! Of course, if all this sounds too confusing or in any way intimidating for you, simply bring your car into Temby Auto Service and let us do it for you. Easy!