engine
    car
    truck
    motorcycle
    rv

    Spark Plugs

    Spark plugs ignite the compressed air/fuel mixture in each cylinder of a gasoline engine.

    Replacement
    $80–$450
    Labor
    0.5-3 hrs
    Lifespan
    Copper 20k-30k mi; platinum 60k-80k mi; iridium 100k-120k mi

    How it works

    High-voltage current from the coil jumps the plug gap, creating a spark that ignites the mixture at precisely the right crank angle.

    Symptoms of failure

    •Rough idle
    •Misfire codes (P0300-P0308)
    •Hard starts
    •Drop in fuel economy
    •Hesitation under load
    •Flashing check-engine light

    How a shop diagnoses it

    1. 1.Pull plugs, inspect color: tan = good, black = rich, white = lean, oily = burning oil.
    2. 2.Measure gap with feeler gauge against OEM spec.
    3. 3.Check for cracked porcelain or eroded electrode.

    Common brands

    NGK
    Denso
    Bosch
    Champion
    Autolite
    ACDelco

    Recommended for this repair

    engine
    truck

    Parts pros use for this job

    • •Spark plugs
    • •Ignition coils
    • •Timing belt kit

    Tools pros use

    • •Compression tester
    • •Spark plug socket
    • •Torque wrench

    Prefer a professional?

    Find local and mobile shops and call or text them directly.

    • ✓Call or text shops directly
    • ✓Verified reviews & ratings
    • ✓See services offered

    Doing it yourself? Shop our partners

    We may earn a small commission from partner links — it never changes the price you pay.

    Get this replaced near you

    Related engine parts

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does a spark plugs cost to replace?

    Replacement runs $80–$450 including parts and 0.5-3 hours labor. Exact cost depends on vehicle, parts tier (OEM vs aftermarket), and local labor rate.

    How long should a spark plugs last?

    Expected lifespan is Copper 20k-30k mi; platinum 60k-80k mi; iridium 100k-120k mi. Driving conditions, climate, and maintenance affect real-world life.

    What are the symptoms of a failing spark plugs?

    Rough idle; Misfire codes (P0300-P0308); Hard starts; Drop in fuel economy; Hesitation under load; Flashing check-engine light.

    Can a spark plugs be repaired or only replaced?

    Most modern spark plugss are sealed units that get replaced rather than rebuilt. A shop will diagnose, confirm with a load or output test, then swap the unit and verify operation.

    Keep exploring

    Sources & references

    Need this part replaced?

    Get free quotes from verified shops in your area.

    Run your shop from estimate to payment

    Don't overhaul your shop. Test Repairius on your next job.

    Repairius keeps estimates, work orders, real-time job assignment, customer and vehicle history, inventory, and payments in one place — on desktop and in your pocket.

    14-day free trial · credit card required · cancel anytime

    Not a mechanic? Send Repairius to your shop — they can run estimates, jobs, and invoices in one place.

    Know someone who needs this?

    Share this page with a mechanic, a shop owner, or a friend working on the same problem.

    Know a mechanic or shop owner Repairius could help?

    Send them Repairius in one tap. Free listing, online booking, reminders and the full shop workflow.

    Text them Email