2018 Tesla Model S Spark Plug Type & Gap

Quick reference

Why the right plug matters

While traditional internal combustion engine vehicles rely on spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture, the 2018 Tesla Model S is a fully electric vehicle. This means it does not have an internal combustion engine and therefore does not use spark plugs. The propulsion system is entirely electric, powered by a battery and electric motors.

In conventional gasoline engines, spark plugs are critical for reliable engine operation. They deliver an electrical spark that ignites the compressed fuel and air mixture in each cylinder. The "right" spark plug for an engine is determined by its heat range, electrode materials (iridium, platinum, or copper), and design. An incorrect spark plug can lead to misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, decreased performance, and even engine damage. For instance, a plug with an improper heat range can cause pre-ignition or fouling, while different electrode materials have varying lifespans and performance characteristics.

How to gap a spark plug

This section is not applicable to the 2018 Tesla Model S as it does not utilize spark plugs.

In gasoline engines, gapping a spark plug correctly is crucial for optimal combustion. The gap is the distance between the center and ground electrodes. Using a wire-type spark plug gapping tool, you carefully measure and adjust this distance according to manufacturer specifications. Too wide a gap can lead to misfires, while too narrow a gap can result in a weak spark and incomplete combustion.

Replacement procedure tips

This section is not applicable to the 2018 Tesla Model S as it does not utilize spark plugs.

For vehicles that do use spark plugs, the replacement procedure typically involves carefully removing the coil-on-plug or spark plug wires, unscrewing the old plugs, and installing the new ones. Tips often include: ensuring the engine is cool, using a torque wrench to achieve the correct torque specification (to prevent over-tightening or under-tightening), and applying a small amount of anti-seize compound to the plug threads (though this is a debated topic, as some plug manufacturers advise against it). Dielectric grease applied to the inside of spark plug boots can help prevent moisture intrusion and make future removal easier.

Known issues

There are no known spark plug-related issues for the 2018 Tesla Model S, as it does not have spark plugs.

For internal combustion engines, common spark plug issues can include cracked porcelain insulators, fouled electrodes, or worn-out ground straps. Specific engines, like the Ford 3-valve modular engines, were known for unique issues such as the two-piece spark plugs breaking during removal. Other engines might have issues related to coil-on-plug failures or specialized components like GM's ionization-sensing coils, which rely on the spark plug to measure combustion characteristics.

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