Are you wondering what’s a fair dealer price to get your spark plug replaced? Please note this guide on spark plug replacement cost is updated as March 2023 costings, adjust for inflation and other factors if you are reading it in the later months.

To give you a rough idea on costing, Spark plug replacement will cost you between $30 and $60 in parts and $50 to $200 in labor unless you do it yourself. A mechanic can charge between $50 and $200 to do the work while doing it yourself can cost between $50 and $100. However, read further to get a better idea, as there are so many factors that can influence the costing.

It’s more challenging to estimate the cost of a replacement now because there are so many different spark plug types and brands available. We’re here to detail the costs of labor and materials.

How Much It Really Costs to Replace a Spark Plug?

Several factors influence how much it will cost to replace spark plugs.

It’s easy to guess that spark plugs will be high on the list, but there are still a variety of makes and models to consider, not to mention the quantity required.

The second factor is how much it will cost to have the work done by a professional mechanic or to buy the necessary equipment and do it yourself.

We’ll lay out all the details for you, pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision.

Also Read: Best: TPMS Programming Tool For Toyota

Components of a Spark Plug Replacement Cost

The cost would have two main components, parts cost and labor cost.

Parts Cost:

If we assume only spark plugs are to be replaced. For most models, unless you have an European make, a pack of four spark plugs would cost anywhere between $5 to $50. A v6 engine requires 6 spark plug, but there are engine configurations with two spak plugs per cylinder too. Check your make and manual to get to know the exact spark plugs needed.

Please note a high end car like BMW , Mercedez etc, would require spending $100-$300 on the just for a pack of four spark plugs. Also check the type of spark plug section below, as it can affect the cost.

Labor Cost:

Next and the most major component is usually the labour cost. If you are a handy person, you can do it yourself, there are a few videos available on youtube, that can safe you a several hundred bucks. However, if for any reason you want the experts to do it for you, from mechanic to mechanic you would get a qoute varying from $200 to $500.

Without calling ahead, it’s nearly impossible to guess how much a repair shop will charge to swap out your spark plugs.

If you are driving an european make, or something exquisite, you can get charged in the range of $500-$1000 as well. These are over all job completion labor costs, and not an hourly charges. It is suggested to lock the labor costs rather than deciding the hourly charges with the dealer or the mechanic.

Apart from how expensive or exquisite your car is that would push the labor charges towards the high side. There is one more reason that can push the labor charges on the higher side, and that is how much time and effort would it require to reach out to the places where spark plugs are installed. Scenarios where mechanic has to to take off the motor mounts to rock the engine.

The Cost of Spark Plugs

You need to know 3 things before purchasing spark plugs:

1. the brand,
2. the type,
3. the quantity.

However, your car’s many cylinders dictate how many sparks plugs it needs. Most automobiles use a single spark plug per cylinder, but exceptions exist, such as the Hemi engine, which uses a pair of spark plugs per cylinder.

If you’ve bought a small car and don’t care much about the engine’s technical specifications, the number of cylinders may not be immediately apparent. Sometimes, the number of cylinders under the hood can’t be determined just by listening.

Checking the vehicle identification number (VIN) or performing a generic search for the vehicle’s make and model will reveal the correct number of spark plugs. Now that we have that fixed, we can examine the various spark plugs available.

1.   Copper Spark Plug Cost

Recent updates in spark plug designs have essentially rendered copper spark plugs obsolete. Although their lifespan is the shortest and they are not suitable for high-pressure engines, they are helpful for vintage cars.

The cost of a spark plug ranges from $2.50 to $10.

2.   Platinum spark plugs’ cost

After finding that the copper-nickel alloy at the spark plug’s tip was the weak point, platinum was used instead. They last a long time and don’t dress up out quickly, but modern models may not be able to use them.

The cost of a spark plug ranges from $5 to $10.

3.   Dual Platinum Ignition Coils

Dual platinum spark plugs are more long-lasting than regular plugs because of the improved platinum coating. They are sometimes recommended as an update over standard platinum plugs in wasted spark systems.

The cost of a spark plug ranges from $6 to $15.

4.   Electric spark plugs are made of Iridium.

Iridium-coated spark plugs are the most long-lasting option, with a lifespan of over 100,000 miles. Once, their high cost was the only drawback of iridium plugs, but their price has dropped these days significantly.

Cost range per spark plug: $6.25 to $25.

In the next section we would explain further on the types of Spark plugs and dealer versus mechanic point of view in costing.

What decides the replacement cost ?

Dealer vs Independent Mechanic

A dealer would usually be atleast a $100 pricey in compare to a mechanic. Its worth it to research and find a good mechanic as it can save you some cost. If no well recommended mechanics are available or you want to keep your warranty intact, its recommended to stick with a dealer, even if they charge sligthly higher.

When should spark plugs be replaced?

Generally, spark plugs should be replaced every 80,000 and 100,000 miles. It’s wise also to check them at least once a year to ensure everything is running correctly.

If you’re looking for signs that you may need a spark plug replacement, here are some things to watch out for:

-A decrease in fuel economy

-Engine misfiring

-Rough idling

-Hard starts

-Engine stalling

-Rough acceleration

How do I know if my spark plug is weak?

1. Poor Ignition: A weak spark will cause your engine to have difficulty starting or weak ignition power. As a result, you may find that your vehicle takes longer to start.

2. Loss of Power: When spark plugs go bad, your vehicle’s power and fuel economy decline significantly. 

3. Electrical Problems: As the spark plug breaks down, you may experience electrical issues such as misfires, stalling, and erratic idle.

4. Worn-Out Spark Plugs: To identify weak spark plugs, you must inspect them. If you see wear and tear on the electrodes and ceramic insulators, it could be a sign that the spark plug is weak.

What is the life of a spark plug?

The short answer is it varies. Spark plug life depends heavily on the kind of spark plug used, the make and type of your engine, and the hours used. Spark plug life can range anywhere from 10,000 miles right up to 100,000 miles or more.

How much does it cost to replace 4 spark plugs?

With all the different brands and levels of spark plugs available today, there is a broad range of prices. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $50 and $80 to replace 4 spark plugs. The exact price may vary depending on the brand and the materials used in the spark plug.

Spark plug replacement cost of Different Vehicles

Toyota

Toyota vehicles typically require a spark plug replacement at 100,000 miles. A Toyota’s average spark plug replacement cost is between  $132 and $165. This includes the cost of labor, the spark plug, and any additional components needed.

BMW

BMW vehicles need a spark plug replacement at about 70,000 miles. A BMW’s average spark plug replacement cost is between $217 and $348. This includes the cost of labor, the spark plug, and any additional components needed.

Ford

Ford vehicles typically require a spark plug replacement at 125,000 miles. A Ford’s average spark plug replacement cost is between$100 and $500. This includes the cost of labor, the spark plug, and any additional components needed.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet vehicles require a spark plug replacement at around 110,000 miles. A Chevrolet’s average spark plug replacement cost is between $157 and $187. This includes the cost of labor, the spark plug, and any additional components needed.

Type of Spark Plug

Go for the manual recommended spark plug for your vehicle. Your mechanic or dealer would be able to specify what type of spark plug would suit you best. There are three main types of spark plug

• Copper – They are used in older cars, and are cheaper than the other spark plugs. Please note new cars do not use these types of spark plugs anymore and are usually going to use superior technology. The reason being these copper, or nickel-based spark plugs will get you under 25,000 miles and afterward will require a replacement.
• Platinum – A more durable version of a spark plug and is charged almost thrice the price of a copper spark plugs, and data shows that it is more than likely to last for around 75,000 miles or more. These are now the commonly used spark plugs in modern vehcles.
• Iridium – The are long-lasting, and require less current to start the car. They have a longer life, and will last you for around 90,000 miles or more.
• Dual Platinum – Dual platinum spark plugs are more long-lasting than regular plugs because of the improved platinum coating. They are sometimes recommended as an update over standard platinum plugs in wasted spark systems.
• Silver Spark Plugs – Silver spark plugs are designed to last longer than copper spark plugs; they minimize fouling and promote longer engine life. Silver spark plugs provide better engine cold-start capability but also tend to break down faster than other materials. 
• Pulstar Spark Plugs – Pulstar spark plugs are designed with a patented pulsed power technology that helps reduce the heat produced by spark plugs, leading to improved engine performance and fuel efficiency. 

In terms of cost, you might be hearing that iridium costs more than copper spark plugs, in my expereince thats wrong, if you know the right places you will be able to source any type of these spark plugs at around $7 to $10, buying in packs of 4 would get you a better deal in most cases as well. I would also suggest don’t go for unknown manufacturers for saving a few bucks, go for reputable brands only.

Will DIY save cost?

The major chunk of the spark plug replacement cost is labor cost, and if you are handy, and have tools available with some time over the weekend you might be able to save labor cost by doing it your self. Before you indulge in this adventure, check on youtube if a detailed walkthrough video for replacing spark plug is available. Check out that video and see how helpful it is. Ask yourself the following question:-

1. Is it detailed enough for me to follow each and every step
2. Does it guide you on how to reassemble after disassembling
3. Do you have all the required tools to get the job done
4. Are all spark plugs at reachable positions or will require engine lifting or disassembling certain mounts.
5. Do you have the car’s manual to refer for any questions that might arise

Based on how you answer the above questions you will be able to gauge how confident you are to DIY. If you are searching for spark plug manuals or your vehicle’s manual, search for emanuals online like on emanual website. They have a repository of emanuals. They charge a few bucks for the manual, but with DIY you will be able to save cost so its a healthy investment for now and future reference.

When to see a mechanic:

• While the time remaining on the warranty has not yet expired.
• When spark plug seizing is a common issue with the engine.

When to change your spark plugs yourself:

• If you want to save money on towing and mechanic services.
• When it comes to saving time.

Rough Spark Plug Replacement Cost by Vehicle

Depending on the vehicle, spark plug replacement cost would vary. To give you an idea we have compiled how the cost would like for some of the major vehicles to give you an idea.

• Ford Expedition 2008 Model , around $600
• Mercedez Benz s600, around $800
• Infiniti FX 2011, around $550
• Nisan Maxima, around $400

If you have a Ford, with a blown spark plug, check out this article that expands on the spark plug replacement cost specifically for Ford.

If you have a Subaru, check out this article, for a specific guide for your vehicle’s spark plug replacement cost.

How long do spark plugs last?

The spark plug’s life span is determined mainly by the components it’s made from. Mismatched spark plugs and engines with a propensity for spark plug fouling can also have an adverse effect.

• 20,000-25,000-mile lifespan for copper spark plugs.
• Spark plugs made of platinum can be used for up to 60,000 miles without failing.
• The double-platinum spark plugs can be used for 100,000 miles without failing.
• Spark plugs, Iridium has a much longer lifespan, up to 125,000 miles.

How Do You Replace Spark Plugs?

To change spark plugs, you only need a spark plug wrench. The most basic option is a metal pipe wrench, but a T-handle wrench with sockets is also available.

A standard ratchet and socket extension could be used to reach the spark plugs.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn off the battery first.
2. The engine’s ignition coils can be found on its top. They’re the black caps with the wires attached.
3. You can disconnect the spark plugs by gently pulling them up.
4. Take out the old spark plugs by unscrewing them with the wrench. You’ll need to exert some effort, but not too much, to complete this.
5. Replace the spark plugs and securely tighten them.
6. Bring the battery backup and reconnect the ignition coils.

Does changing spark plugs improve?

The answer is a resounding yes! Changing spark plugs is a simple maintenance task that can provide an instant boost to the overall performance of your vehicle but also help maintain its reliability and efficiency over time.

Do spark plugs increase fuel economy?

The answer is a resounding YES! Spark plugs play an important role in fuel’s efficient combustion, making them critical when considering how to maximize fuel efficiency. Recent studies show that modern spark plugs can improve fuel economy by up to 30%!

Do spark plugs affect acceleration?

In short, the answer is yes. Spark plugs are essential for the ignition process and for providing the necessary power for the engine to accelerate. The spark plug has to produce a sufficiently large spark to burn the air-fuel mixture quickly and efficiently, and produce the compression, heat and pressure needed to create the power to move the vehicle.

FAQ:

How much do 4 new spark plugs cost?

You’ll need to spend about $30 to get started, which is the price of a set of four spark plugs. The next step is to decide whether you want to replace the spark plugs yourself, which requires a small investment in tools or hire a professional to set you back between $40 and $80.

Is it worth replacing my spark plugs?

Regardless of the situation, you should always change your spark plugs. The spark plugs in your car are an integral part of the engine, so if you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, it’s time to get a new set.

Why is Spark plug replacement costly?

Spark plug replacement isn’t hard, but getting to them can be. To access spark plugs, overdesigned motors require extensive disassembly, including the intake manifold.

Since most mechanics charge by the hour, the replacement will cost more the longer it takes.

What will it Cost me for My Vehicle Model?

I have listed some cost estimates for few vehicles in this article, however, if you do not find your particular vehicle model and make year, check out the price for spark plug cost replacement, by vehicle type, car make, model year and state on this link.