Spark Plugs, Is It Time For New Ones?

[Raleigh St. Clair]

My car just ticked over 70,000 miles recently, the plug wires went bad after the valve cover gasket leak… I was told by my shop that the plugs looked good. That being said, wouldn't they still likely need replacing soon regardless of how they look? I mean at least from a standpoint of top performance/mileage anyways… thoughts?

[avguy]

Can't think of a reason to doubt what they said, and IMO it's indicative of an honest and reliable shop.

[Raleigh St. Clair]

They are 100% honest shop, the mechanics are paid hourly and NOT on commission whatsoever. That being said, I just looked at the manual and it recommends changing plugs and wires at 60,000, citing as 'Emission Control Service"… does this lead to drop in MPG?

[avguy]

Well, I wasn't expecting that the plugs had never been changed at all, so yes you should go ahead and replace them now.

[Raleigh St. Clair]

I honestly have no idea whether they have or not, as I bought the car from a Chevrolet dealership at 62,500 mileage. My guess would be no, seeing as most people tend to ignore maintenance and I can't see the dealer doing maintenance before selling a trade-in.

[avguy]

Fortunately we're not talking about a big expense here. No need to worry speculating - just throw in a set of NGK (or similar) copper plugs and be done with it for a few years.

[Raleigh St. Clair]

That's what I'm thinking, thanks.