I have a 99 Mazda 626 GL and it needs a tune up. I'm on a limited budget so I called a few places that have specials and they are telling me that I'm not eligible for the special because they have to use platinum spark plugs.
2006-12-15 02:58:45 · 13 answers · asked by mama dee 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
No, you don't have to use platinum plugs, and I strongly doubt that on a 626 that they HAVE to use a special type of plug. A 626 is a daily driver, not a sports car. Platinum plugs don't always last longer, either. On certian types of cars, there's what's called an exhaust spark to burn any remaining fuel/oxygen mixture. Platinum plugs, Bosch specifically, are not designed to handle an exhaust spark and wear out almost twice as fast as a copper core plug. And on a few makes that I'm aware of, platinum plugs will trigger a Cam sensor code after a few thousand miles.
2006-12-15 05:29:54 · answer #1 · answered by sovereign_carrie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL. No, you can put in any brand, but the manufacturer might recomend platinum. The shops keep telling you that because they are about $5 a piece. I'm sure they'll charge more.
With the 626 you should be able to change these yourself (or get a friend to help.) It is cheaper, and you only need a spark plug socket and socket wrench. The wires you can do yoruself, too. Just do one at a time and see if the lengths of the wires are about the same before attaching them.
That's really all there is to it and you can do the whole thing for about $50. Good Luck!
2006-12-15 03:06:49 · answer #2 · answered by subhuman 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's really not even about it being a harder metal it's that it can run at a higher temperature without igniting the mixture. Once a plug starts glowing it will cause pre-ignition, which will literally eat through a piston. Being able to run hotter without igniting the mixture allows the spark plug to be self-cleaning. This allows the spark plug to run so hot that it literally cooks off any buildup, making for a plug that lasts longer and runs better. Is it worth it? Generally, yes but don't bother going the extra mile for the 4 prong plugs.
2016-05-24 20:23:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to use platinum spark plugs. I checked and there are numerous brands of spark plugs available for your 626, some are platinum, some aren't. I'm sure a mechanically inclined friend would be willing to help you replace those.
2006-12-15 03:09:39 · answer #4 · answered by Doug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most respectful shops will not go against what the manufacture requires when repairing a car. If the original equipment is platinum plugs then that is what is required. Not that using standard plugs would hurt your engine but if they used them and it did damage your engine, would you not being standing at their counter yelling about how they should have known better.
If you decide to do it yourself make sure you check the spark plug gap before installing the plugs.
2006-12-15 03:09:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you do not have to use platinum plugs. Most makers of plugs offer an alternative non-platinum plug for almost all applications. Call an Auto Zone, or Track Auto near you, and they will be able to tell you if they are offered for your car.
2006-12-15 03:04:42 · answer #6 · answered by fairway8u 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and on that vehicle it is a good idea to use the better plugs in it,,because the cheaper ones don't last very long,,and will cause more running problems that there worth,that's why they recommend using platinum,,id try and stay with the better plugs if i could,,it will cost you less in the long run if you do this,,but they told you right,,you also can use a good Bosch plug in it,,there as good,, and a lot cheaper too ,and they last just as long,,good luck with it,i hope this help,s..,have a good x-mas.
2006-12-15 03:10:06 · answer #7 · answered by dodge man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Platinum plugs are recommended for that application you don't need to use them but they do perform better and last longer. also, if you have any warranty on the car use of non platinum plugs could void it
2006-12-15 03:16:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just use what is recomended, will affect fuel economy if don't use proper plugs. It would save you 10$ if you didn't use platinum plugs, so what
2006-12-15 10:36:37 · answer #9 · answered by stealth5033 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They last alot longer!!! 3 times as long! If your car has less than 100k, you do not need plugs!
2006-12-15 07:03:57 · answer #10 · answered by Andrew P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋