Importance of a Spark Plug Gap

The spark plug gap is important to the performance of your engine. Every car is different, and weather and driving style can change the optimal gap for best performance.

Manufacturer Recommended Gap

The manufacturer's recommended spark plug gap is intended to work for cold weather and a poorly tuned engine. You can enhance performance by increasing the gap.

Driving Style

If you like to drive full-throttle, then you may need to maintain or decrease the spark plug gap. If you drive normally, then an increased gap will result in better gas mileage.

Do you tune your own car?

If you tune your own car and do so frequently, you can adjust the spark plug gap for the weather and the type of driving you want to do. If you don't, then you should probably just leave the gap where it is.

Tools for the Job

You can purchase a spark plug gap taper gauge from any automotive parts store. It will allow you to measure and make the adjustment by gently pushing down on a hard surface to decrease or gently pry up to increase the gap.

Take Care

Take care not to damage your spark plugs while making adjustments. Use the right type of spark plug for your car and style of driving.

References

• custom-car.us: Spark Plug Gap
• autozone.com: Regapping Spark Plugs