How often should spark plug wires be replaced?

[Howard]

Or, how does one tell when they need to be replaced?

 

[T2urtle]

well obviously if they are sparking/ arching out its time to replace them. I don't really thing there is a recommended time for them. Similiar to coilpacks, when they stop working they stop working.

generally speaking, a lot of times people start replacing wires when they are troubleshooting misfires/ no starts and etc OR they just feel like they should during a routine tune up where they replace, plugs, wire, cap and rotor.

 

[biggestmuff]

What's the owner's manual or maintenance chart for your vehicle say? My past few cars I've owned have had the wires changed with the plugs per the manufacturer's recommendations.

 

[Zenmervolt]

My own general rule of thumb is that they should be replaced at 100,000 miles unless they fail otherwise first.

ZV

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
My own general rule of thumb is that they should be replaced at 100,000 miles unless they fail otherwise first.

ZV

The correct answer.

 

[bruceb]

100K is a good rule of thumb as on most cars,
spark plug change intervals are at about the same
mileage. Personally, I would not go to all the trouble
to change plugs and Not put new wires on at the same
time. You have already done most of the work to get to
them. Just a matter of routing them nice and neatly.

 

[mooseracing]

I do every couple plug changes. Except on my car where they are routed uner the alternator, the factory ones still are there from 96 with 140k on them. Car still runs great.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

My last car I replaced them when I could open up the hood at night and spot them. My current car doesn't have any at all.

 

[radioouman]

My Saturn SW2 needed new wires at 45k miles. It would miss when it was raining outside.