Spark plug question for a Civic.

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Rob - 19 Jan 2006 15:24 GMT

I've got a 2002 Civic LX 5sp and am getting great gas mileage, but it's
time to change out the plugs at 110k, so checked at the auto parts store and
they must of had a dozen choices that would replace my stock plugs.
I understand my stock plugs are the long life Iridium plugs that cost
12.75 to replace each which I have no problem putting back in , but was
wondering if any body has experience with some other choices like the Bosch
Platinum's, Denso or some of the other NGK choices.
Did your MPG increase, stay the same or get worse. I mostly looking for
a plug that might increase my mileage, the long life plugs are nice to have
, but changing plugs out on my Civic is so easy and think it's a good way to
check the health of my high mileage Civic ever so often. Thanks for any
advice.

Reply to this Message

Elle - 19 Jan 2006 15:34 GMT

The chatter on this here, and my own experience with my 91
Civic, is that the plugs that the car's owner's manual says
to use are best for gas mileage and the car. Longer-life
versions don't affect gas mileage.

Anecdotal reports have not been favorable to Bosch.

> I've got a 2002 Civic LX 5sp and am getting great gas mileage, but it's
> time to change out the plugs at 110k, so checked at the auto parts store and
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> check the health of my high mileage Civic ever so often. Thanks for any
> advice.

Reply to this Message

'Curly Q. Links' - 19 Jan 2006 16:50 GMT

---------------------------------

Stick to the recommended plugs. Platinums or V-groove are good too.

Putting Bosch plugs in your Honda might cause the 'VW virus' to get into
your electrical system . . . . then you'll have to drive around with one
headlight burnt out and your power windows stuck in the 'down' position.

:-) Next you'll want to start wearing Birkenstocks.

'Curly'

Reply to this Message

mopa - 20 Jan 2006 05:51 GMT

"Putting Bosch plugs in your Honda might cause the 'VW virus' to get
into
your electrical system . . . . then you'll have to drive around with
one
headlight burnt out and your power windows stuck in the 'down'
position."

You gotta be kinding me Curly, "'VW virus' to get into
your electrical system" is this true? My entire Dash Cluster is out (no
miles, trip, turning signal, clock, or temp) is working.

Reply to this Message

Spoonless Shell - 23 Jan 2006 06:17 GMT

Only reason I stepped away from the recommended plugs is because of
performance. True factory recommendations are the way to go for long
life and good gas mileage but for someone who runs their Honda only
once a week (2 miles worth at the drag strip) then that would be a
good reason to switch types. I second staying away from Bosch plugs
and I still have that head and what remained of the plug to prove it.)

Reply to this Message

Rob - 24 Jan 2006 02:38 GMT

I always ran Bosch plugs in my old BMW and had over 200,000 miles and the
engine ran like a new car when I sold it. Are you talking about the Bosch
Platinums? Which I heard can run hotter than standard Bosch plugs.

> Only reason I stepped away from the recommended plugs is because of
> performance. True factory recommendations are the way to go for long
> life and good gas mileage but for someone who runs their Honda only
> once a week (2 miles worth at the drag strip) then that would be a
> good reason to switch types. I second staying away from Bosch plugs
> and I still have that head and what remained of the plug to prove it.)

Reply to this Message

t - 23 Jan 2006 15:52 GMT

Do we really need to replace plugs? What happens if you don't? The reason
why I'm saying this is because so many times, a car is running great, then a
recommended interval comes up (I don't mean oil or any kind of filters) like
plugs or auto tranny fluid that makes the car run like do-do. I think when
it comes to certain things, like plugs, if it ain't broke, don't screw it
up.

> I've got a 2002 Civic LX 5sp and am getting great gas mileage, but
> it's time to change out the plugs at 110k, so checked at the auto parts
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> way to check the health of my high mileage Civic ever so often. Thanks for
> any advice.

Reply to this Message

Elle - 23 Jan 2006 15:59 GMT

Just my opinion, but I think replacing spark plugs per the
maintenance schedule, and with Honda recommended ones, is a
small cost for insurance to maximize the ignition coil life.

There is documentation that old or otherwise faulty ignition
wires will shorten the coil life. So that deteriorated spark
plugs would do the same seems reasonable.

And once the coil starts failing, I would be worried about
what it's doing to the igniter.

Elle
Original and sole owner, 1991 Civic LX, 173+k miles.

> Do we really need to replace plugs? What happens if you don't? The reason
> why I'm saying this is because so many times, a car is running great, then a
> recommended interval comes up (I don't mean oil or any kind of filters) like
> plugs or auto tranny fluid that makes the car run like do-do. I think when
> it comes to certain things, like plugs, if it ain't broke, don't screw it
> up.

Reply to this Message

t - 26 Jan 2006 02:55 GMT

Good point.

> Just my opinion, but I think replacing spark plugs per the
> maintenance schedule, and with Honda recommended ones, is a
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> don't screw it
>> up.

Reply to this Message