You probably know that spark plugs are very important for your car’s engine to run smoothly. But did you know that cleaning them can help your car start better and run more efficiently? If your spark plugs are dirty or covered in grime, your engine might misfire or waste fuel. You don’t need to buy expensive cleaners to fix this. WD40, a common household product, can help clean spark plugs quickly and easily. This article will show you exactly how to clean spark plugs with WD40 step-by-step so you can save money and keep your engine happy.
Why Cleaning Spark Plugs is Important and How WD40 Helps
Spark plugs might look small and simple, but they do a big job. They create the spark that ignites the fuel in your car’s engine. If they get dirty or covered with grease, carbon, or oil, the spark won’t be strong. That means your engine can struggle to start, use more fuel, or run roughly. Cleaning spark plugs keeps them in good shape and helps your car run better.
WD40 is a great choice for cleaning spark plugs because it is a powerful cleaner and lubricant all in one. It breaks down grease, dirt, and grime quickly. It can also help protect metal parts from rust and corrosion. Using WD40 to clean spark plugs is easy, safe, and affordable. This section explains why cleaning spark plugs is necessary and what makes WD40 an excellent option for the job.
What Happens When Spark Plugs Get Dirty
Spark plugs get dirty from the fuel burning inside the engine. Over time, carbon deposits, oil, and dirt can build up on the tip and threads of the plug. When this happens, the spark can become weak or inconsistent. A weak spark means the engine may misfire or hesitate. This can cause poor gas mileage, rough idling, and hard starting. Sometimes, dirty spark plugs can cause the check engine light to come on.
The dirt on spark plugs acts like a barrier. It stops the spark from jumping across the gap in the plug. That gap is where the spark should ignite the fuel-air mix. When this area is dirty, the spark either won’t happen or will be too small to ignite properly. So, cleaning your spark plugs helps restore that spark and keeps your engine running strong.
How WD40 Works to Clean and Protect Spark Plugs
WD40 contains special ingredients that help dissolve grease and grime. When sprayed on dirty spark plugs, it loosens carbon buildup and oily dirt. It also helps remove moisture and prevent rust. The lubricating part of WD40 makes sure the spark plug threads stay smooth and easy to remove or reinstall. This is important because stuck spark plugs can be difficult to work with and may get damaged.
Unlike harsh chemicals, WD40 is gentle on the metal parts but tough on dirt. It evaporates quickly, so it doesn’t leave a sticky residue that can attract more dirt later. Using WD40 to clean spark plugs means you get a cleaner, better-performing plug without risking damage to your engine parts. Plus, it is easy to find in most homes or stores and costs much less than special spark plug cleaners.
What You Need and How to Prepare for Cleaning Spark Plugs with WD40
Before you start cleaning your spark plugs with WD40, you need to get a few tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and safer. This section will guide you through what items you need and how to set up before you begin.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To clean spark plugs with WD40, you don’t need a lot of special tools. Here is a list of what you should gather:
- WD40 spray can: This is the main cleaner.
- Spark plug socket wrench: This tool helps you remove and install spark plugs easily.
- Ratchet or wrench handle: Used with the spark plug socket.
- Wire brush or small nylon brush: For scrubbing off stubborn dirt after spraying WD40.
- Clean rags or paper towels: To wipe off dirt and excess cleaner.
- Safety gloves: To protect your hands from grease and chemicals.
- Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from any spray or debris.
- Compressed air (optional): To blow out dirt from spark plug holes and dry parts faster.
If you don’t have some of these tools, try to borrow or buy them. Using the right tools will make the job easier and prevent damage to your spark plugs or engine.
Preparing Your Workspace and Vehicle
Cleaning spark plugs can get a little messy, so it is important to work in a clean, well-lit, and ventilated space. You want to avoid inhaling fumes from WD40 or dirt dust. A garage or driveway with enough sunlight is perfect.
Make sure your engine is cool before you start. Spark plugs get very hot during driving, so touching them right after the engine runs can cause burns. Wait at least an hour after turning off your car before beginning.
Next, open the hood of your car and locate the spark plugs. They are usually found on the engine cylinder head and connected to thick ignition wires or coil packs. If you have trouble finding them, check your car’s manual or look online for your vehicle’s spark plug location.
Once you find the spark plugs, gently remove the ignition wires or coil packs by pulling on the rubber boot, not the wire itself. This prevents damage to the wires.
Before removing the spark plugs, spray a little WD40 around the area to help loosen any dirt and make it easier to unscrew the plugs. Now, you are ready to remove the spark plugs carefully using the socket wrench.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Spark Plugs Using WD40
Now that you have everything ready and the spark plugs removed, it is time to clean them. This part will take you through the full process with easy steps and tips to make sure your spark plugs get cleaned well and stay in good shape.
Step 1: Inspect the Spark Plugs
Before cleaning, look closely at each spark plug. Check for cracks, heavy corrosion, or worn electrodes. If the plug looks damaged or too worn, cleaning won’t help and you should replace it instead. A good spark plug will have a clean ceramic insulator and metal parts with some light deposits.
If the plug has a lot of black soot, oily deposits, or corrosion, it needs cleaning. Take note of any unusual color or damage to tell your mechanic later if needed.
Step 2: Spray WD40 on the Spark Plug
Hold the spark plug over a rag or paper towel. Spray WD40 generously on the electrode (the small tip) and the threaded area. Make sure to cover all dirty spots where grime or carbon is visible.
Let the WD40 soak in for about 5 to 10 minutes. This time allows the WD40 to break down the dirt and grease. The cleaner’s oiliness will also help loosen any stuck carbon deposits on the metal parts.
Avoid spraying too much; just enough to wet the spark plug thoroughly is perfect. Too much WD40 can drip and make a mess.
Step 3: Scrub the Spark Plug
After soaking, use a wire brush or nylon brush to scrub the spark plug gently. Focus on the electrode tip and threads where dirt usually sticks. Brush in a circular motion to remove carbon and grime.
Be careful not to use a very hard brush or steel wool because it can damage the ceramic insulator or electrode. A soft wire brush or nylon brush works best to clean without harm.
If you don’t have a brush, you can use a clean rag or an old toothbrush for scrubbing. WD40 will keep loosening dirt as you brush, making it easier to clean the plug fully.
Step 4: Wipe and Dry the Spark Plug
Once scrubbed, use a clean rag or paper towel to wipe off the dirt and excess WD40. Make sure the plug is dry and clean.
If you have compressed air, use it to blow away any leftover dirt or moisture from the spark plug. This helps prevent corrosion and ensures no particles block the spark plug hole when you reinstall it.
Repeat the spraying, scrubbing, and wiping steps if the spark plug still looks dirty. It may take a few cycles to get the plug really clean.
Step 5: Reinstall the Spark Plug and Test
After cleaning all your spark plugs, it’s time to put them back. Screw each spark plug into the engine by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Then tighten them with the spark plug socket wrench until snug. Don’t overtighten, as this can strip the threads.
Reconnect the ignition wires or coil packs carefully. Double-check that everything is secure.
Start your car and listen to the engine. If it runs smoother and starts easier, you’ve cleaned your spark plugs well. If the engine still misfires or runs rough, some plugs may need replacement or professional help.
Tips and Safety Advice When Cleaning Spark Plugs with WD40
While WD40 is safe and easy to use, there are some tips and safety advice to keep in mind. This final section helps you avoid common mistakes and make sure your cleaning is effective and safe.
Handling WD40 and Spark Plugs Safely
WD40 contains chemicals that can irritate skin and eyes, so always wear gloves and safety glasses. Use WD40 in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
Keep WD40 away from heat or open flames because it is flammable. Never spray WD40 on a hot engine.
When working with spark plugs, be gentle. Spark plugs are made of ceramic and metal and can break easily if dropped or handled roughly.
Dispose of used rags or paper towels properly because they may be soaked with flammable cleaner.
Additional Cleaning Tips
If spark plugs are extremely dirty or damaged, cleaning with WD40 might not be enough. In that case, consider replacing them.
Don’t use harsh abrasives or chemicals on spark plugs because they can damage the metal parts or insulator.
Always check your vehicle’s manual for the right spark plug type and gap before reinstalling or replacing them.
Regularly cleaning spark plugs every 20,000 to 30,000 miles helps keep your engine running smoothly.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Spark Plugs
Avoid soaking spark plugs in WD40 for too long. A few minutes is enough. Prolonged exposure to WD40 can weaken some parts.
Never spray WD40 inside the engine cylinder or spark plug hole. This can cause damage to engine parts.
Don’t ignore signs of serious spark plug damage like cracks, worn electrodes, or heavy corrosion. These plugs need replacement.
Avoid over-tightening spark plugs when reinstalling, which can strip threads or crack the cylinder head.
By following these tips and the cleaning steps above, you can keep your spark plugs clean, safe, and working well using just WD40.
I hope this guide makes cleaning spark plugs easy and helps your car run better every day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to use WD40 on spark plugs?
Yes, it is safe to use WD40 on spark plugs when done correctly. WD40 is a gentle cleaner and lubricant that helps remove dirt, grease, and carbon deposits without damaging metal or ceramic parts. It breaks down grime and prevents rust, which can help improve spark plug performance. However, you should use it carefully by spraying only on the spark plug surface and not inside the engine. Always wear gloves and work in a ventilated area. Avoid spraying WD40 on hot engine parts to prevent fire hazards. Overall, WD40 is a popular and safe option for cleaning spark plugs if used properly.
Can WD40 remove carbon buildup from spark plugs effectively?
Yes, WD40 can help remove carbon buildup on spark plugs effectively. Carbon buildup forms when fuel burns inside the engine, leaving black soot on the spark plug tip and threads. WD40’s special formula dissolves oily dirt and loosens stuck carbon deposits. When sprayed and left to soak for a few minutes, WD40 softens the grime, making it easier to scrub off with a wire brush or nylon brush. Though WD40 works well for light to moderate carbon buildup, very heavy deposits might require professional cleaning or spark plug replacement. Regular use of WD40 for cleaning keeps spark plugs cleaner and your engine running smoothly.
Do I need special tools to clean spark plugs with WD40?
You don’t need very special tools, but having the right tools helps the job go smoothly. The key tools include a spark plug socket wrench to safely remove and reinstall plugs, a ratchet handle to turn the socket, and a small wire or nylon brush to scrub dirt after spraying WD40. Clean rags or paper towels are needed to wipe off grime and excess cleaner. Safety gloves and glasses protect you from chemicals and debris. Optional tools like compressed air help dry spark plugs and blow away dirt. If you don’t have some of these tools, you can still clean spark plugs, but it might take longer or be less effective.
Is it necessary to remove spark plugs before cleaning with WD40?
Yes, it is best to remove spark plugs before cleaning them with WD40. Removing the plugs lets you spray WD40 directly on the dirty parts and scrub them properly. Cleaning spark plugs while still installed risks spraying WD40 inside the engine, which could cause damage or start a fire. Removing plugs also lets you inspect each one for damage or heavy wear before cleaning. After cleaning and drying the spark plugs thoroughly, reinstall them carefully. Always work on a cool engine and follow safety steps to avoid injury or damage. Cleaning spark plugs outside the engine is safer and more effective.
Can WD40 prevent future rust or corrosion on spark plugs?
Yes, WD40 can help prevent rust and corrosion on spark plugs. WD40 contains ingredients that create a thin protective layer on metal surfaces. After cleaning your spark plugs, spraying a light coat of WD40 helps stop moisture and oxygen from causing rust. This is especially helpful if you live in a humid or wet environment. The protective film also keeps the spark plug threads smooth, making future removal easier. However, WD40 is not a permanent rust inhibitor, so regular cleaning and inspection are still needed. Using WD40 as part of your spark plug care routine can extend their life and improve engine reliability.
Do I have to replace spark plugs after cleaning them with WD40?
Not always. If your spark plugs are just dirty or lightly fouled, cleaning them with WD40 can restore their performance and delay the need for replacement. Cleaning removes carbon buildup, oil, and dirt that block the spark. However, if the spark plugs are cracked, heavily corroded, or the electrodes are worn down, cleaning won’t fix those problems. In that case, it is best to replace the spark plugs with new ones. Regular inspection helps decide if cleaning is enough or replacement is needed. Using WD40 to clean plugs can extend their life but does not replace the need for new plugs when worn out.
Can I use WD40 to clean spark plugs on any vehicle?
Yes, WD40 can be used to clean spark plugs on most vehicles including cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and small engines. The cleaning properties of WD40 work on spark plugs from many types of engines. However, always check your vehicle’s manual to confirm the correct spark plug type and maintenance procedures. Some specialty engines might require specific cleaning methods or spark plug treatments. Also, remember to handle spark plugs carefully and avoid spraying WD40 inside the engine cylinder. Using WD40 is a handy and affordable way to clean spark plugs for most vehicles when done correctly.
Is it okay to clean spark plugs regularly with WD40?
Yes, it is okay and even recommended to clean spark plugs regularly with WD40. Keeping spark plugs clean helps your engine run smoothly and improves fuel efficiency. Regular cleaning removes deposits before they build up too much. WD40 is gentle yet effective for routine cleaning. How often you clean depends on your driving conditions and engine type. For most cars, cleaning spark plugs every 20,000 to 30,000 miles is good practice. Avoid over-cleaning or soaking spark plugs too long, as that might wear them out. Using WD40 regularly is an easy way to maintain spark plugs and avoid costly replacements.