How much does it cost to replace spark plugs on a Subaru Legacy?
Replacing spark plugs is a crucial aspect of maintaining your Subaru Legacy's performance and efficiency. As an experienced auto service provider, I often get asked about the costs associated with this essential service. In this article, we'll break down the factors that influence the cost of spark plug replacement and provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect.
Factors Influencing the Cost
The cost of replacing spark plugs in a Subaru Legacy can vary based on several factors:
- Type of Spark Plugs: The price can differ significantly depending on whether you choose standard copper, platinum, or iridium spark plugs. Iridium plugs, for example, tend to be more expensive but offer better longevity and performance.
- Labor Costs: Labor rates can vary by location and shop. Typically, you can expect to pay between $75 to $150 per hour for labor.
- Vehicle Model Year: Newer models may have more complex engine designs, which can increase the time and cost of replacement.
- Additional Repairs: If your vehicle requires additional maintenance or repairs during the spark plug replacement, this can also affect the overall cost.
Estimated Costs
On average, the total cost for replacing spark plugs in a Subaru Legacy ranges from $100 to $300. Here’s a breakdown:
- Parts: Spark plugs typically cost between $10 to $30 each, depending on the type. For a Subaru Legacy, you may need four spark plugs.
- Labor: Expect to pay around $100 to $150 for labor, depending on the shop's hourly rate and the time required for the job.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance, including spark plug replacement, is vital for keeping your Subaru Legacy running smoothly. While the costs can vary, understanding the factors involved can help you budget accordingly. If you're due for a spark plug replacement or have any questions about your vehicle's maintenance, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos for expert advice and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Subaru spark plugs are bad?
One of the first signs of spark plug wear is trouble starting your Subaru. If the engine cranks longer than usual before starting or if you experience intermittent starting issues, it's time to inspect your spark plugs.
How to tell if spark plugs need changing?
Here are seven signs that are telling you that you need spark plug replacement on your vehicle.
- Your Vehicle is Difficult to Start.
- Your Engine is Misfiring.
- You Have Poor Fuel Economy.
- Your Engine Idles Rough.
- Your Car Doesn't Accelerate Easily.
- Your Engine is Loud.
- Your “Check Engine” Light Comes On.
How much should I pay to get spark plugs changed?
For instance, a set of four spark plugs in a compact car will likely be around $50 to $80 to install. Some vehicles need an intake plenum or other parts removed to access the spark plugs, and the price goes up commensurately.
Why is replacing spark plugs so expensive?
The intake manifold will need to be removed to reach the plugs on the back bank. All that extra disassembly adds to the labor time. Other layouts like flat engines (sometimes called “boxer”), commonly seen on Subaru's and Porsches, require more time to change the spark plugs.
What symptoms may indicate my vehicle's spark plugs need replacing?
Signs of Bad Spark Plugs
- Your check engine light comes on. Worn/failed spark plugs, coil packs, or spark plug wires can trigger your check engine light to come on.
- Engine misfires.
- Your car has trouble starting.
- Bad gas mileage.
- The engine idles roughly (and you can hear it!)
- Your car won't accelerate quickly.
Can I drive my car with bad spark plugs?
Yes, driving with a dead spark plug is not advisable. A dead or faulty spark plug can lead to several issues, including: Engine Misfire: A dead spark plug can cause the engine to misfire, leading to rough idling and poor acceleration.
Can you jump start a car with bad spark plugs?
It is possible to jump-start your car as a temporary solution, but you'll have to change it sooner or later. A faulty ignition coil and bad spark plugs have to be also replaced. You'll need a multimeter to make sure that your ignition coil is no longer able to perform its functions properly.
What are the signs of a bad spark plug?
What are the signs your Spark Plugs are failing?
- Engine has a rough idle. If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle.
- Trouble starting. Car won't start and you're late for work… Flat battery?
- Engine misfiring.
- Engine surging.
- High fuel consumption.
- Lack of acceleration.
Is it easy to replace Subaru spark plugs?
Replacing spark plugs is something you can do at home within an hour as long as you have the following tools: Appropriately sized spark plug socket. 8-10mm sockets. Ratchet and extensions.
How often should spark plugs be changed in a Subaru?
every 60,000 miles
To extend the life of your Subaru spark plugs and ensure your engine runs smoothly, regular maintenance is key. This includes following Subaru's recommended service intervals—typically every 60,000 miles for standard replacements. However, this can vary based on your driving habits and the specific Subaru model.
