by local expert Patrick Patel
To change spark plugs, turn your car off and take the keys out before opening the bonnet. Locate the engine cover and remove it.
Remove the coil packs. There are 2 types: coil packs which are individually secured can be removed individually, and coil packs bound together - these need to be removed in one. Top tip: even after removing the securing bolts, the coil packs may need a little wiggle from the base.
Using the extension bar attached to the spark plug socket, make sure the spark plug socket is placed on the plug at a straight angle. It should feel tight and the extension bar should not wiggle around. Then slowly loosen and remove each spark plug at a time.
Place each new plug into the spark plug socket and slightly tighten each spark plug, bearing in mind to hold the extension along with the socket very straight to avoid damaging the screw threads. Then tighten each spark plug one at a time, but be sure not to over-exert while tightening - this could snap the plug.
Once the plugs are in put the coil packs back into place and attach the connectors, exactly the same way as they were taken off. Use the marks made earlier or the pictures taken in order to be sure the connectors are plugged in the correct order.
Put the engine cover back on, start the engine and run it for a few minutes. Listen for any abnormal vibrations or erratic idling.