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Toyota Corolla Must-Have Tools for Changing Spark Plugs

Here is an informative demonstration about how to change the spark plugs on a 2016 Toyota Corolla with some added info on must-have tools you will need to do the job right.
The Right Tools for the Right Car Maintenance Job

DIY Car Maintenance Benefits

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) car maintenance offers several benefits to vehicle owners, both in terms of cost savings and personal satisfaction. Key advantages of learning how to DIY your car maintenance and repairs include (but are not limited to): Cost Savings, Learning Experience, Convenience, Customization, Sense of Accomplishment, Preventative Maintenance, and Community and Networking:

1. Cost Savings:

  • Labor Costs: One of the most significant benefits of DIY car maintenance is the potential to save on labor costs. Repair shops typically charge for both parts and labor, and by doing the work yourself, you eliminate the labor expenses.
  • Markups on Parts: Repair shops often mark up the prices of parts. When you purchase the parts yourself, you can shop around for the best prices and avoid these markups.

2. Learning Experience:

  • Skill Development: Engaging in DIY car maintenance allows you to develop valuable automotive repair and maintenance skills. This knowledge can empower you to perform various tasks and understand your vehicle better.
  • Understanding Your Vehicle: By working on your car, you gain a deeper understanding of its components and systems. This knowledge can be helpful in diagnosing issues and making informed decisions about repairs.

3. Convenience:

  • Flexible Schedule: DIY car maintenance allows you to choose when and where you want to work on your vehicle. This flexibility can be especially convenient for people with busy schedules.
  • Avoiding Wait Times: Repair shops may have waiting times for appointments. DIY allows you to address issues promptly without having to wait for a slot to open up. Garages will often supersede your repair or maintenance when a more profitable appointment appears for scheduling.

4. Customization:

5. Sense of Accomplishment:

  • Personal Satisfaction: Successfully completing a DIY car maintenance task can be a source of great satisfaction. This sense of accomplishment is rewarding and can boost your confidence in tackling more complex projects.

6. Preventative Maintenance:

  • Regular Inspections: DIY maintenance encourages regular inspections, which can help identify and address issues before they become major problems. This proactive approach can extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

7. Community and Networking:

  • Joining Enthusiast Groups: Engaging in DIY car maintenance can connect you with like-minded individuals. Joining enthusiast groups or forums allows you to share knowledge, seek advice, and build a network of fellow car enthusiasts. Viewer comments following YouTube repair videos are often helpful as well when others have the same repair problem you have.

Caveats to DIYing Your Car Repair and Maintenance

While there are numerous benefits to DIY car maintenance, it's important to note that not all repairs should be attempted without the necessary knowledge and skills. For complex or safety-critical tasks, it's advisable to seek professional assistance. Additionally, always follow safety guidelines and use proper tools and equipment when working on your vehicle.

How to DIY a Spark Plug Change on Your Toyota Corolla (the right way)

That all said and done, the following are two very informative videos that compliment each other when it comes to changing your vehicle’s spark plugs.

In the first video by the Toyota Maintenance YouTube channel, you will follow along step-by-step how to correctly change the spark plus on a 2016 Toyota Corolla. The usefulness of this video aside from the techniques used is that it is applicable to many other makes and models of cars.

The second video courtesy of the 247Parts YouTube channel compliments the first by adding a little more description to some of the important tools used when changing spark plugs that includes why you should use a special spark plug socket with an inner rubber sleeve insert to protect the spark plug and the have on hand a spark plug gap tool.

First Video: How to change spark plugs on 2016 Toyota Corolla

 

Second Video: These Are the Tools You Will Need to Change your Spark Plugs

 

 

Caveats to the two Videos

  1. Sometimes the spark plugs for your particular model of car are already gapped for you. However, it is best to double-check the gaps following your car manual’s recommended gaps.
  2. Non-seize lubricant is typically recommended on spark plug threads. Again, follow your car manual’s recommendations and/or specific model repair manual instructions.
  3. Although you can “torque by feel,” until your hands learn “the feel” it is recommended to invest in a small torque tool to verify how tight your spark plugs actually are tightened. Torque values for spark plugs vary, but a 10-15 ft lbs. range is typical. Again, check your manual to avoid the costly mistake by over-torquing and ruining the threads in an aluminum cylinder head.

 

Where You Can Find the Tools or Similar Ones Shown

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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