rtgriff

The spark plugs my on 1998 A4 have 30,000 mile on them, they were replaced 3 years under Audi's maintenance program. The car seems to be running fine, but I was going to replace them since the owners manual says to replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years. My local mechanic says they can run fine for 60,000. Also, if I take off the plastic cover over the engine, are the plugs easy to get to with a socket wrench? Also, do plugs need to be gapped or are they gapped ok when you purchase them. Thanks

Clout

a spark plug socket with and extender to put the plugs in, and yes, you need to gap them

paul_858

you may need torx bits/drivers to remove if the coilpacks are bolted to the head. Otherwise, they disconnect from the wires and pull straight up(be gentle but firm with the coilpacks). Take a standard sparkplug socket and extension and rachet and they'll come right out. Never trust the gapping that the plugs come with. Make sure they are set right yourself. for standard copper plugs, general rule of thumb for gapping is ~0.032". Torque specs are 22lb/ft for the plugs. good luck.

Not all plugs can be gapped without the proper tools(thin electrode iridiums for example).

Clout

i was sooo afraid of breaking the tip off.