The final cost will depend on your exact car, the parts used, and the location. The Jerry app can help you get accurate quotes from real repair shops nearby.
Real customers Jerry has helped
Costs for getting your spark plug repaired depend on your exact vehicle, where you live and the quality of oil used. With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need their spark plugs repaired.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Cost breakdown: Why the price varies
Spark plug jobs look simple on paper, but service costs swing with engine design, parts selection and shop labor rates. Here’s how each factor typically affects your total:
Engine cylinder count and layout (spark plug part cost by engine):
Spark plug cost and difficulty can depend on your engine’s cylinder count and layout. Transverse V6 engines and some turbo setups can be tight on space, which may add about 0.5–1.5 hours of labor. Use the Jerry app to find a mechanic with experience on your exact engine layout.
Access and complexity:
If the shop has to remove parts like the intake manifold, engine cover, or cowl to reach the rear spark plugs, labor will usually go up. Some engines are known to be especially tricky—like older Ford 5.4L 3-valve setups, many transverse V6 minivans and sedans where the rear bank is hard to reach, and some BMW/Audi turbo sixes with very tight packaging.
Plug type and quality:
Copper/nickel plugs are the cheapest but wear out sooner, while platinum lasts longer and iridium usually lasts the longest. Your total parts cost depends on both the plug type and how many plugs your engine uses. On an 8-cylinder engine, that choice can make a noticeable difference in the final parts bill.
What is a spark plug?
Spark plugs are small parts that create the spark that ignites the air-fuel mix in your engine. When they wear out, you might notice rough idling, sluggish acceleration, worse gas mileage, or an occasional “check engine” light. Replacing them helps your engine run smoother and start easier.
A spark plug service usually includes removing the old plugs, installing new ones with the correct gap, and often checking the ignition coils and plug boots at the same time. It’s a straightforward maintenance job, but on some engines the plugs are harder to reach—so labor and cost can vary.
The first time I worked on one, I put the spark plug socket down the well, started to loosen the plug—snap. The top broke off, and I thought I’d caused major damage.
What’s usually happening is rust and corrosion build up around the lower part of the plug, so it doesn’t want to come out smoothly. One trick that often helps is using a small impact (the quick “tapping” action can help break the corrosion loose) so the plug spins out easier.
Even with good technique, though, some plugs still break, and extracting the stuck portion can add a lot of time to what should’ve been a straightforward spark plug change.
What are signs that I need my spark plugs replaced?
Spark plugs wear gradually. As the electrodes erode and deposits build up, the spark becomes weaker and less consistent. Run a diagnostic in the Jerry app if you notice any of these issues:
- Rough idle: The engine shakes, sputters, or feels uneven at a stop.
- Hard starts or misfires: It cranks longer than normal, or you feel a hiccup/stumble while driving.
- Sluggish acceleration: It feels weak when you press the gas, especially going uphill or merging.
- Poor fuel economy: You’re filling up more often without changing your driving.
- Check Engine light: Often comes on with misfire-related codes.
- Fuel smell / popping: You may notice a gas smell from the exhaust or hear light popping from the tailpipe.
Your action plan: How to save money
Work through this action plan to identify and tackle the issue. These steps will help you communicate with your mechanic and ensure the repair is handled correctly and efficiently.
Ask what’s involved on your specific engine:
A shop familiar with your make/model can quote more accurately—especially if intake or cowl removal is required. Request a line-item estimate for parts, labor hours and shop fees.
Replace all plugs at once:
Mixing old and new plugs invites uneven performance and repeat labor later. The incremental parts cost is small compared to doing labor twice.
Inspect related items while you’re in there:
Coil boots, wires, and valve cover gaskets (if oil is in the wells) are cheaper to address now. Don’t approve coil “bundles” unless they test weak or show cracks/oil.
Time it with other maintenance:
If your intake must come off, combine with other services (like PCV valve or manifold gaskets) to save on duplicated labor.
Get apples-to-apples quotes:
Ensure each quote lists plug brand/part number, exact plug count and any required gaskets. Be cautious about injector flushes or throttle body cleaning without symptoms or data. The Jerry app can help you get accurate quotes from nearby shops.
Download the Jerry app to compare firm, shop-ready quotes from nearby mechanics in minutes and find a reputable shop that fits your schedule and budget.
Related repairs
Spark plug work often overlaps with other ignition and top-end services. If your vehicle shows any of the following, address them alongside your plug replacement to avoid duplicate labor. Jerry customers use the app to get real quotes from nearby shops for multiple services at once.
- Ignition coils (coil packs): Weak or failing coils can cause misfires, and it’s often smart to replace questionable ones while access is easy.
- Spark plug wires/boots: Worn wires or cracked boots can leak spark and trigger misfires, especially under load or in wet weather.
- Valve cover gasket (spark plug tube seals): Oil in the plug wells is a common cause of misfires and should be fixed to prevent repeat issues.
- PCV valve/service: A stuck PCV can contribute to fouled plugs and rough running, and it’s usually inexpensive.
- Fuel system cleaning or injector service: If plugs are fouled from rich running or uneven fueling, addressing injectors can help the fix last.
DIY vs. Pro: Can I do this myself?
Whether you’d rather replace your spark plugs yourself or have a pro handle it, Jerry can help you understand what you’ll pay for parts and shop labor. Here’s what to think about before deciding to DIY this repair.
Many iridium/platinum plugs are pre-gapped—don’t force-adjust a fine-wire electrode. Use a small dab of dielectric grease on boots; avoid anti-seize unless the plug manufacturer specifically recommends it, as it alters torque values.
What our customers are asking us
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How often should spark plugs be replaced?
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Should I replace all plugs at once?
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Will new plugs improve fuel economy and power?
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Do I need to replace ignition coils with the plugs?
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What’s the correct torque?
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Why is my quote so high on a V6/V8?
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What if I still see a misfire after replacing plugs?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
