original spark plugs?

18 years ago

My mother has a 2003 Ford Taurus which she claims has never been tuned up. Is this a common thing? Are today's vehicles designed to never corrode spark plugs or cables? Would that include my 2002 Mitsubishi Galant?

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Comments (3)

gary__
18 years ago
Yep. They last a long time. No points or condenser to change every year. No timing or carb to adjust. Spark plugs are more durable than they were 30 years ago and the ignition system cranks out a lot more volts. Check your maintenance schedule in your/her owners manual. Not unusual for things to go 100k miles between tune ups these days.
bonebloodyidle
18 years ago
My wife has an April 2000 Daewoo Lanos with 57,000 miles on the clock. It went in for service last week. Needed a fresh set of plugs for the first time ever, a new wheel bearing (due to the unique properties of Irish roads) and usual service items (oil, filter, brake pads etc...)

When I compare this to some old shaggers I had years ago (the Vauxhall Viva immediately springs to mind) which needed the timing adjusting every 4,500 miles, the dwell angle and all those annoying, time consuming bits and pieces which wasted good drinking time which just don't need doing nowadays with electronic ignition and engine management systems. Some people spread the word that it can be cost effective to run a classic car instead of incurring the depreciation of a newer model. I say balls to that idea. I do 30,000 miles a year, most of which is on business. Firstly I need to present an image to the customer which is not portrayed if I turn up in a 1977 Austin Princess. Secondly I need a car which will take me without issue from Dublin to Amsterdam comfortably and reliably. And then if, and it is a very big if, there is a problem I need to know that the part needed to fix it is available here and now and I won't be stuck on the side of an autobahn in the middle of Germany waiting for a man with a beard to machine a new part from the remains of an old lawnmower, instead of making it home on time and watching Top Gear with my son whilst drinking quality tea.
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shelbyscott
18 years ago
ahey mate booger off i dun't have time for your bloody nonsense!! Just kidding i am from North Dakota USA of
course but i am 100% irish and i envy you so much over
there. I always wanted to take my mum over to see the
native country but haven't had the chance. the above statement was told to me by the folks from the old country many a time. as far as vehicle's with the price of petro we just as well ride a bike. good day!! Paul kellam