Replacing spark plugs on a Kia Rio 3: a reminder for the car enthusiast

Why are spark plugs needed?

Every part in a car has its own purpose. Without ignition, the engine will not work. The spark plug is responsible for burning the fuel mixture in the engine cylinders. The principle of operation of spark plugs is an arc that occurs on the electrodes. The breakdown voltage reaches several thousand volts.

Components of spark plugs:

• metal central electrode with a diameter of 0.4-2.4 mm;
• insulating housing;
• contact of the high-voltage wire with the base;
• thread with sealing washer;
• lateral contact.

Electrodes are made of copper, rare earth and noble metals. The service life of the part depends on the material. The gap between the contacts is also important. The shorter this distance, the weaker the discharge and the volume of the burned fuel mixture is small.

Resistance to high temperatures is characterized by heat rating. A large number means that the ignition device can operate with significant heat.

An important parameter of the part is the size of the threaded connection. Each engine corresponds to a certain type of SZ.

When do you need to replace spark plugs on a Kia Rio 3?

For uninterrupted operation of the engine unit, maintenance regulations must be observed. Replacing spark plugs on a Kia Rio according to the manufacturer's recommendations is carried out no later than 60 thousand km. During maintenance, it is necessary to assess the condition of the ignition system and adjust the gap between the contacts. Normally, this distance should be within 1.0-1.1 mm.

Owners of Kia Rio cars recommend replacing spark plugs at intervals of 20 thousand km. But often these parts work normally for much longer.

Therefore, before changing the spark plugs on the Kia Rio 3, it is enough to check the wear of the part.

Ignition devices in good condition can continue to be used until they show signs of deterioration. The catalog number of these parts in the Kia Rio 3 car is 1885510060 type NGK or CHAMPION.

How to replace spark plugs in a Kia Rio?

The mechanism of operation of the car's power plant is based on the ignition of the air-fuel mixture. Candles, which are used to ignite, are consumables.

Knowing how to change spark plugs on a Kia Rio, you can do this operation yourself if a malfunction is detected.

What are candles responsible for?

In engine design, spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture. But their condition will be a good indicator of the condition of the engine and the quality of its operation. It is better to carry out diagnostics after a trip of 250-300 km on a calm road.

When examining candles, the following signs may appear:

• the engine runs flawlessly, the spark plugs have minimal soot, the light brown color of the electrode skirt confirms normal, standard operation;
• a rich air-fuel mixture resulting from a malfunction of the fuel filter will make itself known as a coal-black coating on the skirt;
• a lean mixture will appear as a gray electrode. Such a symptom will require immediate adjustment of the settings or the combustion chamber will overheat;
• low quality fuel containing many additives or other inclusions will appear in the red color of the candle;
• traces of oil will indicate its leakage; the oil seals in the power plant may need to be replaced.

When do they need to be changed?

The engine replacement period is determined by the technical documentation for the vehicle. Therefore, the answer to the Kia Rio driver’s question about how often to change spark plugs must be found there, in the manual.

As a general rule, the first replacement is made at the fourth scheduled maintenance, when the car reaches a mileage of 60 thousand kilometers, the second - at the eighth scheduled maintenance, when the mileage is 120 thousand km.

Signs of malfunctioning spark plugs

SZ is a reliable car part that is resistant to loads. But during operation this ability decreases. The main signs of spark plug wear:

• reduction in engine power;
• increased fuel consumption;
• the appearance of the Check Engine icon on the panel;
• uneven operation of the internal combustion engine at idle;
• difficult ignition;
• increased toxicity of exhaust gases.

If you evaluate the appearance of the spark plug, then based on the result you can diagnose the operation of the engine. List of possible malfunctions according to the color spectrum of soot:

1. Sooty deposits on the contacts form when the air filter is clogged or the injection nozzle malfunctions.
2. White color indicates that the temperature in the combustion chamber is too high. This deviation is dangerous for the engine and can lead to critical overheating of the valves.
3. A red tint on the electrodes appears due to poor fuel. A conductive layer is formed that disrupts normal sparking.
4. The presence of oil on the contacts indicates a violation of the valve tightness. This is a critical deviation and urgent engine repair is required.
5. Ash residue indicates wear on the piston rings. There is a possibility that the engine will need to be overhauled.

If the contacts are light brown, then the car's internal combustion engine is in order.

What are the problems?

If you are not replacing, but inspecting and adjusting old spark plugs, then it is recommended to start inspecting them after a long (250-300 km) trip with a uniform engine operation (on a country road).

• The spark plug in an ideally running engine has minimal carbon deposits, and the skirt of the central electrode is painted light brown.
• If the center electrode of the spark plug is covered with black carbon deposits, this may indicate that the engine is running on a rich air-fuel mixture. The reasons for its formation may be: - Faulty injector. — Clogged air filter.
• If the spark plug electrode is white or light gray, this indicates that the engine is running on a lean air-fuel mixture. An urgent adjustment of the settings is necessary, because this threatens to overheat the combustion chamber, right up to the burnout of the exhaust valves.
• If the spark plugs are the color of red brick, change the fuel or gas station, because... The gasoline you use contains a large amount of additives. With prolonged use of such fuel, metal deposits (conductive deposits) form on the spark plugs. As a result, it begins to ignite the fuel mixture, rather than a spark between the electrodes of the spark plug.
• If there are traces of oil on the spark plugs and the engine is using more oil than usual, the oil seals may need to be replaced.
• If the central electrode and skirt on the spark plug are covered with a layer of oil and remnants of unburned gasoline, as well as signs of destruction, the partition between the piston rings may be broken or one of the valves may be damaged. Also a sign of such a breakdown is an almost doubling of fuel consumption and a significant loss of power.
• If the spark plugs have electrodes covered with ash deposits, and blue smoke comes from the exhaust pipe, then the oil scraper piston rings have worn out.

Due to the fact that the outer cylinders operate at lower temperatures than the middle ones, experts advise changing the spark plugs!

Why is it important to change spark plugs on time?

The vehicle dynamics depend on the ignition state. An important part of this device is the SZ, which is replaced after a certain period of time.

Poor performance of these parts results in breakdown of the car engine.

The frequency of replacing spark plugs on the Kia Rio 3 is set approximately by the manufacturer. Under harsh operating conditions of the machine, these parts will last a shorter period. And with electrodes made of rare earth or noble metals, it will be possible to change spark plugs on a Kia Rio after 100 thousand km.

Negative aspects of using old ignition devices:

• incomplete combustion of the fuel mixture, increased gasoline consumption;
• breakdown of coils;
• increased load on the motor;
• increased detonation, engine overheating;
• sticking of threads.

Scheduled replacement of spark plugs for Kia Rio 3 is the key to long, trouble-free operation of the engine.

For cars with LPG, due to the higher combustion temperature of the fuel mixture, SZ should last for a shorter period than for gasoline engines.

Why spark plugs on Rio need to be changed

Even if old consumables look serviceable, it is better to replace them after their service life has expired. When a car owner uses old spark plugs for a long time, the following happens:

• the level of detonation increases;
• mechanical load increases;
• fuel burns worse and is consumed faster;
• Breakdowns of coils, wires, and resistors occur.

In some cases, the threads may become coked, after which the engine will need to be overhauled. This is obviously more expensive than repairing spark plugs, so it’s better not to try to save on them.

Which spark plugs are suitable for Kia Rio 3

In accordance with the vehicle maintenance regulations, periodic replacement of the SZ is required. The resource of original parts is enough for 15-30 thousand km. Models with iridium contact are more expensive, but replacement of spark plugs on a Kia Rio will be required after 80-100 thousand km. Before replacing devices, wear should be checked. Signs of problems:

• deviation of the gap between the contacts from the norm is 1.0-1.1 mm;
• white or black coating on contacts;
• carbon deposits, cracks on the insulating cartridge.

The manufacturer for Kia Rio cars produced in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2021 recommends using SZ NGK-LZKR6B. For the 2nd generation Kia Rio 1.6 with manuals, 2009 and 2010, Hyundai-Kia SZ are used. It is also possible to use analogues from Champion, BOSCH, Denso and BKR. The product catalog number for the Kia Rio 3 is 1885410080. You need to buy parts in trusted stores so as not to receive a low-quality or used product.

Which parts to choose?

The manufacturer offers the motorist the opportunity to use several types of spark plugs for installation on the Kia Rio.

Elements with the article number are produced from the Kia Rio factory assembly line

NGK LZKR6B, their catalog number is 18855-10060. As an option, you can try installing a part like Champion RER8MC. You should rely on the recommendations of the official dealer, without trying to find cheaper analogues. When choosing the material from which the consumables are made, it should be taken into account that metal candles are cheaper, but are very noisy when driving, while ceramic ones are almost silent, but their service life is shorter.

How to change spark plugs on a Kia Rio 3 with your own hands

When servicing a car, some work is not difficult. Therefore, replacing Kia Rio 3 spark plugs can be done independently. Before performing work, you must be well prepared and study the repair manual. To change the SZ, just follow the instructions.

Required Tools

Before starting work, you need to prepare the appropriate equipment:

• open-end wrench “10”;
• medium slotted screwdriver;
• head "10";
• spark plug wrench "16".

The car is placed on a flat area with good lighting. In the open air, replacement of the SZ is carried out in dry weather.

Step-by-step instruction

Procedure for replacing the SZ:

1. Prepare new spark plugs for Kia 3 edition.
2. Open the car hood and place it on the strut.
3. Disconnect the engine soundproofing cover using the socket “10”. Unscrew the 4 bolts and remove the part.
4. Remove the pads by squeezing the lock with a slotted screwdriver. You need to remove the parts carefully, without making much effort - the parts are fragile and can break.
5. Unscrew the coil mount. When disconnecting, mark the location with a felt-tip pen so as not to confuse it during assembly.
6. Clean and wipe off dirt from the motor housing. Foreign particles entering the engine can cause serious damage.
7. Unscrew the NW one by one using a “16” key and a wrench. Carry out the operation carefully so as not to break the thread.
8. First fit new ignition devices into the threads of the wells by hand to avoid distortions. Then tighten with a wrench with a force of 25 Nm.
9. Assemble the coils in the order noted earlier. Install and secure the engine compartment cover.

After replacing the SZ, it is necessary to check the operation of the ignition.

The engine should idle smoothly, without jerking.

In the 2004 Kia ​​Rio 1.4 model, the engine compartment cover is secured with 3 bolts. The ignition coils are tightly placed on the contacts. The procedure for replacing spark plugs in Kia Rio 4 editions 2021 and 2021, as well as on Drive2, is the same as on the third generation model.

Replacing spark plugs on Kia Rio 3: video

Drivers who perform such work for the first time need detailed instructions. A video that describes replacing spark plugs in a Kia Rio 3 will help you avoid mistakes and difficulties:

You can use the instructions explaining how to change spark plugs on a Kia Rio 2014. An overview of the procedure for the left side:

Second half:

Price issue

The cost of replacing the SZ is determined by the price of the parts. Almost every car enthusiast has the remaining necessary tools and does not require a separate purchase. Original NGK spark plugs installed by the manufacturer cost about 200 rubles. Price in rubles per piece of analogues with catalog number 1885510080:

• Bosch – 160-240;
• Brisk, Champion – 120;
• Denso – 200-700;
• BERU – 270.

Before purchasing non-original spare parts, you must make sure that they correspond to the car brand.

Buying new candles

Hyundai-Kia, Denso and NGK spark plugs are some of the most popular among pirates. Below is a method to protect yourself from counterfeits.

Today there is a lot of different content telling how to distinguish one from another, but you need to understand that there are a huge number of types of counterfeits and visual inspection can only weed out low-quality counterfeits, the share of which in the market is declining today. There are more and more fakes that are visually almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

If you have already bought candles, you can try to determine whether they are real or not. Use the “No Counterfeit” website. Enter the article number of the candles into the search engine and get information by number. Keep in mind that this is not a panacea. On the site there is only a part of what is found.

If you have not purchased candles yet, purchase them from online stores that indicate the supplier. Unfortunately, not all stores openly indicate their warehouses. We have to promote AutoDoc and Auto-Peter. They make it possible to understand who you are buying candles from. PLEASE NOTE THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THESE STORES ARE FREE OF COUNTERFEITS. If candles have not yet been purchased, purchase them from online stores that indicate the supplier. Unfortunately, not all stores openly indicate their warehouses. We have to promote AutoDoc and Auto-Peter. They make it possible to understand who you are buying candles from. PLEASE NOTE: THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THESE STORES ARE FREE OF COUNTERFEITS.

Example. We need original spark plugs numbered 18855-10060. The dealer warehouse is called DEALER. I highlighted them with a pink frame. Warehouses with letter designations are a risk - you don’t know who the seller is. The logic of the average person is simple: all the candles are original, so I take the cheapest ones. This is what the pirates are counting on. Their price will always be better.

Autodoc – Dealer warehouse

In the Autopiter online store, the dealer is marked with a flag.

Avtopiter - Dealer warehouse

Now let's look at the example of NGK LZKR6B10E spark plugs. We see changes; the warehouse for non-original spare parts will be called a distributor.

Autodoc - distributor warehouse

Let's look now in Avtopiter. We see here the warehouse is indicated by the same icon as the dealer.

Avtopiter - distributor warehouse

Surely someone will have a question: what about Exist and Emex? They do everything the old fashioned way; they stubbornly refuse to show the warehouses of dealers and distributors. Maybe they just don't have counterfeit goods? Was, is and will be. I stopped working with these sites precisely because of counterfeit products.

Possible difficulties when replacing spark plugs

Kia Rio owners may experience problems when servicing their car themselves. The work of removing candles may be accompanied by difficulties:

• sticking of the threaded connection;
• high engine compartment temperature;
• foreign objects entering the threaded well;
• thread breakage when tightening.

To avoid trouble, you need to be well prepared for work. Moisten threaded connections with WD. The engine must cool completely. Before starting work, you need to carefully remove dirt from the engine compartment. The forces applied to the tool must be measured.

Advice for car enthusiasts

Following simple recommendations will help to do the job of replacing the SZ efficiently and save time. Tips for Kia Rio car owners:

1. It is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface of the spark plug wells before performing work. If something gets into the hole, you need to start the engine without the SZ. The cylinder piston will push out the foreign object.
2. To unscrew, use only a special wrench so as not to distort or damage the thread.
3. It is necessary to install the SZ only on a cold engine, otherwise the threads of the spark plug well may be deformed.
4. For better contact of parts with the thread, you can screw a tap lubricated with graphite lubricant into the well.
5. The temperature in the outermost cylinders of the engine is lower, so during the next inspection the SZ can be swapped.

Compliance by the car owner with operating rules and timely maintenance will keep the car in good working order and save you from unnecessary expenses.

Instructions for replacing SZ with Kia Sportage: