The key to keeping your 2020 Chevy Equinox running smoothly is regular maintenance. Whether you use your car for daily commutes, weekend road trips, or family adventures, proper care improves performance and fuel efficiency. While all car maintenance tasks are important, one you should never overlook is replacing spark plugs.
Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture inside the engine and allow the vehicle to run. Over time, they wear out, which can lead to rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and engine misfires. This is where a comprehensive guide like the Haynes Chevrolet Equinox (2018-2022) Repair Manual becomes indispensable. For the 2020 Chevy Equinox, a spark plug replacement is an easy DIY task that can save you a significant amount of money compared to dealership services.
The Haynes Chevy Equinox 2018 - 2022 manual (Chapter 1, Section 19) walks you through everything you need to know about spark plug replacements for your 2018-2022 Chevy Equinox. It breaks everything down step-by-step so you feel confident to handle it yourself.
Why Spark Plug Replacement Matters
Spark plugs are necessary for your engine’s performance. They ignite the fuel-air mixture that powers your vehicle. Over time, spark plugs wear out, leading to hard starts, sluggish acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency. Replacing them helps maintain smooth operation and prevents even larger engine issues from materializing.
The Chevrolet Equinox is built for daily commutes, family road trips, and all-weather driving, so keeping up with spark plug maintenance is absolutely necessary for reinforcing the vehicle’s dependability. Fresh spark plugs help the engine run more efficiently and improve fuel economy. Regular maintenance will keep your 2018-2022 Chevy Equinox running smoothly and ready for any journey.
When to Replace Spark Plugs on a 2020 Chevy Equinox
The best time to replace spark plugs depends on driving conditions and the type of spark plugs your vehicle has. The 2018-2022 Chevy Equinox spark plug replacement interval is generally between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, frequent stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, or poor fuel quality may cause faster wear.
Checking your owner’s manual will provide exact recommendations for your specific engine type. If you're performing other maintenance tasks, such as an oil change or tire rotation, it’s a good idea to inspect the spark plugs at the same time.
Tools and Parts Needed
Before starting your 2018-2022 Chevy Equinox spark plug replacement, gather these tools:
- Spark plug socket wrench – Allows easy removal and installation of spark plugs.
- Ratchet and extension – Provides better reach, especially in tight engine spaces.
- Torque wrench – Helps tighten new spark plugs correctly.
- Spark plug gap gauge – Guarantees proper gap size before installation.
- Dielectric grease – Protects ignition coils from moisture and corrosion.
You will also need the correct Chevy Equinox spark plugs for your engine. Your owner’s manual or a Haynes repair manual can help you find the exact type.
Why Spark Plug Maintenance Should Not Be Overlooked
Maintaining your spark plugs is one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure your 2018-2022 Chevy Equinox continues to perform at its best. Neglecting spark plug replacement can lead to more severe engine problems down the line, potentially causing costly repairs.
The Haynes Chevrolet Equinox (2018-2022) Repair Manual will not only help you replace the spark plugs yourself but also guide you when checking for other potential issues. Whether you need to replace the spark plugs or perform additional maintenance checks, the manual provides the detailed guidance you need to get the job done efficiently.
Maintaining Your Chevy Equinox for Long-Term Performance
The 2018-2022 Chevy Equinox is built for practicality. It’s a great choice for families, commuters, and first-time SUV buyers. Routine maintenance helps keep it running smoothly, no matter if you’re handling school drop-offs, weekend road trips, or daily work commutes.
Regularly checking spark plugs, oil changes x, tire rotations, and general inspections are key maintenance milestones. Pairing a 2018-2022 Chevy Equinox spark plug replacement with an oil change or air filter swap saves time and keeps your SUV performing at its best.
When compared to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Equinox stands out for affordability and fuel efficiency. Keeping up with maintenance helps maximize those benefits while preventing unexpected breakdowns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-tightening or Under-tightening Spark Plugs
Applying too much or too little torque can strip the threads or cause poor combustion. This could lead to performance issues and potential engine damage.
- Skipping the Gap Check
Failing to check and adjust the spark plug gap can lead to misfires, rough idling, and reduced fuel efficiency. These issues may negatively impact the overall performance of your Chevy Equinox.
- Neglecting Dielectric Grease
Not applying dielectric grease to the spark plug boots can allow moisture buildup. This may lead to corrosion, ignition coil failure, or electrical arcing.
- Not Disconnecting the Battery
While disconnecting the battery is good practice, it’s not strictly necessary for spark plug replacement unless working near electrical components.
Haynes Manuals: Your Trusted Guide for DIY Affordable Car Maintenance
Haynes provides step-by-step repair guides for DIY car maintenance. Our Chevrolet service and repair manuals are based on real vehicle teardowns. They provide clear and reliable guidance for common fixes to help you save on Chevy Equinox repairs.
Whether you need help with a spark plug replacement for your 2018-2022 Chevy Equinox or more advanced maintenance, our maintenance tips cover everything in detail. The tips are designed to make it easy and affordable for you to DIY maintain your vehicle and avoid expensive repairs and servicing costs.
Haynes Manuals are available in both print and digital form, allowing you to choose the format that works best for your needs.. However you use them, our manuals are designed to help car owners save money and feel confident handling vehicle maintenance on their own.
For more DIY repair tips, explore our full range of Chevrolet Equinox manuals and keep your Equinox running smoothly for years to come. Don’t wait for a breakdown to happen—be proactive about your vehicle’s care with Haynes Manuals.
