# Why/When Change Spark Plug Wires **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [July 2, 2007, 2:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-when-change-spark-plug-wires/1195 "2007-07-02T02:23:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sciconf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sciconf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sciconf)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2007, 2:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-when-change-spark-plug-wires/1195/1 "2007-07-02T02:23:57Z")
I have two Cars, Integra (1987 (had it since 2000) & 1999 (had it since 2004)). I never changed the Spark Plug Wires - should I - Why? How do I know it is time to change? ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2007, 2:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-when-change-spark-plug-wires/1195/2 "2007-07-02T02:38:34Z")
When a slight mis-fire is detected, especially when it’s damp… Spark Plug wires usually fail from rough handling, which can break the inner conductor. If you’re obsessive about it, you can check each wire with an ohm meter to spot ones that are defective… Many cars today go to their graves with the factory wires still installed. Ignition systems have come a long way since the Packard 440 days… ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2007, 10:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-when-change-spark-plug-wires/1195/3 "2007-07-02T10:32:13Z")
When it starts having problems in damp weather, that is a good indication for new wires. I suggest about every 50-100 thousand for most cars. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2007, 2:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-when-change-spark-plug-wires/1195/4 "2007-07-02T14:01:26Z")
> When it starts having problems in damp weather, that is a good indication for new wires. I suggest about every 50-100 thousand for most cars. I’m of the firm belief that if you keep your wires clean they last as long as the vehicle. I’ve had several vehicles last 300k miles with the origional wires and the vehicles at the time ran GREAT. A couple times a year wipe the wires down with a damp cloth.