Hi everyone.
How often should ignition wires be changed on the 2.5 rs?

thanks

 

Normally, the biggest enemies of the wires are heat and time.

The insulation, over time in the hot engine compartment, will begin to get brittle and develop cracks. Once the cracks get bad enough, you can get some arcing from the wires to metal parts on or near the engine.

Grab the wires (With the engine not running) and gently flex them. You should be able to see any serious cracks with good lighting.

In reality, you should not expect problems for five years or more.

There are, of course, aftermarket wires with larger core wires, better insulation, etc. that are sold as performance enhancers.

Frankly, the cost outweighs any marginal gains.

So, if you need new ones, get the good (Expensive) ones. Don't buy the good ones if the existing wires are okay and you're expecting performance gains..

 

Thanks for your response.

The wires still look pretty good with 4 years and 30k on them. I just thought there would be an aproximate mileage where most people started having problems. I used to own a miata, and the concensus was the stock wires were junk and should be changed out no later then 30k.

Thanks for your time.

 

Just keep an eye on them. If they show signs of cracking or chaffeing replace them. other wise they are still good and its not worth it to replace them.

 

My 2000 Forester (4 years old) now has 62,000 miles on them without problems. I check them visually with a good light every 10,000 miles or so and in addition; I do a water mist test at the same time. In a dark garage and with the engine running I spray a light water mist on the wires. If I see any arking I will replace them with Factory or Bosch. I have had nothing but problems with universal and cut to length yourself types even though many are "garenteed for life" Get a set made for your vehicle. eddie

 

Thats a good check if you want to risk shorting out your engines electrical system.

 

they should make it untill then, but dought you would have very much spark left after that long.