Nissan Repair: spark plugs, nissan maxima, platinum plugs

Question
QUESTION: should i notice a performance difference after the spark plugs are replaced?

thanks
roy
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
hi

i recently visited my nissan dealer to have my spark plugs changed on my nissan maxima 2001, se, v-6.  it requires platinum plugs.  how would i know the work was done and they replaced the plugs.  i did not notice any difference in the performance of my car and am not able to check to see if new plugs are in place bc i do not have a spark plug wrench

thank you in advance for your advice

roy
-----Answer-----
the only true way to find out if these plugs have been replaced is to take them out of the head.  sorry i cant give you an answer that you are looking for.  go buy that spark plug socket and ratchet (walmart) and take a look.  and btw, i run platinums on my 240sx, but i was recently informed about running ngks opposed to platinum.  i dont know if this is related to your maxima, but nissan is a nissan.  the plug socket and ratchet will buy itself next tune up, trust me.  good luck!
ANSWER: only if the plugs are bad to begin with.  if your car skips,stumbles,stalls,hesitates or feels like your acceleration just "wasnt what it used to be" then your problem *could* be the spark plugs.  if the plugs would cause these problems then your car would feel entirely different because it would be running right again.  basically, upgrading a plug just ensures that you get the proper fire in each cylinder, it wont increase your horsepower, unless you have an aftermarket ignition pack or a stand alone system.  (get that socket and check out the plugs;))  heres a link to some other answers...

http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070101134550AAtiIfq

take care!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i am planning on getting the socket wrench, what should i be looking for on the spark plug to see if it is new or has not been replaced

thanks
roy


Answer
only if the prior plugs are bad to begin with, if they were bad, then you would notice a much smoother acceleration after the new plugs were installed, otherwise you changed plugs when you didn't need to...common dealership problem.  they want your money and they'll tell you what "you don't need" to replace.  ;)  hopefully you did need them and you didn't lose your hard earned money.