Will platinum spark plugs make ANY difference in my engine(i have a '97 maxima)?
I think the guy at Midas is going to try to screw me out of some money by putting in platinum plugs.

 

Do a search and read the FAQ's... you'll learn something.

Your car came with NGK platinum plugs in it from the factory. You can howerver run copper plugs, but they must be replaced more often, and you must gap them yourself.

The advantage to platinum plugs is a service life of ~60K miles as opposed to ~30K miles with copper.

 

Well, i better get platinums. But, do you think i can buy the plugs myself and have the mechanic put them in when he does my tune-up? Or should i just let them do it all?
I ask because they are going to charge $15/plug.

 

That's too much... you can get them for ~$11 a plug from the dealer in most cases. I don't remember where the website is, but I believe a set can be had for ~$48 not including S/H.

Also, since you don't have to gap these platinum plugs, it's a very simple DIY job.

 

Definetly do it yourself....every Max owner should get a good set of tools and a Haynes or Chiltons so that you can do real easy things like this yourself and save alot of money. Besides, its also fun to work on your car and get that sense of accomplishment.

 

I would do it myself but:

[1] I need a tune up anyway(get my timing checked, etc.)

[2] I'm taking my car in anyway to have the suspension looked at. The guy that balanced my tires said i should get it looked at because there is serious wear on the insides of the tires and the balancing did not completely fix the rattling at highway speed.

[3] I just dont have time. I move into my apartment for school in 2 days and i dont have any free time between now and then or after for that matter.

 

That's cool, I just meant for the future.

 

I actually have all of the tools i need, but do you think i need all the other stuff that goes along with a tune-up?

I bought the car used from a Nissan dealer at 80k miles a little over a year ago and now it's at 100k. Can i just change the plugs myself now and get everything else done later?

 

If your car was serviced as scheduled by the previous owner, your not due for plugs until you hit 120,000 miles.
Things to check now would be the air filter, fuel filter, engine and tranny oil. Perhaps a cooling system service and power steering system flush is in order now as well. Inspect your belts for signs of drying out or cracking. Other then that, our cars are pretty much maintenance free. Don't waste your $$$ on something thats not needed.

 

YOU TOOK THE WORDS OUT OF MY MOUTH

 

At around 90K a lot of people have starter troubles on here. Maybe just check that out while it is at the mechanic or remove it and bring it to an Autozone type place to have it tested. Just a thought.

SuDZ