Mazda skyactiv engines are beyond easy to do. Did it on my 16 Mazda6 in 20 minutes. Probably can be done sooner if the spark plugs are pre-gapped and you're not OCD.

Did 3 of the 4 of them on my wife's CX-9 and it took way longer, due to the turbo parts on top and the engine being set, so far back (vertically challenged and T-Rex arms). Dealer ended up doing the 4th one (driver side plug).

Rock Auto has good deals on the NGK plugs, that are basically the same as the OEM ones.

Pros: easy on Mazda Skyactiv

Cons: took longer on CX-9

Vehicle: Mazda

NGK › Spark plug

Financial_Virus_6106 8 Nov 2025, 16:04

Rating 4.5

Starting:
Idle:
Acceleration:

Torque wrench is unnecessary for plugs. I have several and have never once used them for plugs. 1/4 turn past hand tight is all you need. Good plugs like ngk laser iridium or ruthenium hx will run you less than 40 bucks. A small single use packet of anti seize compound and a 6 pack of your preferred beer. Less than 100 bucks all in and an hour of your time.

Pros: 1/4 turn past hand tight

Cons: torque wrench unnecessary

NGK › Spark plug

dgcamero 8 Nov 2025, 15:23

Rating 4.5

NGK plugs have instructions on the package and do not require a torque wrench. I have a torque wrench, but I do not use it for my spark plugs. It's just hand tighten until it makes contact - then turn it however many turns they say with your socket to fully seat it (usually like ½ - ¾ turn or something like that).

Pros: NGK plugs have instructions

Cons: do not use torque wrench

NGK › Spark plug

Jaded-Assistant9601 8 Nov 2025, 14:00

Rating 4.5

You don't need a torque wrench, NGK plugs have a crush washer and specify half turn past initial contact. Did my Mazda 3 with no issues. I have a torque wrench and didn't use it.

Pros: NGK plugs have crush washer

Cons: don't need torque wrench

Vehicle: Mazda 3

NGK › Spark plug

DewDropE009 7 Nov 2025, 23:58

Rating 4.5

Harbor Freight has the torque wrench you’d need for $19.99 the Pittsburgh 3/8" drive and a 3/8" drive extension set for $16.99. I’d also grab a magnetic spark plug socket from AutoZone for $14.99 (just go straight for the magnetic one, it makes life way easier).

For the spark plugs themselves, I’d stick with NGK, but make sure it’s the correct spec for your car, since they make different cx5's, some being NA and some being turbo.

As for the "paste," some people put antiseize or dielectric grease on the threads to make future removal easier. I personally skip it because I want zero chance of anything getting into the engine, plus grease can amplify the torque applied with the wrench, which is bad. I’m hoping this is what you mean by paste?

If you do it yourself, the first time costs roughly $100-120 for the tools, and still is about half of what the dealer is quoting. After that, you just pay for the spark plugs themselves for future changes, which brings the cost down to around $50-70 per change since now you'll have the tools.

Pros: magnetic spark plug socket easier, NGK good brand, skip antiseize

Cons: grease amplifies torque

Vehicle: Mazda

NGK › Spark plug

stanleywilson333 7 Nov 2025, 21:47

Rating 4.5

Get an icon click type torque wrench from harbor freight when they have a sale. And a deep socket set for spark plugs plus dont buy your plugs on Amazon. Go to rockauto. And buy them there buy ngks also rediitt has a rockauto sub and usually people give out 5%off coupons. Also Do not use cheap aftermarket plugs on your car also you'll need a regular ratcheting wrench and extension. Never use torque wrench to loosen plugs it csn destroy the calibration

Pros: buy NGK plugs from Rockauto

Cons: do not use cheap aftermarket plugs

NGK › Spark plug

TheRefurbisher_ 7 Nov 2025, 13:53

Rating 4.0

NGK Laser Iridiums will last longer, but those aren't bad per se.

Pros: will last longer

Vehicle: Honda Fit

NGK › Spark plug

Serbodude 5 Nov 2025, 00:57

Rating 3.0

Went with NGK spark plugs that was bundled with some generic wires and coils, not ideal but it’s all I could afford at the moment

Vehicle: Toyota

NGK › Spark plug

ShooterMcShooty 20 Aug 2025, 15:06

Rating 2.0

I learned that proper, very hard to tell, NGK knock offs even existed after I was bitten by fake ones off Amazon. The porcelain around the center electrode broke off and went through the engine.

Cons: porcelain broke off