change spark plugs - what about wires?

[tarbasd]

Hi,

I'm a new owner of an old '92 Camry. The MPG is a bit too high, so I've decided to change air filter and spark plugs. I'm also a novice mechanic (I'm just learning things). I've read that most people change spark plug wires when they change plugs. Do I definitely have to change the wires? I've bought the plugs (Denso - as suggested in the user's manual) but not the wires. Does it make sense to change the plugs but not the wires? Is there a way to determine if the wires are fine?

Thank you,

[WhiteRabbit]

you can use a multimeter and check the resistance on your wires, i forget what the specs for it are supposed to be, i can check my haynes when i get home later. Or you can park your car in a dark garage, start the engine, and look for arcing on the wires.

its also reccomended to change your distributor cap and rotor while you are at it also.

[stockrex]

also check them for cracks, if they are fine and if resistance is less than what ever the manual says (15 k Ohms I think) then leave them alone.
make sure you put some dielectric grease on the ends where it meet the plug and make sure the connection is tight, if not use a needle nose plier and to make it tight.

[Cyorke]

If they are the original wires then it wont hurt to replace them, but like the others said you can check the resistance and as long as they are in specs then you can leave them alone.