Change the plug before winter, not after.

Replace the spark plug during winterization — saving the new plug for spring just delays the same job.

Fall is the natural time because you’re already pulling the old plug for the winterizing routine, like oil-fogging the cylinder. Before you toss it, look at the old plug. Black and oily means the engine’s running rich or burning oil. Whitish means lean. That info is useful before storage, not after.

The new plug sitting in the engine all winter is fine. It won’t corrode or lose its gap just because it’s cold. What actually hurts is trying to start a stubborn engine in March with a worn plug. Replacing it in fall means the first start of the season gets the best chance.

If you skip it, spring works too. You’re just moving the same ten-minute job to a day when all you want to do is use the machine.

Fresh plug in fall means one less thing to fuss with when the season turns.