When changing spark plugs do you need to do the boots also???

Hello Repair Pal user. My Name is Jarad. I am a service adviser here at Stan's Auto Service in Loveland. When doing a tune up on a vehicle and replacing the spark plugs. It is recommended to replace the boots as well. Most vehicles that have spark plug boots instead of wires have a Coil Over Plug system. Meaning that each spark plug has it's own ignition coil. These coils deliver approximately 50K volts (depending on manufacturer) to the spark plug. The coil boots are usually made of a rubber or silicone type material. Even the best materials will crack and ware over time. When this happens the electricity will take the path of least resistance, which may be through one of these cracks. over time this will damage the spark plug and the boot coil. Eventually due to this damage the resistance will increase in the plug (due to consistent mis-fires) and in the boot (due to exposure to electrical arching) and will cause the spark to arch inside the ignition coil internal coils. Like a lightning bolt with nowhere to go, it will find a path where it can. This would cause the coil to fail and would have to be replaced. This is why we recommend replacing the coil boots at every tune up. The cost of 1 ignition coil in most cases is higher than the cost of a coil boot kit from one of the local parts houses. We would love a chance to answer any further questions or take a look at your car. please feel free to give us a call or email. Jarad, Service advisor at Stan's Auto Service (970) 667-6853