Maintenance & Care Guide
Routine Inspection
- Check wires visually at each oil change (3–5k miles). Look for:
• Surface scuffs or cuts in the sheath.
• Signs of arc-tracking (gray/black lightning-like lines).
• Boots hardened, cracked, or pulling loose from the plug. - Tug-test the boot gently to confirm the ferrule/crimp hasn’t loosened.
Boot Care
- Always seat boots by gripping the boot, not the wire. Pulling on the wire can stress the ferrule transition.
- Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease inside boots (especially in wet or off-road builds). This prevents moisture intrusion, arc tracking, and eases removal.
- Ceramic boots: handle carefully during install (they resist heat, but not impact).
Routing Guidelines
- Maintain at least a 1 inch air gap from headers, turbos, or manifolds.
- Use insulated separators or P-clamps; avoid zip ties cinched tight (can cut into jackets).
- Avoid sharp bends tighter than ~2–3 inches in radius — larger OD wires are more resistant, but every wire has a bend limit.
- Keep wires away from sharp bracket edges or moving linkages.
Cleaning
- Wipe with a mild cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Avoid aggressive solvents that can attack silicone or fiberglass jackets.
- Don’t pressure wash directly into boots — moisture intrusion can bypass even the best seals.
Service Life Signs
- Misfire that “follows the wire” when swapped between cylinders = wire failure.
- Visible jacket burn-through, split boots, or arc marks = replace that lead or boot.
- Stage One wires typically last 5–10 years. Shielded wires typically last 8–15 years. Boots may need service sooner depending on heat exposure.
Storage & Handling
- Store away from direct UV when not in use.
- Don’t coil wires tightly (<4" loops); large, relaxed coils prevent kinking memory.
- Avoid stepping on wires or clamping them flat — copper braid reinforcement helps, but abuse will eventually deform any conductor.
In Plain English
Treat IndestructaWires like lifetime hardware, not disposable wires. Keep them routed cleanly, boots greased, and jackets out of constant contact with glowing headers, and they’ll last longer than the engine itself.