A Guide to Toyota Spark Plugs

Need to check or replace your spark plugs? Skip the shop and take the reins with this comprehensive guide on spark plugs!

What is a Spark Plug

First things first. Let’s talk about what spark plugs are. If you look inside one of your engine’s cylinders, you’ll see a tube-shaped electrical part. That’s the spark plug, and its purpose is to ignite the fuel mixture. The combustion that occurs is the source of power in an engine. This article goes into more detail about spark plugs and how they function with the rest of the parts involved in the internal combustion process.

How to Diagnose a Bad Spark Plug

The spark plugs in your Toyota will wear out over time, especially after you’ve been putting them to good use for over 40,000 miles. When one of your spark plugs goes bad, your engine performance suffers and your car eats up more gas than necessary. That’s why it’s always recommended to replace a bad spark plug as soon as possible. This DIY diagnostic guide is what you need to confirm that you’ve got a bad spark plug without having to bring your car to a shop.

OEM Vs. Aftermarket Spark Plugs

When it’s time to replace your spark plugs, you have two options:

Buy aftermarket spark plugs from a local auto parts store
Order genuine OEM spark plugs from a reputable OEM Toyota parts seller

One option is much better than the other, and it’s the latter (buying OEM replacement spark plugs). It’s because OEM spark plugs are much better than aftermarket spark plugs in terms of quality and fitment. Both of those factors determine a spark plug’s efficiency and life span. This article goes into more detail about why OEM spark plugs are always a wise investment.

How to Replace a Spark Plug in Your Toyota

The proper way to replace a spark plug in your Toyota is outlined in this step-by-step guide. The replacement process basically involves:

Removing the engine cover
Removing the ignition coil over the spark plug
Removing the spark plug and replacing any bad plugs

We hope this guide has helped you understand spark plugs better, as well as address a bad spark plug or two without needing to bring your car to a shop. Feel free to contact us if you have any question or if you need clarification on something in this guide.

How To Replace The Spark Plugs In An FJ Cruiser

Do you have an FJ Cruiser? We have the perfect guide for you! This guide has a set of instructions on replacing the spark plugs in an FJ cruiser. The service interval for FJ cruisers is every 30,000 miles. You would need the following tools:

Spark plug socket and gapper
12 mm and 10 mm sockets
Socket wrench and extensions
Torque wrench
Screwdrivers
Gloves

Why Spark Plug Wires Are Important

Spark plug wires are an important part of the spark plug setup. These are short cables that connect the spark plugs to the distributor. These are important parts because without them, your spark plugs can’t get the power they need to function properly. This guide offers more information about spark plug wires and how to replace them.

How Long Do Spark Plugs Last?

This is one of the most common questions we get from our customers. The answer is it depends on several factors, including:

Fuel quality
Engine timing
Ignition system
Engine health

Spark plugs are vulnerable to anything that goes on within your engine. For example, if your vehicle doesn’t burn all of the fuel it gets, the unburned fuel can cover the spark plugs in soot. This affects the spark plug’s ability to do its job. If you want your spark plugs to last a long time, keep your engine in good shape. This article explains all the different factors that determine the life of a spark plug.

When Should Spark Plugs Be Replaced?

Do you own a Toyota and you’re not sure when to replace your spark plugs? Here’s a handy guide to help you figure out the service interval for your particular Toyota model. Keep in mind that your spark plugs may fail before the next service interval. If you suspect that your spark plugs are no longer good, refer to the diagnostic guide above. It will help you figure out whether you need to replace your spark plugs now or later.

How Spark Plugs Work

If you’re looking for a technical explanation of how spark plugs work, this article is for you. It explains which components a spark plug has, and how they all work together. A spark plug’s purpose is to deliver electrical current to the engine's combustion chamber to ignite the fuel. It needs a bunch of different components to accomplish its job. Each component has its own purpose, which is explained in the article.