Spark plugs are a serviceable, yet extremely important, part of your Toyota’s engine. They sit inside the cylinder head where they create the spark that ignites fuel — the combustion that enables your engine to run. Spark plugs that have outlived their time will cause misfires in your engine — robbing it of efficiency and performance. Here’s what you need to know about spark plug replacement.
Different Kinds of Spark Plugs
The Toyota Tacoma is off to a great start with 15 years of life already under its belt and at least one award for Truck of the Year in 2005. The Tacoma is a loyal partner in all your work and leisure activities, hauling cargo or sporting equipment wherever you need it and helping truck your friends around at the beach or in the woods.
There are several types of spark plugs available through Toyota for your vehicle. Here’s the breakdown of each:
U-Groove Toyota Spark Plugs
The name explains the design of this plug — it uses a U-shaped groove in the ground electrode. This u-groove traps the the air/fuel mixture before the spark plug fires, making for a large spark, reducing fouling and making for more efficient combustion.
Dual-Ground Electrode Toyota Spark Plugs
Available for select models, this design has several benefits:
- Both electrodes have platinum to reduce wear and extend service life.
- The raised design offers a strong spark, smoother idle, and maximizes performance.
- Incorporated with the platinum material is also nickel and iridium — resulting in a higher resistance to cracking.
Iridium Toyota Spark Plugs
These spark plugs have many benefits:
- Smaller center means higher firing performance
- Iridium has a 1200ºF higher melting point over platinum
- Iridium plugs last up to 110,000 miles longer than conventional spark plugs
Recommended Replacement
Here’s a comprehensive table for service intervals of each vehicle type:
Replacement Before Time
These recommend replacement intervals are nothing to live and die by — they are merely meant to offer a guide. However, if you’re having issues with your spark plugs, you should absolutely replace them before then. Here’s how you know if it’s time to change the plug:
Rough engine idle. When your engine is not under acceleration (idling), it should run smoothly and consistently — if the plugs aren’t performing correctly, it will shudder and hesitate.
Trouble starting the car. If you’re having trouble starting the car, you may suspect the battery or fuel system, but it could be the plugs. When the engine isn’t getting enough spark, it could prevent a smooth start — it can also drain the battery.
Engine misfires. This is the most obvious and common sign of bad plugs. When the cylinders aren’t firing properly, it’s almost always related to the plugs or wires.
Worsened fuel economy. Deteriorated spark plugs will cause an increase in fuel consumption of up to 30%!
Sluggish acceleration. Poor acceleration is pretty obvious, worn spark plugs will cause your vehicle to struggle to get up to speed.
Should you experience any of these symptoms while operating your vehicle, it’s time for a service. Pulling the spark plugs will make it obvious if replacement is needed — damage on the plugs is usually very obvious.
When you’re ready to replace your spark plugs at the regular interval, or if they have become damaged, start your search here for high quality Toyota replacement plugs.
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We are proud to announce a significant enhancement to our Hybrid Battery Warranty. Starting with the 2020 model year, every Toyota hybrid battery warranty is being increased from 8 years or 100,000 miles, to 10 years from date of first use, or 150,000 miles whichever comes first. This enhancement serves as an indication of our confidence in the quality, dependability, and reliability of our products.
On top of our basic coverage, we offer:
Hybrid-Related Component Coverage1 Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The HV battery may have longer coverage under emissions warranty. Refer to applicable Warranty & Maintenance Guide for details.
Powertrain Coverage1 60 months/60,000 miles (engine, transmission/transaxle, front-wheel-drive system, rear-wheel drive, seatbelts and airbags).
Rust-Through Coverage1 60 months/unlimited miles (corrosion perforation of sheet metal).
Emissions Coverage1 Coverages vary under Federal and California regulations. Refer to applicable Warranty & Maintenance Guide for details.
For Toyota hybrid vehicles beginning with model year 2020, the hybrid (HV) battery is covered for 10 years from original date of first use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See Owner's Warranty and Maintenance Guide for details.
2015 Toyota Tacoma 2.7l Manual Spark Plug Problems
