OEM sparkplucs vs. Upgrade ones

I have a 2015 o/rd and was wondering whether I can replace the oem sparkplugs with an upgraded plug that may get me to 100k miles between changes.

 

use standard spark plugs and change em every 30k miles. You will spend more on the fancy ones that "last 100k" than the 3 sets of standard ones you will need over that period of time if you change em right around the 30k mark.

Also, the standard plugs have an easier time producing a spark by nature of the sharper edges of the center electrode.

 

False.
Iridium plugs with a life of 100K cost the same as OEM plugs. I just bought a set of 6 for $45 with a gapper and anti-cease.

 

I don't try to outsmart the engineers who design a vehicle, so I stick with what they chose. My only exception is older vehicles where advances in materials/technologies justify something other than OEM. This approach has worked pretty well for me over the years, minimal headaches.

My Tacoma has 35k miles on the clock and I see no reason to change out the plugs at this point. Maybe around the 100k mark, or sooner if I see signs that the original ones are wearing out.

 

Copper is a better performer than Iridium. The reason is the copper has less electrical resistance. A spark will happen with less voltage and since there is less resistance it runs cooler. Iridium has only one advantage and is it will last longer. Some will say that that's a disadvantage since removing the spark plug every 30K miles means that you'll be able to remove the spark plug when needed. I've seen 100K mile plugs rip thread out of the block.

Edit: Also ignition systems designed for Iridium plugs have higher voltage to counteract the more resistance. Putting Iridium plugs in copper designed ignition systems could lead to misfires as the ignition systems get "tired".

 

Thanks to all for the input. I now have an understanding and can make a better decision when the time comes in 9,000 miles.

 

Then why are you not changing your plugs? The engineer gods tell you to change them diligently at 30K or you pay with your soul!

You are making the assumption all decisions made by vehicle manufacturers are made based on the upmost logic and reason, when in fact they could be made for illogical or monetary reasons such as it makes someone more money because they sell more plugs. You should not approach it from the perspective that you think you are outsmarting someone but rather you are questioning an arbitrary recommendation.
Copper plugs give less resistance which can improve emissions. The EPA is likely why the "engineers" chose to use crappy plugs.

I think it is foolish to believe everything in the manual is best or written in stone. You should question things and make necessary changes. Follow science not the possibly arbitrary decisions of a corporation.

 

I've been sticking with oem plugs every 30k miles. It lets me keep an eye on things. It's also a pretty easy task on the v-6. I'm done in about a half hour.

 

Just stating my take on this sort of topic, which has seemed to serve me well with a variety of vehicles. If you want to change your plugs every 30k miles and use a different plug, have at it.

 

Except for your take contradicted itself when you said you do everything via the OEM recommendations but then say you don't care to change your plugs now because you don't need them.

So you do everything as Toyota says except for when you don't want to lol

 

OEM every 30,000

 

Thanks guys. This thread reminded me I haven't changed mine in 80k miles..... Awesome

 

Here's my $0.02 on this, just use the basic standard OEM (DENSO'S or NGK's) spark plugs for your particular engine (what your manual says to use, spark plug #). Replace your plugs once a year and continue to do so (regardless what the manual or anyone else for that matter says). I've been changing the spark plugs on my 2008 Tacoma, ever since I purchased it and driven it off the dealerships lot and continue to do so every year, truck continues to run excellent to this very day. Just using basic standard OEM spark plugs, have never used any other type of fancy, high performance, special, etc. or regular, normal, ordinary, etc. spark plugs (regardless of what the spark plug manufacturer's claim how good they are, etc.).

Current mileage on my 08.......just over 200K.

 

Changed my originals with 87k on the odometer. It drove like a new truck. Much smoother, much more power. It's oem plugs at 30k from here on. As toy4me commented it's a quick and easy job that doesn't cost much. 30k with oem plugs is no big deal.

 

Every other year is 30K for me. I put in NGK Iridium last time (45K) now I'm knocking on 75K. I'll get to them eventually. I'll go Denso OEM.

 

Except his logic is sound and its nearly a certainty he is absolutely correct about the engineering. Decisions like which fastener to use for a door panel or which tape to use on an emblem are often made almost arbitrarily to save a penny per unit. They might even select one spark plug manufacturer over another over a pennys difference but there was certainly a sound engineering basis for choosing copper over iridium. If you are happy you bought iridium because they are pretty, or somebody told you they were awesome, thats great. Enjoy them. But thinking there is some kind of dumbass sparkplug conspiracy is just silly. BTW, be sure to pull those iridiums at 30k and 60K and check the gap and carbon buildup. The gap will probably grow well out of tolerance, it may have carbon buildup due to being a cooler plug, and you just may throw them away.

 

My point wasn't some big business conspiracy but rather engineers don't make 100% of all decisions nor are all decisions based off logic or which option is best. Sometimes the less optimal decision needs to be made in order for the truck to meet EPA emissions standards (for example). As we all know government standards are far from logical the majority of the time.

My decision on plugs was based off which plugs last longer. I like reducing waste. Same reason why I go with oils that have long OCI.

 

I changed originals at 30k and gapped to .040. I used all Denso because I have noticed less gap erosion with Densos vs. NGKs. I just changed again at 66k. Gap was .050 on most. No noticeable diff in performance. I have been running ranch roads and towing boat since so MPG reading are no good. I did get 20+ running 200 miles of hwy at speeds up to 85 with some downshifting for passing and lots of hills and AC on. I think the new plugs did help some.

 

OEM. Toyota uses better quality parts than aftermarket brands. I've also heard way too many people having issues using NGK and Bosch plugs. Stick with Denso.

 

I wouldn't be so quick to abandon the conspiracy theory. I agree with everything you've said thus far, but don't put it past Toyota or any auto maker to recommend (prematurely) changes every 30,000 miles (a nice arbitrary and round number) to increase revenue for a partially- or wholly-owned subsidiary who manufactures their OEM parts.
And I agree with you in saying that engineers have less and less to say about these things lately. I think accounting and marketing are behind a lot of these decisions.
For example, consider BMW's maintenance schedule for the first 50,000 miles of a new car. They include "free" maintenance for those first 50,000 miles, which includes an oil change every 10,000 miles. They're now rebranding Shell oil in their name (it's either Pennzoil Platinum or Shell Helix Ultra). Their new 340i requires (recommended) a newly-certified oil -- 0W-20 LL-14 FE. Only three companies make oil with that certification: BMW itself, Fuchs, and Castrol (the latter two aren't readily available). Notice how Pennzoil and Shell aren't in that list? Even though they are the manufacturer of BMW's branded oil? Am I a conspiracy theorist for suspecting foul play involving BMW's accounting and marketing divisions?
Also, why the 10,000-mile oil change interval? Is it because BMW's branded oil is that good? No. It's because accounting sat down and performed a cost-benefit analysis, weighing BMW's costs in including 5,000-oil changes in their "free" maintenance offer versus provision of coverage for oil-related mechanical issues within the first 50,000 miles of new cars.
I won't even share my theory as to why BMW designed its new B58 engine so that access to the oil filter housing is next to impossible.