Spark Plug Change Interval

For spark plug change on my 2017 3.5 is it strictly based on mileage or does it also go by the number of years old for lower mileage trucks?

Like for oil it goes by mileage or year.

The manual only shows mileage.

Thanks.

 

Just mileage I believe which is 60k miles on the 2grfks

 

My guess would be usage for spark plugs. Oil and rubber degrade over time regardless of running the vehicle. Discount Tire when inspecting my spare tire said at 10 years old they would refuse to mount it for legal reasons.

 

Just mileage, oil degrades over time even if the engine isn't running, spark plugs only wear when driving.

 

They say 60k, but unless it isn't running like it used to I wouldn't change them. Iridium plugs are usually good for minimum 100k

 

I would consider going by year even though the manual goes by mileage. Aluminum heads and steel spark plug threads. No harm in changing early but a lot of harm in changing late.

 

I don't like to mess around with old tires. I usually end up replacing mine sooner than most due to being in a high desert that also gets snow. The dry climate and UV light during the summer can be hard on the rubber.

 

Here is a good video if you plan on changing the plugs yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=737qAw6Z0n0

 

One recommendation i have seen both yes/no on is to pull them half way (based on mileage). give them a really light coat of anti seize and replace them.

Steel threads in an aluminum head can get to know each other really well in 60,000 miles. I have actually seen a case where the the spark plug came out with the aluminum thread from the head still attached. The person had to have heli coils added to the heads as a result.

I know there are people on both sides of the fence in regard to anti seize and the new plating that comes on new plugs now adays. Myself I give them a very light coat (apply some and then use a paper towel wipe it off further)
And i do use a actual inch/lb torque wrench and adjust the setting 20% lower to account for the anti seize.

I think a lot of the no recommendations are based on people using it and NOT adjusting the torque to account for the lubrication effect of anti seize.

My 2015 has a 30,000 mile change recommendation. On the 3rd set now and all is well.

Still galls me that the dealer book time on a plug change for the 4.0 is 3 hrs

Even my first change where it wasn't familiar only took me 1.5... Cost like $42 for plugs vs close to $400 for change at dealer

 

What don't you get? Iridium plugs are extra long life. In my 4runner they were 100k miles and even with that many miles they looked good and performed great. Changed my Taco at 60K and I won't do it that soon again. Minus slight discoloration they looked nearly new.

 

I would change at 50k
I always prefer to do maintenance EARLY, never late

 

Sure glad I did my plugs earlier at 43K miles. 3 of the 6 (all passenger side) were LOOSE while another was barely hand tight on the driver side. Cannot believe I was not having ignition/detonation issues with how loose they were, insane.

 

How ironic. I did mine at 18k. All passenger side were extremely loose not even finger tight and I believe 1 or 2 on drivers side were loose, but not as bad.

Truck runs so much better now.

 

What about this combo?
Toyota uses aluminum head for many decades with spark plug replacement schedule at 120k miles.
Even on I4 D4S engine is recommended at 120k mile

 

Note to self, check spark plugs this weekend!

 

Only what I have been told my mechanics and reading over the years. But steal and aluminum have different expansion rates. Multiple cycles of heating and cooling added that steal and aluminum bond over time. Aluminum is much softer that steel and it is Supposably easier to strip the threads when you take out the plugs.
I just go by the what can it hurt to change them out sooner than later theory.

 

There are not "2 sides" to the spark plug anti seize debate. Manufacturers of spark plugs say don't use it, and explain why. If you have a crazy theory about why you use it, that's great, however that theory wrong.

https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resources/5-things-you-should-know-about-spark-plugs

 

Would the Dealership be the best place to get new plugs?

 

Agreed. Just as many here question why anyone would think they are smarter than a Toyota engineer with respect to oil changes they then choose to ignore their plug change interval. I too believe there’s no reason to use anti seize BUT if you are going to ignore the change interval and leave them in there for twice the period you likely will need the anti seize.

Change at 60k and don’t use anti seize and you are following the experts advice. How is that a bad thing?