How many kilometers should the spark plugs of a Corolla be replaced?
2 Answers
The spark plugs of a Corolla should be replaced every 80,000 kilometers. Methods to determine if spark plugs are damaged: Remove the spark plugs and observe them. The condition of the spark plugs can be judged based on their appearance and color. Normal spark plugs have insulator skirts and electrodes that appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug has a reddish-brown insulator skirt, with an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm, and no signs of electrode burn. If the spark plugs are covered with oil or deposits but are not damaged, they can continue to be used after cleaning off the oil and deposits. If the spark plugs are severely damaged, with signs such as blistering at the top, black streaks, cracks, or melted electrodes, the cause of the damage should be identified. After troubleshooting, replace the spark plugs with new ones. Additionally, if the spark plugs appear black as if smoked, it indicates that the wrong heat range was selected or the air-fuel mixture is too rich, with oil rising up.
The spark plugs in my previous Corolla were replaced every 80,000 kilometers, depending on the vehicle condition and driving habits. If you frequently drive short distances in the city with frequent stops and starts, the spark plugs will wear out faster and may even need replacement as early as 60,000 kilometers. My car was mostly driven on highways and lasted until 85,000 kilometers before replacement. At that time, I noticed a slight sluggishness in acceleration and a small increase in fuel consumption. The dealership recommends following the maintenance manual, which typically suggests replacing spark plugs for the Corolla between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. However, timely inspections are crucial—don’t wait for problems to arise before fixing them. You can watch for signs like rough idling or difficulty starting the engine. To extend the lifespan of spark plugs, use high-quality fuel, change the engine oil regularly, and keep the engine clean. In short, it’s safer and more cost-effective to consider replacement around 80,000 kilometers.
