How many kilometers should the spark plugs of a Prado be replaced?
3 Answers
The spark plugs of a Prado should be replaced every 40,000 kilometers. Methods to determine if the 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 a skirt and electrodes that appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug has a skirt that is reddish-brown, with an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm, and no signs of electrode burning. 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, showing 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 for the spark plugs or that the air-fuel mixture is too rich, or there is oil leakage.
I've been driving a Prado for many years, and it's recommended to replace the spark plugs every 100,000 kilometers or so. Smooth driving is crucial—if you don't replace them for a long time, ignition performance declines, the engine struggles to start, and fuel consumption increases. Last time, my car started shaking at 90,000 kilometers, but after replacing the original spark plugs, it immediately became stable. Off-road drivers need to be especially careful—spark plugs wear out faster when accelerating uphill on mountain roads. Standard copper-core plugs might only last 80,000 kilometers, while platinum or iridium types can endure 100,000–150,000 kilometers. Have a professional shop regularly check the spark plug gap and carbon buildup to avoid major issues. The Prado's engine is durable, but minor component maintenance shouldn’t be neglected.
According to the maintenance guide, spark plug replacement is typically recommended between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The vehicle manual suggests the original spark plugs in a Prado have a lifespan of about 100,000 kilometers, but driving habits significantly impact this. Frequent traffic congestion or short-distance driving can accelerate wear. I've seen some vehicles where spark plugs aged by 70,000 kilometers, causing ignition issues and even excessive emissions. Don't rely solely on mileage for inspection; engine idle vibration or abnormally high fuel consumption are also warning signs. The type of spark plug determines replacement frequency: standard types are cheaper but require earlier replacement, while premium types like platinum last longer but cost more. Always consult your technician during routine maintenance to prevent engine problems proactively.
