How often should the spark plugs of a Highlander be replaced?
4 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the service life of the spark plugs in a Toyota Highlander does not exceed 30,000 kilometers. Additionally, whether they need to be replaced early can be determined based on the symptoms of spark plug failure. Damaged spark plugs may exhibit the following conditions: difficulty starting, reduced power, excessive exhaust emissions, and increased fuel consumption. Steps for replacing spark plugs: Open the hood, lift the plastic cover of the engine, remove the high-voltage distributor wires, and mark each cylinder's position to avoid confusion. Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plugs one by one. While removing them, check for any external debris like leaves or dust and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Place the new spark plugs into the spark plug holes, hand-tighten them a few turns, and then use the socket to tighten them further. Reinstall the removed high-voltage distributor wires according to the firing order, and then secure the cover plate.
The replacement interval for Highlander spark plugs really depends on the specific model year and driving habits. My old 3.5L V6 Highlander's manual specifies a change every 100,000 km, but I noticed sluggish acceleration by 90,000 km. During a maintenance check, the mechanic found the electrodes nearly worn flat – fuel consumption dropped by 0.5L immediately after replacement. Watch for these warning signs: hard cold starts, rough idling, or poor acceleration, all indicating spark plug wear. Don't wait until the ignition coil fails, as repairs become more expensive. Requirements vary by engine – 2.0T models may need replacement every 60,000-80,000 km, so always consult your vehicle's service manual.
I've seen too many cases of Highlanders having issues due to overdue spark plug replacements at the auto repair shop. Regular nickel alloy ones last up to 40,000 km at most, but Highlanders usually come with platinum or iridium spark plugs from the factory, which have a lifespan of about 100,000 km. The key is the driving conditions—my neighbor who drives to construction sites daily had spark plug gaps twice the standard by 70,000 km, causing engine misfires. I recommend having the technician check the ignition data stream during every 40,000 km maintenance; if combustion is uneven, replace them early. You can also do a simple check yourself: pull a high-tension wire and start the engine—if it sputters noticeably, the corresponding cylinder's spark plug is done. Remember to replace the whole set at once; mixing old and new ones can affect ignition balance.
The lifespan of Highlander spark plugs mainly falls into three scenarios. The most common is the original platinum type, with an official recommendation for replacement at 100,000 km. If upgraded to iridium plugs later, they can last up to 120,000 km. However, in actual use, I've found that turbocharged models wear out faster, especially those frequently driven on highways, with performance declining around 80,000 km. Just last week, I helped a friend replace the plugs on his 2018 model, and the center electrode of the removed plug was completely burnt out, causing jerks during sudden acceleration. It's advisable not to rely solely on mileage; pay attention to sudden increases in fuel consumption or idle shaking, as these are signs for inspection. Those with good DIY skills can remove and inspect them themselves—normal electrodes should be grayish-white, while black or red discoloration indicates abnormalities.
