Do I have to use iridium plugs in my V8?

[4runnerfrenzy]

I changed my plugs a little while back. I had iridiums, but put in titanium. The guy at the store said it was what his computer brought up for my vehicle, just cheaper than iridiums.

 

[Offroader5]

I'm interested in knowing this also. Maybe a yota technician can chime in. I was going to replace mine since I bought mine used and have no way of knowing if they've been done.

Anyone try those fancy E3 plugs?

 

[Billf6531]

Use what Toyota recommends in your owner's manual. That's always worked for me.

Toyota engineered the vehicle, manufactured it, and warranties it. They then wrote the manual with the view that the don't want unhappy customers.

 

[bigwebb83]

My view on this is, why cheap out on something like spark plugs?

 

[kai920]

My view on this is, why cheap out on something like spark plugs?

x2

Why go by what the auto store says rather than what Toyota recommends?

 

[Offroader5]

There are many things that manufacturers/dealerships "suggest" to be the best for your (their) vehicle. Doesn't necessarily mean it is.

When it comes down to it, it is only another $1 to $2 each more for a iridium plug vs. a platinum/titanium...so it'll end up costing an additional $16 worse case to swap out all of them. I know this...and to me the extra $16 is nothing....if it really is making a difference.

But the question was, are the iridiums really necessary in lieu of just using the titaniums or a platinum. I'd be interested in knowing what the iridiums are doing for the engine that a titanium or platinum are not.

 

[DaveS]

Iridium has a much higher melting point than platinum and titanium - that combined with its hardness means it lasts longer in a spark plug application - saving a few bucks on non iridium plugs is a false economy as a result.

The chemical elements of the periodic table sorted by melting point