Spark plugs - new or aftermarket?
#16
Lexus Test Driver
So after my experience with old spark plugs, I would honestly really recommend them from OEM. I cannot speak for whether aftermarket is better or not, but when I first got the car I initially noticed how it ran much rougher upon cold starts and idling, more NVH than my dad's LS 460. I attributed this initially to sound deadening and the V6 running rougher, but at the next dealer service they told me I needed to change the spark plugs and the ones in the car were old. Night and day difference. Car runs much smoother now, much less vibration, feels more healthy.
#17
Hey, next thing bclexus is going to tell you to never ever change transmission fluid because it’s “lifetime”
The plugs probably won’t need changing in reality, especially not at the miles Lexus has set it at. It’s probably only to be able to ensure emissions.
But come on, it’s a relatively low cost item that last for a LONG time and it’s easy to change. Even easier on your 3.5L than my 2.5 where I need to remove the upper intake and still even though that it’s really easy.
Just buy what the book calls for from a reputable spare parts dealer (NOT EBay) and get it done and enjoy a car that (maybe) is trouble free a bit longer.
The plugs probably won’t need changing in reality, especially not at the miles Lexus has set it at. It’s probably only to be able to ensure emissions.
But come on, it’s a relatively low cost item that last for a LONG time and it’s easy to change. Even easier on your 3.5L than my 2.5 where I need to remove the upper intake and still even though that it’s really easy.
Just buy what the book calls for from a reputable spare parts dealer (NOT EBay) and get it done and enjoy a car that (maybe) is trouble free a bit longer.
#18
Intermediate
Thread Starter
OEM plugs on the way from Bell Lexus in Scottsdale
#19
Lexus Test Driver
#20
Intermediate
100% always just go OEM with Lexus cars for a peace of mind and don’t worry about cheaper alternatives. It’s not like our GS had crazy design flaws like other brands that cause a bunch of stuff to fail prematurely and aftermarket might actually be the better option
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jptwo3 (02-02-23)
#21
So true, we're not driving Volkswagens. All Lexus can't get their head around is making non-sticky dashes and long lasting sunroof seals!
#22
Driver School Candidate
Honestly, this was just my experience. I noticed my car running smoother after replacing with new plugs, and considering that it had 95,000 miles at service and spark plugs not changed and looked pretty corroded, I would recommend it. I don't see why you would skip out on services like this or transmission fluid, as these are just maintenance items that ensure the GS making it farther than 200,000 miles.
#23
Lexus Test Driver
Honestly, this was just my experience. I noticed my car running smoother after replacing with new plugs, and considering that it had 95,000 miles at service and spark plugs not changed and looked pretty corroded, I would recommend it. I don't see why you would skip out on services like this or transmission fluid, as these are just maintenance items that ensure the GS making it farther than 200,000 miles.
I relate replacing the Iridium spark plugs to the recommendation to have the refrigerant in your home's air-conditioning system checked once a year. It's not needed because the refrigerant is in a sealed, closed-loop environment - so if there is a leak of the refrigerant you'll know it because it won't maintain the cooling like it previously had. To make my point - When was the last time you had a vehicle's HVAC serviced? When was the last time you had your home's refrigerator or freezer's refrigerant checked? You don't because it is not needed! Just like replacing Iridium spark plugs is not needed, at least not for well past 100k miles or there is a definite known problem with them which is extremely rare.
In terms of replacing the transmission fluid, Toyota/Lexus does not require or recommend replacing the transmission fluid and there should be no wonder why most dealerships will refuse to replace the ATF. There are many Toyota/Lexus vehicles with well over 200k miles that the transmission continues to perform flawlessly with the factory-filled ATF.
Last edited by bclexus; 01-22-23 at 12:25 PM. Reason: orthography
#24
Lexus Test Driver
I think I'll pull up a chair and watch this thread a while...
#25
Folks, let's not act like children and refrain from personal attacks. I know things get 'spicy' but let's take it down a notch, please.
#26
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
And it’s not another transmission fluid replacement thread, let’s please keep on topic
#27
Do not buy spark plugs on Amazon or Ebay. I have had to replace 4 or 5 sets of Honda/Acura NGK "Laser Iridium" fakes; I just did this on a 2015 Odyssey.
I believe NAPA or OReilly is safe. I have a great Lexus parts dealership, Lexus of Stevens Creek in San Jose. But don't buy a car there...
Take your time and change the plugs. Heck, you may never do it again. Have fun with it!
I believe NAPA or OReilly is safe. I have a great Lexus parts dealership, Lexus of Stevens Creek in San Jose. But don't buy a car there...
Take your time and change the plugs. Heck, you may never do it again. Have fun with it!
#28
I change my spark plugs every 90000km as per the book. I probably don't need to do it so often, however when I sell it I can say it has been serviced per the schedule. (I can say the same about the auto trans being serviced as per the Lexus logbook ) You wouldn't buy a once expensive car off someone who have skipped maintenance, you wonder what other shortcuts they took!
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14GS350 (02-02-23)
#29
Spark plug change 2013 gs 350 california
I've changed my spark plugs every 60,000 miles since I bought it at 35,000 miles.
I'm coming up in 180,000 miles, and I'm due to change them again. I have no driveability issues, and the spark plug change ritual is no problem. The 2GR-FSE engine runs fine all the time. I just follow the recommendations.
My older GS400's we're 90,000 mile intervals, and I did those too. I think it runs better..
Just my $.02.
GSEREP1
QUOTE=14GS350;11431572]So after my experience with old spark plugs, I would honestly really recommend them from OEM. I cannot speak for whether aftermarket is better or not, but when I first got the car I initially noticed how it ran much rougher upon cold starts and idling, more NVH than my dad's LS 460. I attributed this initially to sound deadening and the V6 running rougher, but at the next dealer service they told me I needed to change the spark plugs and the ones in the car were old. Night and day difference. Car runs much smoother now, much less vibration, feels more healthy.[/QUOTE]
I'm coming up in 180,000 miles, and I'm due to change them again. I have no driveability issues, and the spark plug change ritual is no problem. The 2GR-FSE engine runs fine all the time. I just follow the recommendations.
My older GS400's we're 90,000 mile intervals, and I did those too. I think it runs better..
Just my $.02.
GSEREP1
QUOTE=14GS350;11431572]So after my experience with old spark plugs, I would honestly really recommend them from OEM. I cannot speak for whether aftermarket is better or not, but when I first got the car I initially noticed how it ran much rougher upon cold starts and idling, more NVH than my dad's LS 460. I attributed this initially to sound deadening and the V6 running rougher, but at the next dealer service they told me I needed to change the spark plugs and the ones in the car were old. Night and day difference. Car runs much smoother now, much less vibration, feels more healthy.[/QUOTE]
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