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Get Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series Genuine Spark Plugs 90919-01287 in Kenya
A spark plug is a small but essential engine component that plays a crucial role in the internal combustion process of petrol-powered vehicles. By creating the electrical spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, spark plugs enable your vehicle to start, run, and accelerate smoothly.
Genuine spark plugs are those produced or approved by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). They are specifically engineered to match your vehicle’s performance requirements and engine design, ensuring reliable ignition, fuel efficiency, and long-lasting performance.
What Are Spark Plugs?
Spark plugs are electrical devices threaded into each cylinder of an internal combustion engine. Their primary function is to create a high-voltage spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. This ignition sets off a controlled explosion, which powers the piston down and generates the force that moves the vehicle.
Each spark plug contains:
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A central electrode made from nickel, platinum, or iridium.
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A ground electrode at the base.
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An insulator made of ceramic to prevent current leakage.
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A metal shell that allows for proper threading into the engine block.
When the engine is running, the spark plug receives thousands of volts from the ignition system and fires multiple times per second to maintain engine combustion.
Importance of Using Genuine Spark Plugs
Genuine spark plugs are designed to work seamlessly with your engine’s ignition and fuel systems. Unlike generic or imitation parts, they are manufactured to exact tolerances, ensuring compatibility with the cylinder head, ignition coil, and combustion chamber.
Here’s why choosing genuine spark plugs matters:
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Perfect Fit and Seal: Genuine plugs are built to match the engine’s thread design, heat range, and firing specifications.
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Material Quality: OEM-approved spark plugs use high-grade materials such as iridium and platinum for increased durability and consistent performance.
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Correct Heat Dissipation: Proper thermal control prevents pre-ignition, knocking, and overheating.
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Enhanced Ignition Timing: Designed to sync perfectly with the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) and ignition map.
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Compliance with Emission Standards: Helps maintain the emission performance your engine was designed to meet.
Functions and Benefits of Genuine Spark Plugs
1. Reliable Ignition
Genuine spark plugs produce a consistent and strong spark, reducing the chance of misfires and ensuring your vehicle starts quickly and runs efficiently.
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency
Well-functioning spark plugs burn fuel more completely, maximizing fuel economy and reducing waste. This results in better mileage and cleaner engine operation.
3. Enhanced Engine Performance
Precise combustion leads to smoother acceleration, steady idling, and quicker throttle response. The engine runs at optimal power output when genuine spark plugs are used.
4. Lower Emissions
Complete combustion means fewer unburned hydrocarbons, reducing exhaust emissions and helping the vehicle stay within environmental compliance limits.
5. Longevity and Durability
Genuine spark plugs are tested for thousands of kilometers and built to withstand high pressure and heat cycles. Materials like iridium and platinum allow for longer service intervals.
6. Protection Against Engine Damage
Improper spark plug fit or quality can lead to engine knocking, pre-ignition, or overheating—issues that can cause severe internal damage. Genuine parts protect the engine’s long-term health.
Common Signs of Worn or Faulty Spark Plugs
Over time, spark plugs wear out due to high temperatures, electrical stress, and residue buildup. Recognizing the symptoms of worn spark plugs can help avoid poor engine performance and fuel inefficiency.
1. Difficult Engine Starts
A weak or inconsistent spark may delay combustion, making the engine hard to start, especially in cold weather.
2. Engine Misfires
Intermittent firing from one or more cylinders can cause rough idling, vibrations, or jerking during acceleration.
3. Reduced Fuel Economy
Worn plugs may not ignite fuel completely, leading to higher fuel consumption.
4. Sluggish Acceleration
If your engine responds slowly or unevenly to throttle input, deteriorated spark plugs could be the cause.
5. Engine Knocking or Pinging
Incorrect spark plug heat ranges or delayed ignition can cause abnormal combustion noises that signal internal stress.
6. Check Engine Light
Misfires or inefficient combustion can trigger warning lights related to engine or emissions systems.
Replacement and Maintenance Guidelines
Replacing spark plugs at the correct intervals is essential for engine reliability. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, which varies depending on the plug material and vehicle usage.
1. Inspection Interval
Regular visual inspections during routine service can identify signs of wear, deposits, or overheating.
2. Replacement Interval
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Copper Spark Plugs: Typically last 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers.
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Platinum Spark Plugs: Usually good for 60,000 to 90,000 kilometers.
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Iridium Spark Plugs: Can last up to 100,000 kilometers or more, depending on driving conditions.
3. Installation Tips
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Always install spark plugs using the correct torque specification.
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Check and adjust the spark plug gap if required.
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Use anti-seize compound if specified, and ensure coils or ignition wires are reattached properly.
Genuine Spark Plug Technologies
Genuine spark plugs often incorporate advanced technologies to meet modern engine demands:
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Iridium-Tipped Electrodes: Provide superior spark strength and longevity.
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Platinum Discs: Offer excellent heat resistance and corrosion protection.
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Tapered Ground Electrodes: Enhance flame propagation for more complete combustion.
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Multi-Ground Electrodes: Improve spark exposure and longevity under high-performance use.
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Pre-Gapped Designs: Come ready for installation without adjustment.
These innovations support engines with direct injection, turbocharging, and variable valve timing systems.
Choosing the Right Spark Plug
While several aftermarket options are available, choosing a genuine spark plug ensures compatibility and reliability. Vehicle manufacturers spend years designing engines and selecting spark plugs that best support their operation.
When selecting a spark plug, always consider:
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Heat range compatibility.
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Thread diameter and length.
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Electrode material and design.
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Engine manufacturer specifications.
Using non-genuine or incorrect spark plugs can lead to reduced performance and potential engine damage.
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