Question on Plugs for 2011 Jetta

[BTLew81]

Before I know it, I will be at the 40k replacement. I am guessing with this interval, the stock plug is not iridium. Does anyone know/have suggestions on what plug to use here? for a 40k interval, would a platinum/double plat work fine? I am thinking even a copper plug would work.

VW wants 72 dollars for OEM plugs, NGK's are about 55, but autolites and champs, even iridiums are about 30-35. Car is a 2.5L 5 cylinder, fyi.

Thanks

 

[user52165]

Have you checked the owners manual for model and interval? Is 40K what they specify?

 

[BTLew81]

40k is what they specify. No other info.

 

[91344George]

Originally Posted By: BTLew81
40k is what they specify. No other info.

No need at ALL to use those expensive iridium plugs.

I'd go for basic Bosch platinum plugs. Skip the multiple electrode versions. Just make sure to get the PROPER application/heat range. You'll spend about 4 $ per plug and they will perform perfectly for around 50k miles or more.

 

[user52165]

Originally Posted By: BTLew81
40k is what they specify. No other info.

OK - but there should an info label under the hood with at least gap specs - that is rather important.

 

[Maritime Storm]

Plug a plug to see what brand it is, VW has been known to use NGK, and Bosch, replace with same as current.

 

[BTLew81]

Thanks. I figured a platinum or double plat would be fine. I do know gap, no issue there.

Pretty sure OEM is Bosch or NGK, as mentioned. Cant get those locally from what I can see, but I know Rock carries them.

 

[hattaresguy]

40k is way to short, I'd probably just run them until your mileage drops off.

 

[oggb]

No chance I'd change a plug that early.

 

[BTLew81]

Well, its the manuf. rec. I dont always follow them, but I might here. Maybe take it out to 50k, we'll see.

 

[MrHorspwer]

You're asking a lot of questions: Is the OE plug iridium? Will platium work? Should I use double platinum? Is a copper plug good enough?

All of them are answered by a simple statement: Buy the OEM plug.

Seriously, $70 every 40K miles isn't much. That's less than the cost of two tanks of fuel.

You could also take one of the original plugs out an look at it. Heck, there may even be a Bosch or NGK logo and part number on it that you could cross reference.

 

[hattaresguy]

Its ridiculous that a modern motor would need plugs that early. That's about what I when I would change $2 copper plugs on an older German car.

$8 every 40k is about right. $70 plugs are 100k mile plugs.

 

[JHZR2]

My parts source is showing:

NGK PZFR5Q-11 $11.58
Denso K16GPR-U11 $2.16

Big difference!

At 40k, Id be tempted to go with the $2 plugs (which may well be Cu) and replace them more often. Its not like some ridiculous FWD V6 car with inaccessible plugs.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
40k is way to short, I'd probably just run them until your mileage drops off.


Good point... Why not pull them, regap if necessary, and run until they are no longer servicable?

My saab specs Pt plugs at 60k. I changed them this summer and they looked like new.

 

[Klutch9]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
40k is way to short, I'd probably just run them until your mileage drops off.


Depending on the OP's commute, his mileage could normally fluctuate quite a bit (like mine does). Since so many things can affect mileage, I'd just follow the mfr's suggestions in this case. But I do agree that 40K sounds awfully early. Both our cars have iridium plugs with a suggested change interval of 100k, yet I've seen cars with copper plugs run well over 100K miles that look nearly new, with no drop off in mpg.

 

[The Critic]

$70 is less than two tanks of fuel, as someone else said. It really isn't much money at all. Change the plugs with new OE plugs and be done with it.

 

[Thermo1223]

Most likely for emission but I wouldn't bother unless the car is misfiring.

That is unless they run such timing advance that it beats up the plugs.

Try Iridium they can tolerate it a lot better. I never got to 40k on our 2007 Rabbit but I can see it too required the same plug change at 40k.

 

[mechtech2]

You may have a Bosch multiple tip in there.
If so, and the car was designed for it - continue with the exact same ones.

BTW, you can have copper plugs that are plain steel, platinum or iridium tipped.
Having copper in the core does not mean the whole plug is made of copper.

 

[91344George]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
You may have a Bosch multiple tip in there.
If so, and the car was designed for it - continue with the exact same ones.

BTW, you can have copper plugs that are plain steel, platinum or iridium tipped.
Having copper in the core does not mean the whole plug is made of copper.


Very good and important observation.

ALWAYS GO WITH THE SAME NUMBER OF TIPS THAT CAME FROM THE FACTORY.

With VW and Audi this can be single or triple tips. The triple tip plugs are ALWAYS Bosch.