"We Purchased A Toyota As a Major Buying Factor For Reliability. Yet, We Think In The Moment, And We Replace Parts On Maintenance with Mickey Mouse Aftermarket Parts. You Get What You Pay For": Toyota Denso vs Champion Spark Plugs for the Prius

When it comes to car maintenance, oftentimes, the service is only as good as the parts you replace, which is why there is so much discussion on the internet about motor oils used in Toyotas', oil filters, and even spark plugs when it comes to saving money.

For example, as pointed out in a recent Toyota Maintenance YouTube channel episode, the host is servicing a 2007 Prius with 107,000 miles on the odometer, of which it is time for a spark plug change.

If you look in your owner's manual, there is only one option, and only one option, in the whole universe, and it's a Denso Toyota Denso FK16R-A8.

However, the problem car owners may face once stepping into a chain auto parts store is that they do not carry this type of spark plug. But, they will offer you another brand and type per a catalog that matches spark plug alternatives that will work―just not as well.

Related article: How Auto Parts Hoarding for Toyota and Other Cars Could Become a Thing

In most cases, that non-OEM spark plug will be a Champion alternative that is significantly cheaper and looks like a good deal. However, Champion spark plugs are not recommended by mechanics in the know.

A Spark Plug Comparison with Alternative Champion vs OEM Denso

Follow along with the host as he shows what the parts store-recommended alternative spark plugs from Champion look like compared to the correct OEM Denso spark plugs the Prius owners' manual recommends.

In the video, you will see the following:

1. The Denso comes with a plastic protective spark plug collar to prevent the gap from being bent during shipping and handling; The Champion has no such protective collar.
2. The Denso cones with a specific crush washer to ensure the correct torque is used; The Champion has no crush washer.
3. In a side-by-side comparison, the spark gap components in the Denso are aligned perfectly, whereas the Champion electrodes are offset.
4. The Denso is $20 per spark plug, whereas the Champion is $10 each.

In other words, it's a quality issue.

Enjoy the video:

TOYOTA DENSO vs CHAMPION Spark Plugs

For additional articles about why you should be concerned about the parts you buy, here are a few helpful ones that will enhance your DIY experience:

1. Don't Buy Aftermarket Parts for Your Toyota Warns This Mechanic
2. Toyota Counterfeit Car Part Exposed by Mechanic
3. Junk Parts from China Warning by Toyota Mechanic

COMING UP NEXT: I'm a first time car buyer, and I ended up walking away with a 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross. I love the car, but when I was talking to my friends about it, they all have that painful look on their face. Did I get robbed?

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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