To produce power, the engine in your Toyota Matrix must burn fuel and oxygen. However, another auto part must start the process: a factory spark plug. How do spark plugs work? Stick your key into the lock cylinder. Now, turn it to trigger your ignition switch. Suddenly, many other ignition parts begin working together -- everything from your battery and alternator to a solenoid, starter motor, and an ignition coil. Together, they "spark" an electrical charge, which they send to the plug itself. When that arc reaches the latter's lead, the air and gas in your engine combust. As the mix burns, it releases power, your engine pistons start pumping, your crankshaft begins moving, and your hatchback's many other parts get going. Without a good set of original Toyota spark plugs, though, that Matrix you love driving -- it wouldn't start at all. To make matters worse, even the best spark plugs can go bad. Their leads can corrode and widen, which weakens sparks. Plus, when bad spark plugs don't otherwise make your engine misfire, they can shut it down completely. Broken spark plugs, however, are a worst-case scenario: they usually cause serious engine cylinder damage.

When Should You Change Your Toyota Matrix Spark Plugs?

Luckily, those made by your OEM get built to last, for up to 100,000 miles. That means millions of ignitions. Just be sure to replace any spark plug approaching the mileage limit recommended by your owner's manual. You're probably already asking, "what spark plugs do I need?" Genuine ones work best because Toyota designs its cars and spark plugs to work together. You can buy them online, here at our auto parts store. Browse our inventory by model to find what'll fit your Matrix and place your order today!