Many vehicles have platinum plugs factory-installed and a suggested 100,000-mile service interval. As a master technician and emissions diagnostician, I know that some vehicles will make it, and some will not. I believe it has more to do with the type of driving than the vehicle. Around-town driving with lots of stop-and-go and short trips is much harder on the ignition parts than sustained, steady-speed driving. At our shop we recommend 60,000- to 80,000-mile intervals for most cars and light trucks. Why experience the trauma of a breakdown on the highway, when diligent maintenance will prevent it?

Jim O’Neill – Chino Autotech Inc., Auto Club SoCal AAR
SAE Int’l SoCal Section Board of Governors,
Vice Chair, Service Technology Programs
NASTF Service Information/Communications Committees
Auto Value/Bumper-To-Bumper CSC Nat’l Council
ASE CMAT-L1, CA. Smog Check Technician
AMI AAM Accredited Automotive Manager