A Quick Guide To Choosing The Right Spark Plugs
Which Is The Best Type Of Spark Plug?
Although all spark plugs perform the same task, not every engine is compatible with every type of spark plug. The material, heat dissipation, size and sparking voltage of the spark plug determines its use in the specific engine. So it is necessary to buy the right type of spark plug for your engine for the best performance from your vehicle. The spark plug can be categorized into the following based on the material of construction:
Copper
The early first spark plugs were made of this material and were widely used for vehicles up until the ’80s. These are still recommended for use in late model cars with a distributor type ignition system. The advantage of copper spark plugs is their extreme cost-effectiveness. Though these plugs are not used in most modern cars as they have lower voltage outputs not suitable for modern ignition systems. Copper plugs also do not have a very long service life and require very frequent replacements as the tips can wear out or the cap can get deteriorated. These are ideally used in older vehicles and where the manufacturer recommends the use of copper plugs.
Platinum
With advances in technology and production of superior ignition systems, platinum and its counterpart spark plugs were invented. Platinum spark plugs have greater advantages over copper in terms of reliability, longevity, performance and fuel efficiency. Single-plated platinum plugs have a platinum disc on the central electrode which is more wear-resistant and provides higher sparking voltage making them ideal for use in modern high-tension ignition systems. These are primarily used in most modern cars with electronic distributor-less (DIS) and coil-on-plug (COP) ignition systems. Platinum spark plugs are more superior to copper plugs but more expensive. If your vehicle comes with platinum plugs then you cannot use copper plugs, however, you may opt for double-platinum and iridium plugs for even better performance.
Double-Platinum
Double Platinum spark plugs are one step further than a platinum spark plug and have platinum on both the central electrode and the cap. This maximizes the performance of the platinum spark plugs and gives better fuel efficiency and lasts longer. While these are more expensive than platinum plugs, they are cheaper than iridium ones and offer exceptional service life and performance for the price making them an ideal upgrade for vehicles recommended to use platinum plugs by the carmaker.
Iridium
By far the most powerful and superior of the bunch - Iridium spark plugs offer unmatched longevity, fuel efficiency and performance. Being the best at everything results in a premium price tag but is a considerable upgrade for any vehicle with platinum or above spark plugs. One construction includes an iridium central tip and a platinum cap which are extremely durable while double-iridium spark plug is the best spark plug technology used so far. Although these are expensive, they are worth the upgrade as they will last a long time without any issues - more than 100,000 miles or 160k km.
What Are The Benefits Of Replacing The Spark Plugs?
Let’s discuss why it is necessary you replace your spark plugs in time and what gains you receive for doing so.
Increased Fuel Economy:
Fuel consumption is a serious concern for everyone and bad spark plugs only make it worse. Regular replacement of spark plugs ensures that your engine always works optimally and carries out proper combustion which devoids fuel wastage hence increasing the fuel efficiency.
Better Acceleration And Performance:
Worn-out spark plugs cause the engine to stall and fuel to be wasted which reduces the power generation of the engine. This can translate to lowered acceleration response and overall reduced performance. Maintaining fresh plugs can eliminate engine misfires and therefore the engine runs efficiently and creates sufficient power.
Improved Reliability:
Having troubled starts every time you try turning on your engine can mean your spark plugs are severely worn out. New spark plugs ensure that your engine starts up easily and that you can get consistent engine performance whenever you require it.
Better Engine Idle:
Experiencing rough idles is one of the major signs your engine is malfunctioning due to failing spark plugs. If you regularly replace the spark plugs within their service interval you can notice smooth engine idle almost like the purr you get right out the factory gate.
Lowered Emissions:
The erratic and misfiring engine tends to create more harmful gasses as the combustion process does not undergo a complete chemical reaction which causes unburnt hydrocarbons and other gasses to escape. This drastically increases emissions but can be averted with the use of fresh spark plugs. A healthy spark plug will ignite the fuel-air mix more efficiently and accurately which minimizes emissions and maximizes engine performance.
FAQs
Q) What is the difference between cold and hot spark plugs?
Cold spark plugs have a firing tip that transfers heat from the firing tip to the engine head more rapidly, whereas the hot plugs sustain the heat in the firing tip for longer periods of time. Cold spark plugs are intended to be used in very hot internal and external temperatures and hot plugs are to be used in very cold environmental temperatures. This is because the cold tips can dissipate heat faster to reduce combustion chamber temperature whereas hot plugs ensure the tips stay warm as very cold air intake is sucked into the chamber. In conventional terms, it is best to stick to the manufacturer-recommended spark plug type to ensure optimal performance, unless you make a considerable modification to the engine like adding a turbo which then necessitates the use of colder plugs.
Q) How long do spark plugs last?
Different spark plug materials have different life spans. Copper plugs last anywhere from 10k to 20k miles. Platinum spark plugs can last over 40,000 miles while double-platinum spark plug service life can range from 40k to 50k and iridium plugs can perform well for up to 60,000 miles. Double-iridium or iridium-platinum spark plugs have a very high life expectancy of about 100,000 miles. It is necessary to note that the amount of precious metals like platinum and iridium used in the spark plug construction directly affects the lifespan of the spark plugs. So, cheaper iridium spark plugs may have very small traces of iridium which permits iridium branding but may not last as long as a more expensive and high-quality iridium spark plug from a reputed manufacturer.
Q) Is it okay to clean spark plugs?
Spark plugs endure extreme temperature and stress and are exposed to intense reactions from the combustion chamber. This creates a positive buildup of carbon and other reactants which can deteriorate and wear spark plugs prematurely. However, it is not recommended to clean spark plugs but for an immediate solution you can spray a cleaner designed for use on spark plugs and scrape off the dirt using a plastic brush.
Q) Should all spark plugs be replaced at once?
It is a good idea to replace all the spark plugs at once to ensure all cylinders fire effectively and that the electrical resistance on all plugs is the same. This maintains engine balance and all spark plugs work efficiently for optimal engine performance.
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