5 Types of Spark Plugs: Copper vs Iridium vs Platinum vs Double Platinum vs Silver
The main types of spark plugs are copper/nickel, iridium, single platinum, double platinum, and silver. The best spark plugs vary from vehicle to vehicle. Below you will find more information about each type of spark plug and its uses.
Copper Spark Plug
The central electrode of this type of spark plug is a copper core coated with nickel alloy. It has the largest diameter of all the other spark plugs, so a higher voltage is required to produce a spark. Nickel alloy is softer and less durable, so spark plugs need to be replaced more often than other types of spark plugs. Some cars are designed to use spark plugs, although they have a shorter lifespan.
Sometimes, installing more expensive light bulbs is a waste of money. See the owner’s manual for manufacturer’s instructions.
Advantage – Inexpensive
Suitable for older vehicles manufactured before 1980
Works well in high compression and turbo conditions
Disadvantages – Shorter lifespan and higher voltage
Iridium Spark Plug
Fluorescent iridium is the longest because iridium is harder and more durable than platinum. These spark plugs have a low center voltage and require a lower voltage to produce a spark. This advantage is reflected in a higher price.
Many automakers use iridium spark plugs in their vehicles, so it’s important to stick with iridium when replacing spark plugs, rather than downgrade to platinum, brass/nickel. lights This will adversely affect the performance of the vehicle.
Advantage – the fire will burn more
– Longer working life and lower voltage
Disadvantages – expensive
Single Platinum Spark Plug
Single platinum spark plugs are similar to nickel/nickel spark plugs, except that the center electrode is a platinum disc bonded to the tip instead of just nickel alloy. Platinum alloys last longer than nickel alloys before wear.
These plugs produce more heat, thus reducing carbon build-up. This information is recommended for new vehicles equipped with plug-in ignition systems.
Advantages – Long service life (up to 100,000 miles) and low carbon emissions
Disadvantages – expensive
Double Platinum Spark Plug
Double platinum spark plugs have a platinum layer on the center electrode and the ground electrode. These spark plugs are more efficient and last longer, making them ideal for ignition systems where both electrodes wear more than other ignition systems. In a turbocharger system, each ignition coil fires two spark plugs simultaneously, one on the combustion cylinder and one on the exhaust cylinder.
The last spark is wasted because the air-fuel mixture was burned in the previous step. This ventilation system is an improvement over the distribution ventilation system as it is not affected by rain or mud.
Advantages – Recommended for low cost and reliable propulsion systems
Disadvantages – expensive
Silver Spark Plug
This electrode is smaller than the others and has a silver plated tip. These spark plugs do not last as long as iridium or platinum spark plugs because the metal materials are less durable. Used on older European cars and motorcycles.
Advantages – Best thermal conductivity
Disadvantages – Decreased longevity
