Spark plugs are essential components of every vehicle that plays a vital role in the combustion process, enabling the vehicle’s engine to start and run properly.
Your car’s engine performance and efficiency are partly dependent on the kind of spark plug you use.
Most spark plugs are fitted with a copper-core center electrode, which is an incredible conductor of electricity. It is better than other kinds of materials used in making plugs, and it also offers good heat transferability.
The copper area of a spark plug is usually protected with a nickel alloy because of its softness and low melting point. In order to optimize performance, the electrode may have a platinum or iridium tip, depending on the kind of plug.
Let’s take a look at iridium vs. platinum Spark Plug to be able to ascertain the differences and the most suitable for spark plugs.
Types Of Spark Plugs
There are different types of spark plugs available, and they’re typically defined by the metal used to construct them.
These plugs all have one thing in common: They help generate the energy your vehicle’s internal combustion engine needs to get the car from point A to point B.
Below, we’ll take a look at the various types of spark plugs currently on the market. We’ll examine each plug’s unique characteristics, as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
#1. Copper Spark Plugs.
Copper spark plugs are one of the most common choices on the market. Despite their name, only the inner core of these plugs is made of copper. Their electrodes are covered by a nickel-alloy coating.
This type of spark plug is best suited for vehicles built prior to the 1980s that have low-voltage distributor based ignition systems.
Also, copper spark plugs tend to run cooler, and this allows them to deliver unusually strong performance when used with engines that have turbochargers or high compression ratios.
For this reason, they’re often used as original equipment by manufacturers of late-model high-performance vehicles. Finally, copper spark plugs are your best bet if your engine uses natural gas.
Copper spark plugs tend to cost less than other choices available. Their big drawback concerns longevity.
They tend to have shorter life spans than other types of plugs on the market and typically need to be changed every 20,000 miles.
#2. Platinum Spark Plugs.
Platinum spark plugs feature platinum discs welded to the tips of their electrodes. Platinum’s most notable quality is its resilience — it’s harder than nickel alloy and it doesn’t erode as quickly.
As a result, these plugs have a longer life span than ones with nickel-alloy electrodes. Some platinum spark plugs can provide up to 100,000 miles of service.
If you have a newer vehicle with an electronic distributor-based ignition system, platinum spark plugs are an ideal choice.
Also, if your car’s owner’s manual specifically advises you to use platinum spark plugs, stick to this recommendation, and don’t downgrade.
#3. Iridium Spark Plugs.
These spark plugs feature iridium discs welded to their electrodes. Platinum is harder than nickel-alloy, but iridium is harder than platinum.
How much harder? Iridium is six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum, and it has a melting point that’s up to 700 degrees higher.
These qualities enable iridium spark plugs to last up to 25% longer than plugs with platinum tips.
If your owner’s manual recommends iridium spark plugs, follow this advice. Downgrading could result in diminished engine performance.
Iridium-tipped plugs are superb at conducting electrical energy, and they offer top-rate firing efficiency.
Keep in mind, though, that since iridium is a costly precious metal, these plugs are usually the most expensive choices on the market.
#4. Silver Spark Plugs.
Silver spark plugs feature electrodes tipped with silver. They rate highly when it comes to thermal conductivity, but they don’t last as long as plugs tipped with platinum or iridium. You’ll usually find them in motorcycles or older European performance cars.
Each type of spark plug brings something unique to the table. Take a thorough look at what each of these plugs has to offer when making a purchasing decision, and consult your car’s owner’s manual.
Composition of a Spark Plug
What’s meant by the different types of spark plugs? It helps to understand a spark plug’s construction.
- The insulator is a porcelain section that funnels the spark into the combustion chamber.
- The terminal allows the spark plug wire or ignition coil to fit snugly and securely onto the spark plug body.
- The housing is the metal body, typically made of steel, that’s threaded and is tightened into the cylinder head.
- The center electrode is a rod that reaches from the top terminal through to the bottom to conduct the electricity that creates the spark. It’s normally made of copper coated in nickel alloy.
- The spark jumps from the electrode center tip attached to the center electrode. This is where spark plug differences come from.
- The spark bridges to the curved ground electrode. While it’s made of steel, it can also be coated with a more conductive material.
What Are Spark Plugs Used For?
This question might seem pointless to anyone with driving experience. However, there are still rookies or soon-to-be drivers.
Spark plugs are an essential component of the internal combustion engine. During the four-stroke process, they ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the cylinder at the right time.
This is done through a spark generated between two electrodes. Spark plugs are used in gasoline and diesel engines, gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, and stationary engines.
When to Replace Spark Plugs
Knowing when to replace your spark plugs is integral to automotive maintenance. The general recommendation is to replace your vehicle’s spark plugs every 30,000 miles or once per year, whichever comes first.
However, if you start to notice any signs of a bad spark plug, such as engine misfires or poor fuel economy, it’s a good idea to replace the spark plug sooner rather than later.
What is the purpose of metal in a spark plug?
Manufacturers use precious and other metals in the center and side electrodes of a spark plug.
The metal channels the high voltage from the spark plug wire through the spark plug so it can spark when it goes across the small gap between the central electrode and the side electrode. This is the vital spark that starts the combustion process.
The use of metals like nickel alloy, platinum and iridium reduces the wear caused by high voltage sparks. These metals also help extend the interval between spark plug changes and decrease the misfire rate.
What is Iridium Spark Plug?
The iridium spark plug is an excellently durable spark plug made with a metallic element that provides great performance and efficiency and possesses a high melting point. Iridium is an incredible metal that comes with lots of great features.
Iridium has the potential of lasting for a long time, which helps to maintain the longevity of the spark plug so that you don’t always have to replace your car’s spark plugs.
Iridium spark plugs are wear-resistant, with an amazing consistency by natural orchestration. They are some of the best spark plugs you will ever find.
Other conventional spark plugs cannot be compared to iridium because of their extended lifespan, durability, and concentrated spark.
The plugs power vehicle engines faster than many other plugs because of the concentrated spark projected by the small electrode at the center.
Iridium is said to be six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum with a 700° higher melting point. Iridium spark plugs have extremely fine electrodes while retaining excellent wear characteristics.
Thanks to its strength, iridium spark plugs can last up to 25% longer than comparable platinum spark plugs.
What is Platinum Spark Plug?
A platinum spark plug is synonymous with copper spark plugs, with a slight difference in the center electrode, which is made of platinum, welded to the tip of the electrode.
The platinum enhances the durability of the plug, enabling it to last for as long as 100,000 miles.
Platinum spark plugs generate more heat than their counterparts, and as a result, they ensure the reduction of building-up debris. This kind of spark plug is recommended for you if you own a new car with a system of electronic distributor ignition.
Iridium Vs. Platinum Spark Plug Differences
Now that you have a basic understanding of the spark plug types let’s show them head-to-head with the differences.
#1. Performance.
Believe it or not, the copper plug offers the best performance because of how well the material conducts electricity.
It also runs a little cooler than some of the other options. As far as the other types are concerned, iridium has better performance than platinum.
Don’t confuse the hot or cold plug with the performance factor. This rating shows you the insulator tip but doesn’t touch on the electrode metal being used.
Therefore, a cold plug has a shorter insulator tip that dissipates the heat from the combustion chamber faster. If you have a hot plug, the insulator tip is longer, so the firing end holds more heat.
#2. lifespan.
Among the three metal types, iridium is the hardest, so it’s going to last the longest. While each brand has its own design and expected lifespan, here are some general guidelines you will find.
- Copper: 30,000 miles or two years
- Platinum: 60,000 miles or four years
- Iridium: 100,000 miles or seven years
If you want to go as long as possible without a spark plug replacement, you should opt for iridium. On the other hand, if you are just looking to get by in an older car, copper might provide everything you need.
#3. Melting Point.
The melting point of Iridium is higher than platinum; with values around 2400 °C and 1760°C respectively.
The higher melting point means that iridium caps can be hotter than platinum caps. While hotplugging is not always desirable, it is best to drive it around town.
#4. Voltage.
Another interesting advantage that iridium plugs offer is that they require less voltage for the spark to jump, and these tend to work quite well on cold days.
#5. Cost.
The cheapest of the spark plug types is copper. It provides good performance but does use more voltage than the other types. Iridium is usually the most expensive, but it also provides the longest lifespan.
The good middle ground is the platinum plug. It costs more than copper but not as much as iridium. Still, when you break down the cost of any spark plug per mile, you find that most of them aren’t that different.
#6. System Designed For.
Each of the spark plug types was specifically designed for a particular vehicle configuration. As an example, here are some general guidelines.
- Copper: Older cars before the 1980s with distributor ignition systems/late-model turbo engines
- Platinum: Newer cars with electronic ignitions
- Double Platinum: Designed for wasted spark systems
- Iridium: Newer cars with coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system
Iridium Vs. Platinum Spark Plug Performance
Platinum has a great performance level compared to other regular spark plugs, but compared to iridium, the difference is clear.
Iridium has a more excellent performance in igniting the air and fuel compression within the combustion chamber. This is one main reason why platinum vs. iridium performance differs.
Iridium is more efficient than platinum, with many advantages to prove that it is better than platinum. If you are asking how long do platinum spark plugs last, they can last up to 100,000 miles; iridium lasts beyond 100,000 to 120,000 miles.
You may not necessarily have to change your spark plugs if you use iridium.
Iridium Vs. Platinum Pros And Cons
Iridium and platinum spark plugs vary in their features, performance, and efficiency. While iridium seems to be stronger than platinum, it still has its cons.
You must ensure to find out the pros and cons of both iridium and platinum before making a final decision on which of the plugs to buy for your vehicle.
Pros Of Iridium Spark Plug
- Fine electrode tip: Iridium spark plugs have a finer electrode tip, providing better ignitability and fuel efficiency.
- Longer lifespan: Iridium spark plugs have a longer lifespan than traditional copper spark plugs due to their high resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Improved performance: Iridium spark plugs can improve performance, especially in high-performance vehicles, due to their ability to handle higher temperatures and greater stress.
- Improved fuel efficiency: Iridium spark plugs can improve fuel efficiency by ensuring complete fuel combustion, resulting in a more efficient engine.
- High melting point: Iridium has a high melting point of 4,435°F, which makes it ideal for high-performance engines that generate high heat levels.
- Durable: Iridium spark plugs are more durable than other spark plugs and are less likely to fail under extreme conditions.
Cons Of Iridium Spark Plug
- Cost: Iridium spark plugs are typically more expensive than traditional copper spark plugs and slightly more expensive than platinum.
- Installation: Iridium spark plugs are generally more difficult to install as they are smaller and may require special tools in some cases.
- Limited vehicle compatibility: Iridium spark plugs may not be compatible with all vehicles, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing.
- Reduced performance in certain conditions: In certain conditions, such as cold weather, iridium spark plugs may not perform as well as other spark plugs.
- Price: Iridium is a rare metal, which makes it more expensive to produce and may lead to higher prices for iridium spark plugs.
- Unnecessary for most vehicles: Iridium spark plugs are often unnecessary for most vehicles, as they offer improved performance only in high-performance vehicles or those driven in extreme conditions.
Pros of Platinum Spark Plug
- Longer lifespan: Platinum spark plugs have a longer lifespan than traditional spark plugs due to the hard-wearing nature of the platinum material.
- Improved fuel efficiency: The precise spark created by platinum plugs can improve engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Better performance: Platinum spark plugs provide a more consistent and reliable spark, improving engine performance, especially in high-performance engines.
- Resistant to misfires: Platinum spark plugs are more resistant to misfires, which can occur when a spark plug fails to ignite fuel in the engine. This leads to improved engine performance and reduced emissions.
- Requires less voltage to spark: Platinum plugs require less voltage to produce a spark, reducing the strain on the ignition system and improving reliability.
- Higher melting point: Platinum has a melting point of 3,215°F, higher than traditional spark plug materials, making it more durable and resistant to heat damage in high-performance engines.
- Price: Platinium spark plugs are typically less expensive than iridium spark plugs.
Cons of Platinum Spark Plug
- Cost: Platinum spark plugs are generally more expensive than traditional spark plugs, which can be a drawback for those on a budget.
- Compatibility: Not all vehicles are compatible with platinum spark plugs, and they may not be a direct replacement for the original spark plugs. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications before making a purchase.
- Wear: Although platinum spark plugs have a longer lifespan than traditional ones, they can still wear out over time and require replacement.
- Difficulty in the installation: Installation of platinum spark plugs may be more difficult due to their small size and precious metal construction. This can require specialized tools and expertise, adding to the replacement cost.
- Reduced performance in certain engines: Platinum spark plugs can reduce performance in some engines due to their smaller electrode size, which results in a weaker spark.
- Require specialized care: Platinum spark plugs require special care during installation and removal to prevent damage to the precious metal electrode. This can add to the difficulty and cost of replacement.
Platinum Vs Iridium Spark Plugs: Benefits And Disadvantages
The simplest way to find the answer is to compare the benefits and disadvantages of platinum and iridium spark plugs.
#1. Platinum Spark Plug.
Here are some platinum plug benefits and disadvantages:
Platinum Spark Plug Benefits
- Lasts longer than a regular copper plug
- Reduces and stops debris buildup on the spark plug electrode pair — the lesser the contamination, the smoother the ignition system
- Relatively cheaper than iridium
Platinum Spark Plug Disadvantages
- Not the strongest spark plug when compared to iridium plugs
- Less durable than iridium spark plugs
#2. Iridium Spark Plug.
Here are the iridium plug advantages and disadvantages:
Iridium Spark Plug Benefits
- Harder than platinum ones
- Uses less voltage in operation
- Has a concentrated spark for efficient combustion and improved fuel economy
- Longer durability than most spark plugs
Iridium Spark Plug Disadvantages
- Expensive spark plug (compared to platinum and many other standard spark plug options)
Now that you’ve compared the best spark plugs, let’s find out which is for your car.
Which Spark Plug Type Is Better?
Start by reading the recommendations from the manufacturer. Unless you have a reason to do something different, we normally stick to those guidelines when working on a car professionally.
There are also some things you don’t want to do. Most importantly, we don’t recommend using copper plugs if you have a coil-on-plug system, as they may wear out prematurely.
If the OEM plug is platinum, you don’t want to move back to the copper plugs. You could upgrade to iridium or double platinum if you don’t mind spending more.
Additionally, single platinum and copper plugs aren’t going to work well with the wasted spark system.
These were never designed to deal properly with this inefficient design. You could upgrade to the iridium-platinum combo plug that contains a platinum ground electrode and an iridium central electrode.
The iridium plug is best used with coil-on-plug systems. If your manufacturer recommends using iridium, you shouldn’t downgrade anything cheaper.
With most systems, it’s a waste of money to upgrade beyond what’s recommended. You are going to find the best performance based on what’s suggested by the manufacturer.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Vehicle Requirements
When choosing a spark plug for your vehicle, always check your owner’s manual for specific requirements.
Different vehicles have different requirements, so even though one of your cars does well with a certain plug type, it doesn’t mean you’ll get the same result with your other car.
Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, you might find recommendations for copper, platinum, or iridium spark plugs.
Various automotive forums that are specific to your vehicle’s make or model are great resources when it comes to learning what car enthusiasts recommend.
Engine Performance
The type of spark plug you choose can have an impact on your engine’s performance. Copper spark plugs provide the best conductivity, while platinum and iridium offer better heat resistance.
Keep in mind that the center electrode plays a significant role in the heat distribution and overall performance of the spark plug.
Longevity and Replacement
The longevity of your spark plugs is another factor to consider when making a choice. Copper spark plugs, while providing excellent engine performance, have a shorter lifespan compared to platinum and iridium spark plugs.
Copper spark plugs typically last up to 30,000 miles, while platinum and iridium spark plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. But these are not hard rules to go by. The best thing to do is periodically check the condition of your spark plugs.
Cost
While the cost of an individual spark plug may not seem like much, you need to consider that you’ll need somewhere between 4 to 8 spark plugs in almost all cases. Plan on spending anywhere from $20 to $80 for a set of spark plugs.
FAQs.
Q: Can I use platinum instead of Iridium?
Platinum spark plugs are among the nicest plugs you can get around; compared with copper, platinum spark plugs are harder.
However, iridium is harder than platinum; as a matter of fact, iridium is the hardest among the three plugs.
It also lasts longer than platinum spark plugs, with better gas mileage as much as twice that of platinum.
Iridium spark plugs offer better performance compared to platinum, but they are usually costlier than platinum.
However, you can use platinum if it happens to be the spark plug your budget can afford. But iridium is a better option, apart from the high cost.
Q: Do iridium plugs make more power?
Iridium spark plugs are incredibly made with more power compared to their counterparts. They have the capacity to improve your car’s engine power.
Suppose you need to drive under difficult conditions like climbing a steep slope; iridium spark plugs enhance your car’s engine with extra engine power to scale through the obstacle.
If you are looking for the kind of spark plug that promises tough engine power, then you can’t be wrong to choose an iridium spark plug. They are specially made with this unique advantage so that you can enjoy a smooth driving experience.
Q: Are iridium plugs worth it?
Yes, they are worth it. Iridium plugs are very durable, lasting between 60,000 to 120,000 miles. This means that your vehicle’s plugs may never go bad if you decide to use iridium plugs.
Iridium spark plugs are certainly worth investing price because the value you will get for paying such an amount in getting the spark plugs will necessarily be commensurate with the price tag.
Q: Which spark plugs are best for performance?
It is essential to consider performance capacity when buying a spark plug because it tells a lot about what to expect from your vehicle’s engine whenever you have to drive under tough conditions like climbing steep slopes.
Some of the spark plugs that have been tested and trusted to have the capacity to deliver with a great performance capacity are; NGK iridium IX, Denso (4504) PK20TT, ACDelco 9748RR Wires, ACDelco 41-962, and NGK 3403 G-Power.
These spark plugs are incredibly powerful, providing excellent performance for great satisfaction.
Q: What’s better, iridium or double platinum?
Iridium is uniquely made with great strength and capacity that most of its counterparts cannot boast of.
It is said that iridium is six times harder than platinum, and eight times stronger, with a 700-degree melting point which is higher than that of platinum spark plugs.
In comparing iridium with platinum, iridium has proven to have more advantages than platinum.
The strength of iridium spark plugs is capable of lasting up to 25% longer than that of platinum spark plugs. Therefore, iridium is completely better than double platinum.
Q: Is iridium more costly than gold?
When comparing the cost of gold to iridium, the difference in their prices is very significant. Gold currently costs $1,812 an ounce.
Meanwhile, according to Johnson Matthey Plc data, the cost of the iridium material used in the production of iridium spark plugs has increased to $6,000 an ounce.
The figure is over three times more expensive compared to the cost of gold. This current price of iridium automatically makes iridium costly than gold. Iridium vs. platinum prices also differs, with iridium costlier than platinum.
No wonder iridium power plugs are relatively expensive because of the kind of materials used in manufacturing them.
Q: Can you gap iridium plugs?
It is not ideal for you to gap your iridium spark plugs, as they are made without requiring any gapping under an ideal circumstances.
However, if you ever need to gap your iridium plug, ensure to observe extreme caution because when you gap the spark plugs wrongly, it can damage the iridium center electrode or the porcelain center.
Therefore, to avoid any damage to your expensive iridium power plugs, do not gap them. If it becomes pertinent to gap them, ensure that you consult a professional auto mechanic to carry out the operation.
Iridium power plugs can be quite expensive; hence, you must avoid any damage to the plug and ultimately avoid any damages that may occur in your vehicle’s engine.
Q: Can you clean and reuse iridium spark plugs?
Iridium plugs offer prolonged durability, such that you may never have to change them until you decide to sell off your car or quit using it.
However, if you suddenly find out that they carbon up and require you to clean them up for reuse, you can do so.
If you ever need to clean your iridium plug for reuse, you could put them in a small container or jar and pour some seafoam into the jar, sufficient to cover the area with carbon. Then, leave them overnight so that they can soak.
After that, brush them with a bristle cleaner brush, and blow the carbon out using an air compressor. This and other few methods can help you clean and reuse iridium spark plugs.
Q: How often should NGK iridium spark plugs be changed?
It is ideally recommended to replace a regular spark plug after every 20,000 to 50,000 miles. But iridium plugs are called “life-long spark plugs” for a reason.
Do you know why? They can last as much as 60,000 to 120,000 miles without any need to change them. That’s a long time frame to have a set of spark plugs in use.
However, the time frame for replacing iridium power plugs also depends on the type of vehicle, the make or model, and the owner’s driving and maintenance lifestyle.
Proper maintenance will make you enjoy the spark plugs better than a car owner who uses the same spark plugs but with a very poor maintenance culture.
Therefore, you must ensure to keep your vehicle’s spark plugs clean, the holes free from debris, and the spark plug wire in good condition.
Final Words
Understanding the nitty-gritty when comparing iridium vs. platinum spark plugs is very vital so that you can know which plug to choose after considering their benefits, limitations, as well as their cost of replacement.
Iridium or platinum spark plugs are nice for most vehicles, but they do not provide the same advantages. Iridium spark plugs offer more efficiency and great performance.
However, you need to also consider your budget when opting for a unique kind of plug to use for your vehicle’s engine.