Precious and other metals in the center and side electrodes channel high voltage from the spark plug wire through the spark plug to create the vital spark that starts the combustion process. The namesake of the platinum-group metals is also the worst-performing on the market, having taken a huge hit from the Volkswagen emissions scandal. Platinum’s primary use has been in catalytic converters for diesel vehicles – 45% of the platinum sold in 2014 went to the automotive industry. As consumers and manufacturers moved away from diesel in the wake of Dieselgate, platinum lost out to palladium, which performs better in petrol vehicles. This means fewer replacements and potentially lower maintenance costs in the long run, despite the initial higher price of iridium plugs. Platinum vs Iridium Spark Plugs, Differences #4: Performance The life expectancy of a spark plug is indicative of its value proposition. While both platinum and iridium spark plugs outlive traditional copper spark plugs, iridium tends to last even longer. Thanks to its tough nature, it resists wear and tear better.

Iridium varies greatly from platinum in performance, durability, strength, and melting point degrees. It is almost 8 times stronger and 6 times harder than platinum. In comparison to platinum, iridium’s melting point is about 700 degrees higher. While there are standard sizes and types of spark plugs, they aren’t universally interchangeable. Factors like heat range, thread size, and construction materials vary. Always refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult a mechanic to ensure you’re using the correct spark plugs for your specific engine. How Much HP Do Spark Plugs Add With the wasted spark system, each of the ignition coils fires two plugs at the same time. There’s one plug in the compression stroke cylinder with another in the exhaust stroke cylinder. The one spark is wasted because the air-fuel ratio has already burnt during the previous stroke. Why was this type of ignition system created? It was meant to be an improvement from the previous distributor-run systems. Copper spark plugs, often referred to as standard or regular spark plugs, have a shorter lifespan compared to platinum or iridium plugs. They typically last around 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Their shorter life is due to the softer nature of copper as a material. Do Spark Plugs Make a Difference Both plugs do a fine job, but an iridium spark plug offers more efficiency and remarkable performance. On the other hand, a platinum plug is a quality spark plug at a reasonable price.Historically, iridium was used a a tip material for fountain pen nibs and seen as a product of quality. Over time ruthenium, rhodium, osmium metals have now replaced it in pen nibs and has been labeled as "Genius Iridium". Its price or scarcity may be the reason for its now omission from pen nibs. An alternative to this label is gold. Gold provides a more flexible writing instrument over the more durable and lower prices of the other metals used in the former. Demand Let’s look at the pros and cons of the top plug types to determine what might suit your car the best. 1. Copper Spark Plugs Autolite’s XP Iridium plugs boast an extended lifespan thanks to its advanced iridium-enhanced 0.6mm finewire design, offering greater ignitability and improved fuel efficiency.

As a regular driver, you want a plug that offers reliable starts without a hefty price tag. Champion Platinum Power spark plugs utilize a fine platinum tip that aids in providing a consistent spark. This means fewer misfires, ensuring a smoother drive for your daily commutes. Iridium spark plugs are said to be six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum with a 700° higher melting point and can last up to 25% longer than comparable platinum spark plugs but are the most expensive.

Platinum Spark Plugs

Subaru vehicles, particularly those with boxer engines, have a unique design that requires spark plugs to be positioned horizontally. This can make access more challenging, leading to a higher labor cost for installation. Moreover, Subaru often recommends using iridium spark plugs, which are pricier than standard copper plugs due to their longevity and performance benefits. Why Are Spark Plugs So Expensive