Is It Necessary to Use Iridium Spark Plugs in Regular Cars?
4 Answers
Regular cars can switch to iridium spark plugs, which can increase power and also reduce fuel consumption. What are spark plugs made of: Spark plugs mainly consist of a terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and shell. What types of spark plugs are there: Main types of spark plugs include: standard spark plugs, projected insulator spark plugs, electrode-type spark plugs, seat-type spark plugs, pole-type spark plugs, and surface-gap spark plugs. Replacement cycle for spark plugs: Under normal maintenance conditions, they should be replaced after driving 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, this may vary depending on the brand and engine, so it is recommended to follow the user manual. Platinum spark plugs should be replaced at 40,000 kilometers, ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs at 20,000 kilometers, and iridium spark plugs at 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.
As an ordinary car owner who drives frequently, I don't think it's necessary to spend big money on iridium spark plugs for daily driving. Although they have stronger ignition and longer lifespan, their initial cost is several times higher than regular platinum or copper ones. Regular car engines are designed to work well with factory spark plugs, and you won't feel much improvement in acceleration even after upgrading. The fuel-saving effect is minimal, and it takes years to recoup the cost. It's better to save the money for tire maintenance or buying better engine oil. Besides, iridium plugs can be tricky to install properly and may affect the ECU system—my friend had issues with slower starts after switching and eventually went back to the factory ones. For regular commuting, keeping it simple is the way to go; don't overcomplicate things.
From my over 20 years of driving experience, ordinary cars really don't need iridium spark plugs. The original design with platinum or copper ones is durable enough—no need to chase high-tech options. While iridium plugs theoretically last longer, regular spark plugs replaced more frequently (every 20,000-30,000 km on average) are cost-effective and convenient. I've even seen cases where engines shook after switching to iridium plugs, possibly due to ignition system incompatibility. Unless your car is aging with poor performance or you frequently push high speeds for fun, save money and stick with reliability. Remember: spark plugs have minimal impact—focus on regular maintenance and correct specifications. Wasting money on unnecessary upgrades is better spent on other maintenance for safety and dependability.
I think iridium spark plug technology is indeed impressive, providing more stable ignition and reducing fuel consumption, but it's totally unnecessary for regular cars. The factory spark plugs are already matched to the engine, and upgrading won't really improve actual performance. Unless your car has ignition issues or you frequently drive at high speeds, it's not worth considering. I've looked into the material differences: iridium is suitable for high-compression engines, but for regular cars, the benefits are negligible. The high cost isn't justified, and the fuel savings are minimal. It's better to stick to the manual's maintenance schedule—saves time and effort.
