What is the lifespan of iridium spark plugs and double iridium spark plugs?
3 Answers
Iridium spark plugs and double iridium spark plugs have a lifespan of 60,000 to 80,000 km and 80,000 to 100,000 km respectively. Automotive spark plugs are mainly categorized by electrode material into: nickel alloy, silver alloy, yttrium gold, platinum, iridium, double iridium, and iridium-platinum spark plugs. Different spark plug materials result in different lifespans. The method for replacing spark plugs is as follows: 1. Remove the engine cover; 2. Clean the dust and oil around the high-voltage wire terminals and unscrew the fixing screws; 3. Remove the high-voltage wire terminals and loosen the spark plugs; 4. Insert the soft tube from the high-voltage wire terminals into the combustion chamber and pull out the spark plugs; 5. Secure the new spark plugs into the high-voltage wire terminals and fasten the clips to hold the spark plugs in place.
The lifespan of iridium spark plugs typically ranges between 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. I've personally used them in my car, and after driving over 70,000 kilometers, the engine started to vibrate slightly. Upon inspection, it was found that the spark plugs had aged and needed replacement. Double iridium spark plugs have an even longer lifespan, generally lasting over 100,000 kilometers. My friend's car, equipped with double iridium spark plugs, didn't require replacement until 120,000 kilometers. In reality, the durability of spark plugs isn't solely determined by the material; driving habits also play a significant role. For instance, frequent driving in congested traffic or aggressive acceleration can lead to faster wear. Timely replacement is crucial to avoid compromising engine performance and fuel efficiency. I make it a point to have the ignition system checked every two years as a preventive measure.
From the perspective of spark plug materials, iridium spark plugs generally have a lifespan of around 80,000 kilometers, as iridium is resistant to high temperatures and wear, making it less prone to degradation. Double iridium spark plugs use iridium for both the center and ground electrodes, making them more durable, with a lifespan that can exceed 100,000 to 120,000 kilometers. Based on my comparison, this design reduces the gap variation between electrodes, ensuring more stable ignition without misfires. The engine also dissipates heat better during high-speed operation. Of course, usage conditions are also crucial; for example, air pollution or poor fuel quality may shorten the lifespan. I recommend checking them according to mileage and not delaying too long.
