What Material Should Be Chosen for Spark Plugs?
3 Answers
Here is an introduction about spark plug replacement: 1. Under normal circumstances, the shelf life of spark plugs is about 20,000 kilometers. However, due to the variety and different grades of spark plugs on the market, their shelf life also varies. Generally, it is 20,000 kilometers, but if it is a nickel alloy spark plug, it will be longer, about 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. If it is a platinum spark plug, the service life is 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers, and a double platinum spark plug can directly be used for 80,000 kilometers. 2. Many drivers believe that as long as the spark plug can ignite, it can be used normally, and there is no need to waste money on replacing the spark plug. In fact, this is a wrong concept. Spark plugs can still be used normally after exceeding the service life, but they will consume a large amount of gasoline. Moreover, if the performance of the spark plug becomes very low, the gasoline may enter the three-way catalytic converter when igniting, causing damage to the three-way catalytic converter, and even causing the exhaust emission to fail to meet the standards. Therefore, do not damage the three-way catalytic converter for the sake of a spark plug. The price of a general three-way catalytic converter ranges from thousands to tens of thousands. Once damaged, the loss will outweigh the gain.
When I first bought a car, I knew nothing about spark plug materials. I tried copper spark plugs because they were cheap and easy to find, but within less than half a year, I often had ignition issues, which led to multiple trips to the repair shop. Later, a friend suggested I switch to platinum spark plugs. Although slightly more expensive, they are much more durable, providing stable ignition every time, especially for daily city driving, lasting two to three years without replacement. Copper spark plugs are suitable for beginners on a tight budget or those who only drive occasionally for short distances, but now I feel that spending a bit more on durable materials saves a lot of hassle. Remember, choosing the right material can reduce the risk of breakdowns, and it’s also crucial to regularly check the spark plug condition based on driving habits.
I'm particularly passionate about driving for performance, and when it comes to spark plugs, iridium is an absolute must. The iridium electrodes are as fine as a strand of hair, offering ignition speed and intensity far superior to copper or platinum, making the engine more responsive, especially during high-speed overtaking or track racing. Although iridium is more expensive and involves a higher initial investment, its lifespan exceeds 100,000 kilometers, saving time and hassle by eliminating frequent replacements. For the average car owner, platinum is sufficient, but for someone like me who pursues ultimate efficiency, iridium is a necessity. Don't overlook the importance of matching the material to the engine type; high-compression ratio engines won't waste power with iridium.
