Which Material is Best for Spark Plugs?

[Alivia]

There are many types of automotive spark plugs, and it is recommended that car owners choose spark plugs reasonably based on their vehicle usage. Here is relevant information about spark plug types: 1. Standard Spark Plugs: The insulator skirt is slightly recessed into the shell end face, and the side electrode is outside the shell end face. This is the most widely used type. 2. Projected Insulator Spark Plugs: The insulator skirt is longer and protrudes beyond the shell end face. They offer advantages such as greater heat absorption, better anti-fouling capability, and direct cooling by incoming air to reduce temperature, making them less prone to hot spots and thus suitable for a wide thermal range.

[CeciliaAnn]

I previously researched the selection of spark plug materials. Currently, the market mainly offers three types: nickel alloy, platinum, and iridium. If you drive an ordinary family car, such as one with an engine below 1.6L, using standard nickel alloy is actually quite cost-effective. A new one costs just a few dozen yuan and typically needs replacement every two to three years. Platinum spark plugs are more expensive but have a significantly longer lifespan and offer much better ignition stability, making them particularly suitable for cars that frequently go on long trips. As for iridium spark plugs, they are definitely the favorite of performance enthusiasts. Their ultra-fine electrodes provide high ignition efficiency, making the engine rev up smoothly and quickly. However, never go for cheap knock-offs. Spark plugs directly affect fuel consumption and power output. I once used a no-name brand to save money, and within two months, the engine started misfiring.

[LaSamuel]

As a seasoned driver, I recommend choosing the material based on your driving intensity. If you mainly use your car for commuting to work and drive less than 10,000 kilometers a year, nickel alloy is completely sufficient. Just remember to check the electrode gap every 30,000 kilometers. If you frequently drive on highways or enjoy aggressive driving, platinum is more suitable as its center electrode has strong resistance to wear and is less prone to carbon buildup. My own car has been running with double platinum spark plugs for 60,000 kilometers and they're still in service, much more durable than standard ones. But a reminder: it's best not to use nickel alloy for turbocharged cars as high temperatures can easily erode the electrodes.

[MacRebecca]

The key to choosing spark plug material lies in heat range matching, as I learned the hard way when modifying my car. For naturally aspirated engines, a heat range of 6 is the safest choice, with platinum material offering excellent heat dissipation - especially noticeable when climbing hills with AC on during summer. Modified cars or high-compression ratio engines may consider iridium plugs, which provide noticeably faster ignition response, particularly delivering smoother acceleration that ordinary materials can't match. However, remember not to rush upgrades right after the break-in period for new cars - OEM matching is crucially important.