Which material is better for spark plugs?
2 Answers
Iridium spark plugs are better, mainly for the following reasons: 1. Their high melting point allows them to be used in various high-power engines, tolerating higher temperatures without electrode melting or burning out. 2. Their high hardness enables the electrodes to be made thinner. Thinner electrodes provide more concentrated ignition, stronger energy, and more stable spark paths, effectively improving combustion efficiency and effectiveness. Additional benefits of iridium spark plugs include: 1. Enhanced performance: Sufficient ignition energy and stable spark points increase output power and improve dynamic performance. 2. Smooth operation: Excellent combustion and strong explosive power boost engine speed, making the engine run more smoothly. 3. Quick ignition: Low ignition voltage and reduced electrical suppression enable faster ignition. 4. Fuel savings: Good combustion conditions and high instantaneous output power allow for lower fuel consumption while maintaining the same output power.
I've been driving for twenty years, and the material of spark plugs is quite particular. The common copper ones are the cheapest but wear out easily, needing replacement every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, suitable for budget-conscious car owners; nickel alloy offers decent cost-performance, being slightly more durable than copper; platinum is more expensive but has strong high-temperature resistance and stable ignition, with a lifespan of up to 50,000 kilometers—my old car noticeably had less engine noise after switching to them; iridium is even more advanced, with fine electrodes that conduct current quickly, providing faster starts and acceleration while saving fuel, making it cost-effective in the long run. Don't be tempted to cheap out and choose the wrong material—if your engine gets too much carbon buildup, it'll be a nightmare. For regular family cars, I recommend platinum—it's practical enough.