Copper Vs Iridium Vs Gold Vs Double Platinum
What does a sparkplug mean? They work in a similar way to a car's spark plug. What is the difference between them?
These are just a few of the questions that we’ll aim to answer for you in this article.
This article will discuss the various types of sparkplugs available and how to select the right one for your vehicle's engine. Also, we will provide some information on spark plugs. Let’s begin!
There are many types of spark plugs
There are four types of sparkplugs: the copper sparkplug, iridium sparkplug, platinum sparkplug, and double-platinum. Each type of spark plug comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
We’ve crafted a handy liYou can find it heret for you, including the difference in materials used and the differences in efficiency and cost. Here’s a more detailed list of the different types of spark plugs:
1. Copper Spark Plugs
Commonly known as copper sparkplugs, these are most of the basic sparkplugs you can find. This term is incorrect. Standard material plugs don't have copper electrodes because it is very soft and melts quickly.
A “Copper Spark plug” or standard spark plug uses a nickel-alloy that may include a small copper core. All kinds of spark plugs contain a copper center.
This copper sparkplug's body is the most physically large of any of those listed. Because they require more voltage to spark a spark, their efficiency is much lower than the others.
These plugs are best suited to older vehicles that don’t have lots of accessories fitted to them and have a basic performing engine.
Plugs such as these tend to be fairly cheap to purchase and usually won’t cause any problems as long as they’re changed at regular service intervals – depending on what the manufacturer recommends.
2. Iridium Spark Plugs
These plugs are among the best available on the market. They are made of Iridium and will last longer than regular copper or platinum plugs.
Because iridium as a material is extremely durable, this is why it is so popular. Not only is it incredibly strong and durable, but it’s also a great conductor. This means that the plug’s body can be a lot smaller as it doesn’t require as much electricity to generate a spark, which makes them much more efficient also.
You probably think that iridium sounds pretty awesome – and it is, which is why it comes with a heavy price tag.
Although these plugs are quite expensive, however, they’ll usually last around 50,000 miles which means they don’t require changing very often at all.
Iridium plugs can be fitted to vehicles with higher horsepower engines. If this is your case, you should replace your spark plugs as often as possible.
3. Platinum Spark Plugs
Although they look somewhat similar to copper sparkplugs, platinum sparkplugs have a unique tip design. It is welded at the tip end of the central electrode making them stronger and more long-lasting than copper's basic nickel alloy tip.
Due to the better durability of platinum spark plugs and their ability to withstand higher temperatures, they can last for around 100,000 miles.
These plugs may not be the best or most durable, but they are much cheaper than iridium. They are an excellent choice for any vehicle, provided they have been specified by the manufacturer.
4. Double Platinum Spark Plugs
Again, these double platinum spark plugs are similar in design to both a copper and a single platinum spark plug, except they feature a laser welded platinum inlay.
This double-platinum design on both the electrode and the inlay makes these plugs even more efficient and durable—all for a lower price than Iridium plugs.
These are a great option if you would like an upgrade from single platinum spark plugs, but don’t want to pay out for iridium plugs.
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What's a spark plug?
The spark plug is what? A spark plug is used to ignite your fuel as it gets injected into your engine’s combustion chamber. The spark plug is only for petrol engines, as different fuels require different ignition methods. The spark plugs in your engine are usually located at the bore of each cylinder. They get an electrical supply either from a coil pack, or indirectly through HT (high-tension) leads.
In both cases, a high amount of voltage is generated by your vehicle’s coil pack and then sent through to your spark plugs. This electrical energy that gets transmitted will then jump the gap between your plug’s center electrode and it’s ground electrode. The spark is created when the electric charge crosses the gap and emits a visible spark. This spark ignites fuel and causes a small explosion. It is responsible for keeping your pistons turning and engine running.
What makes the spark plug such a great component is it’s simple design. It is an essential part of any engine. However, it does so much work and remains very simple to operate.
Whilst nearly all spark plugs remain the same in how they operate, they do vary in their efficiency, depending on the material they’re made from.
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Conclusion
This guide should have given you some insight as to the differences among the four most popular spark plugs available. As with most things, it’s good to balance spending money up front with potential repairs that need carrying out in the future.
Spark plugs are a vital component in your engine and won’t run without them. They’ll keep your engine running not only efficiently but also smoothly. This is why it’s so important to spend the time and money on proper maintenance.
Want to find out which spark plugs are the best? Our other guide is best spark plugs.
You can refer to the guide anytime you want for assistance.
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