What Is the Best Type of Spark Plug?

You may think that all spark plugs are the same. After all, the general purpose of spark plugs is to produce an electric current to ignite the compressed air and fuel in the combustion chamber.

However, there are some differences when it comes to spark plugs. Some are more efficient and perform better than others. It all depends on the type of spark plug recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.

All spark plugs have a central electrode and a side electrode. These electrodes were traditionally made of copper, but now they are made of materials such as iridium and platinum. In addition, the size of the center electrode is much smaller than before. This means that less voltage is required to generate current for the combustion chamber.

 Spark Plug

Overall, the four main types of spark plugs you will find are copper spark plugs, iridium spark plugs, platinum spark plugs, and dual platinum spark plugs. Some are better than others for this purpose, depending on the vehicle you drive. You will find more details about these spark plugs below when it is time to replace them.

Copper Spark Plugs

This type of spark plug is mainly made of solid copper. It has a center electrode made of nickel alloy, which is the largest diameter of all other spark plugs. This means that it requires more voltage to produce current.

Nickel alloy is a soft and not very durable material. This means it won't last very long. It is best to use copper spark plugs in older vehicles that do not have a high electrical demand.

Pros - Better for older cars made before 1980.

Disadvantages - They don't last very long; require higher voltage.

Iridium Spark Plugs

Iridium spark plugs have the longest life span. Iridium is a harder and more durable metal than platinum. While you will have to pay more for Iridium spark plugs, you will get what you pay for.

These spark plugs have a small center electrode, which means they use less voltage to produce current. This is why many car manufacturers are starting to recommend iridium spark plugs for their vehicles. If you already have these spark plugs installed and need new ones, do not downgrade to platinum or copper as they will reduce the performance of your vehicle.

Pros- Harder than platinum; lasts the longest; uses less voltage

Disadvantages- Expensive

  Spark Plug

Platinum spark plugs

Single platinum spark plugs

Platinum spark plugs are similar to copper spark plugs, except that they have a central electrode with a platinum disc that is welded to its tip area. Copper spark plugs have only nickel alloy material in this regard. As a result, platinum spark plugs are more durable and can last up to 100,000 miles.

These plugs also produce more heat, which means less debris buildup. If your new car has an electronic distributor ignition system, platinum spark plugs are recommended.

Pros- More durable than copper; less debris buildup

Cons- Not the strongest spark plugs on the market

Double Platinum Spark Plugs

If your dealership's ignition system is a waste spark system, dual platinum spark plugs are recommended. This system causes the spark plugs to fire twice, once in the cylinder on the compression stroke and once in the cylinder on the exhaust stroke.

The spark from the latter is wasted because there is no ignition there. The benefit of the waste spark system is that it is more reliable and is not affected by environmental conditions such as rain or moisture.

Pros- Recommended for waste spark systems; reliable

Disadvantage- Not recommended for electronic DIS