The spark plug is a relatively small part of the auto parts, but it really determines the health of the engine. The spark plug is a member of the ignition mechanism. Its function is to generate sparks in the combustion chamber to ignite the combustible mixture in the cylinder. To use a popular metaphor, the spark plug is like the flint of a lighter. If there is no spark from it, the engine will not ignite at all, and the car will not start.
It can be seen that the spark plug seems to be small in size, but it determines whether the car can drive or not, and whether the vehicle runs smoothly. If the quality of the spark plug is not good, or if the service life is exceeded, your vehicle will experience increased fuel consumption, weak acceleration, and even slight vibration. Therefore, the increase in fuel consumption is not only caused by turning on the air conditioner. Check to see if the spark plug is not working.
How to choose a spark plug
There are mainly several requirements for spark plugs: thermal characteristics, tensile strength, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, dielectric strength, sealing, and corrosion resistance, all of which are indispensable. Because the working environment of the spark plug is extremely harsh, the working voltage is at least 10,000 volts, and the working temperature is basically between 450 and 870°C.
Therefore, when choosing spark plugs, you can’t be cheap. You have to buy spark plugs that suit your vehicle. Of course, you can buy the best ones if conditions permit.
What are the types of spark plugs?
In terms of types, it can be divided into edge-protruding spark plugs, electrode-type spark plugs, pole-type spark plugs, etc., but these are not related to our daily choice of spark plugs. We buy spark plugs every day, or buy spark plugs online, probably by choosing spark plugs of different materials according to our own models.
Therefore, in terms of materials, spark plugs mainly include nickel-copper alloy spark plugs, platinum spark plugs, and iridium gold spark plugs.
01. Nickel-copper alloy spark plug
Nickel-copper alloy spark plugs are the most common and relatively cheap spark plugs. Its core material is nickel, which is a magnetic, silver-white transition metal with a melting point of 1453°C.
The central electrode of the nickel alloy spark plug tends to be relatively thick, and the ignition stability will deteriorate after a period of use. Compared with the other two precious metal spark plugs, it has the shortest service life, and generally needs to be replaced after 20,000-30,000 kilometers.
02. Platinum spark plug
Platinum spark plugs are priced between nickel-copper alloy spark plugs and iridium spark plugs. Platinum is a transition metal with high density, silvery white color and melting point of 1773°C.
The performance degradation of platinum spark plugs is manifested as normal anode, cathode ablation, ignition gap changes, etc., so its service life is about 30,000-50,000 kilometers.
03. Iridium spark plug
Iridium spark plugs are currently the most expensive and longest-lasting spark plugs. Iridium is a very hard metal, silver-white, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand high temperatures of 2000°C.
Because of the high cost of iridium metal, this type of spark plug must be the highest price. When its performance declines, it mainly manifests as cathode ablation, and its service life is generally 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers.
In addition to the above three categories, many spark plugs now also replace different metals from the center electrode and the side electrode to increase the subdivision. Such as double platinum, iridium platinum, double iridium.
From the general category of materials, it can be inferred that materials can be divided into nickel alloy, single platinum, single iridium, double platinum, iridium platinum, and double iridium in order of arrangement from poor to good. At present, the spark plug with the best performance is the double iridium spark plug, which has the characteristics of rapid ignition, strong power and long life. Generally, double iridium spark plugs can travel more than 100,000 kilometers.
However, when purchasing spark plugs, you don't have to blindly pursue expensive double iridium spark plugs, just choose regular brands. Such as Bosch, NGK, etc., you can choose the one that suits your vehicle from these regular brands.
Ordinary nickel alloy spark plugs have a short lifespan and are not as resistant to high temperatures as other spark plugs. However, economical cars for daily families are completely sufficient, and the price is the lowest, but the replacement cycle is relatively short. In terms of performance, there will not be a huge difference. Because ordinary family cars can rarely reach extremely high temperatures, let alone high speeds frequently, nickel alloys are sufficient.
If it is a high-performance car or a user who often drives intensely, you can choose iridium platinum or double iridium spark plugs. In this way, not only the ignition efficiency and effect can be guaranteed, but also it can maintain a good working condition under frequent high-speed and high-temperature conditions.
Of course, if you are not short of money, you must ask for comfort. Then, choosing the best spark plugs with double iridium is definitely beneficial and harmless, and can reduce the frequency of replacement.
