TYPES OF SPARK PLUGS
There are three main types of spark plugs found in vehicles today. There are two ways to find out what type is in your car: check your owner’s manual or manufacturer recommendations or ask a technician to check the ones that are currently in your car. When replacing your spark plugs, it’s best to go with the type recommended by the manufacturer.
COPPER SPARK PLUGS
Considered the standard for most vehicles, copper spark plugs are a traditional type of spark plug with a copper core and a nickel alloy fused to the electrodes for durability. With their larger electrode diameter, copper spark plugs are the largest type, which means they also need more voltage than other types to produce a spark.
The nickel alloy can wear out faster than other metals, so copper spark plugs typically need to be replaced every 20,000 miles. They are the most readily available and cheapest spark plug option.
PLATINUM SPARK PLUGS
Platinum spark plugs are similar to copper spark plugs, but instead of the nickel alloy, they have a platinum disc fused to the center electrode. With a higher melting point and the ability to withstand heat, platinum spark plugs wear at a slower rate and can last up to 100,000 miles.
IRIDIUM
Said to be six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum, iridium is the most durable and long-lasting type of spark plug. With a fine wire center electrode designed to conduct electrical energy more efficiently, iridium spark plugs are considered the highest quality. While they last the longest out of all types of spark plugs, iridium is also the most expensive.