Iridium or nickel spark plugs, which is better?

Iridium spark plugs - advantages and disadvantages

An article about iridium spark plugs - their features, advantages and disadvantages, properties of iridium. At the end of the article there is a video about whether it is worth installing iridium spark plugs.

Engineers from automobile concerns continue to modernize and improve the technical characteristics of vehicle components and assemblies. For components such as spark plugs, iridium has become the main element. The use of iridium spark plugs can increase the performance of the machine and significantly extend the engine life.

Distinctive features of iridium sets: fuse quality, durability and high price.

Iridium in spark plugs

When purchasing these components, which are essential for the operation of gasoline engines, it is important to understand the features and advantages of this metal in their composition.

The upper part of the central electrode is made from it, which is subject to the greatest destructive influences during the sparking process.

Thanks to the properties of iridium, reliability and durability of spark plugs are achieved.

The following physical and chemical characteristics can be distinguished:

chemical inertness, preventing interaction with oxygen even at high temperatures;
refractoriness, resistance to extreme temperatures, ensuring spark stability under various engine operating conditions;
facilitated electron emission, preserving the integrity of iridium atoms, saving energy.

Thus, iridium spark plugs practically do not oxidize, are not destroyed during intensive use, and are characterized by resistance to erosion. They ensure stable combustion even with strong compression of the fuel-air mixture inside the cylinders.

Features of an iridium spark plug

An alloy in which at least 50% is iridium is an excellent conductor. Thanks to laser welding, metal electrodes have a diameter of 0.4 mm. This diameter allows you to concentrate the largest charge to obtain a spark gap at a minimum voltage, eliminating the loss of a spark during engine operation.

Due to the strength of iridium, the electrode tip does not burn out

, which allows the use of iridium spark plugs depending on the thickness of the central electrode, as well as the design of the side electrode, ranging from 70 to 120 thousand km (according to some sources, up to 150 thousand km). Fuel savings and stable operation of modern engines are observed.

Iridium and platinum spark plugs.

The service life of platinum candles is significantly higher than that of conventional ones. But it lags a little behind iridium ones. The service life of iridium spark plugs is considered maximum.

That is, the most reliable and durable are iridium spark plugs.

Difference between iridium and platinum spark plugs: The platinum spark plug has a slightly narrower center electrode. And on the side there is a platinum soldering.

But it is not as thin as an iridium spark plug.

An iridium spark plug has a central electrode 0.4 mm thick. About the size of a hair. The side electrode has a U-shape. Previously, the difference between them in cost was about 40%. An iridium spark plug was forty percent more expensive than a platinum spark plug. Although a platinum candle is also not cheap. But with the development of technology, their prices have almost become equal. The main thing is not to fall for a fake!

If you want to buy yourself platinum spark plugs, then the declared resource will be about 80,000 km. When purchasing a spark plug, be sure to pay attention to the side electrode. No one will ever put this small, barely noticeable solder on a fake. As for iridium spark plugs, counterfeiting them is much more difficult. The reason is the thin central electrode. If it is made of another metal and is not coated with iridium, then there is a risk of it quickly burning out. And for every purchase, as you know, you are required to provide a guarantee. It is for this reason that they are rarely counterfeited. But in the Celestial Empire they can fake anything. So, be careful when choosing a candle!

Pay attention to the side electrode. It should be made in a U-shape.

And the declared service life of iridium spark plugs is more than 100,000 km. If it is difficult to change spark plugs on your car, you have a “fresh” engine and low mileage, then pay attention to iridium or platinum spark plugs. Once you install them, you won’t have to look there again!

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Advantages of iridium spark plugs

Iridium kits were developed for highly productive modern engines that are used in sports versions of cars. For the average and budget segment, installing iridium spark plugs can bring a slight increase in engine performance and fuel economy, which does not always cover the cost of the spark plugs. What are the indisputable advantages of the iridium analogue?

Improving fuse characteristics

The characteristics of the spark igniter depend on the distance between the tip of the electrode and the base of the flame. The smaller the area, the more stable the spark will be. Iridium wire has a tip less than 0.4mm. For comparison: the same indicator for candles with a copper electrode is from 0.8 mm.

The iridium electrode allows the spark plug to increase its flammability limit, which reduces voltage requirements. Thanks to this, the engine starts running quickly and smoothly.

Stable engine operation at idle speed

Because they do not require a large output voltage to initiate ignition, iridium spark plugs have a fast ignition rate and maintain stable engine operation at low speeds. There is practically no decrease or jump in speed due to better combustion. Motor performance increases by an average of 7-8%. Fuel consumption is reduced by an average of 5-7%

The disadvantages of spark plugs with an iridium electrode include their cost. The average price of a set is at least 3,000 rubles.

If a medium power motor is used, the purchase price is quite high and does not meet expectations.

Manufacturers of iridium spark plugs

The Japanese company NGK was the first to release spark plugs with iridium tips on the world market for all car models. Technical characteristics of original spark plugs from NGK:

Self-cleaning effect;
Uses middle electrode, iridium alloy laser welding;
Resistance to electric spark erosion;
Using platinum plate;
Reduced loads on ignition coils due to constant spark plug power; 6. The area of the central electrode is 0.4 mm; 7. Average service life is 100,000 km.

The company's most popular models:

NGK BKR6EIX-11.
The part was developed as an analogue of spark plugs from the Denso company for the latest generation engines. Unit cost - from 600 rubles.
NGK IZFR6K-11E.
Iridium set for Audi, Volkswagen, Honda cars. Average price - from 1300 rubles.

Denso Corporation

- a leader among spark plug companies since 1959. Technical developments are used as standard spark plugs by such manufacturers as: Citroen, Nissan, Volvo, Vauxhall/Opel, etc.

The company's product range includes more than 6,600 types of spark plugs, both standard and with an iridium component. The Iridium Power line of spark plugs have the following characteristics:

The combustion occurs without misfires;
Fuel consumption is reduced by up to 5% compared to standard models;
Electrode diameter - from 0.4 mm;
Optimal spark output due to the ability to use low voltage;
Service life - from 100,000 km.

The company's product range includes Iridium Tough spark plugs, where a grounding element made of platinum alloy (68%) 0.7 mm is used together with an iridium central electrode. This configuration allows you to quickly form a flame core while simultaneously cooling the spark. Technical characteristics of spark plugs with double electrodes:

Improved acceleration by 40% compared to standard spark plugs;
Used for engines running on gasoline and liquefied gas;
Reduced fuel consumption by 7-8%;
Service life - from 120,000 km. Mileage.

For sports versions of cars and rally cars, the company has developed a separate line of spark plugs with an iridium tip and a double platinum plate.

The best spark plugs with two electrodes

Denso PK20PR-P8

Spark plugs in this series have platinum coating on the electrodes. Despite the simple design (only one side electrode), the quality of sparking is not inferior to multi-electrode designs.

Manufacturers managed to achieve the durability of an iridium spark plug using a cheaper metal – platinum.

Advantages:

The cost of such a candle is not much higher than that of products without the use of precious metals.
The service life significantly exceeds the replacement periods established by the maintenance regulations.
Has modifications for most car models, including discontinued ones.
The spark plug self-cleans well at high speeds.
High quality threaded connection.
Reliable sealing ring.

Flaws:

The standard gap does not always correspond to the car manufacturer's specifications; you have to set it before replacement.
Does not like prolonged idling and becomes covered in soot.
Poorly compatible with liquefied gas.

NGK BKR6EIX

One of the best specimens in terms of duration of use. Car enthusiasts note in reviews that this spark plug does not lose performance up to a mileage of 50,000 km. The coating is iridium, hence the highest cost in the review.

There will be no significant savings compared to cheap candles. The cost is more expensive exactly as much as the kit takes longer to complete. However, all this time you will be confident not only of stable engine starting, but also of normal gasoline consumption.

Advantages:

The service life from replacement to replacement is superior to many analogues.
The electrode does not burn out when the gap is reduced, the spark plug works reliably even with a weakly charged battery.
An ideal option for installation on a relatively new engine during appropriate maintenance.
The insulator of the central electrode is of increased strength, even with significant mileage, cracks do not form.

Flaws:

Sensitive to fuel quality. A couple of fill-ups with gasoline with an excessive amount of additives and the kit fails.
A high price does not guarantee resource savings.

Bosch WR7DP

This spark plug has an innovative central electrode design. The thinnest core is flushly recessed into a ceramic insulator. As a result, the spark becomes similar to a plasma discharge, operating stably at low voltage in the on-board network.

Platinum coating allows you to increase the service life between replacements up to 60,000 km, but only when using high-quality fuel. The price is high, but it is far from iridium analogues.

Advantages:

The original design of the central electrode protects the platinum coating.
Stable starting at low voltage.
The shape of the spark resembles a plasma-torch system.
Good coverage of the center contact.
At full throttle, this spark plug provides up to a 5% increase in power without increasing fuel consumption.
This series has modifications for most car models, including domestic ones.
High levels of environmental friendliness of the exhaust.

Flaws:

High price. However, this is justified by the quality.
Lack of fuel savings compared to standard spark plugs.

Champion RN9YCC4

A distinctive feature of the design is the copper core of both electrodes: central and side. On the one hand, current losses are reduced at low voltage, on the other hand, the resource is not the highest. At the same time, the price is at the level of top models. The positive point is a good increase in power, especially at high speeds, when cheaper analogues give an unstable spark.

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Advantages:

Good economy at medium and high speeds.
Holds the load - when the damper is opened sharply, it works without failure.
Excellent environmental friendliness - you can be tested for CO without fear.

Flaws:

The price is too high, even for outstanding performance.
At low speeds the spark may be unstable.
Not suitable for all car brands (according to factory specifications).

What spark plugs are there and which company is better to choose?

A spark plug is a part without which it is impossible to operate a car. Its task is extremely simple. It converts the voltage received from the battery into a spark, with the help of which the mixture of gasoline and air ignites. We are talking specifically about gasoline engines; spark plugs are not provided in the design of diesel engines.

Like many other parts, spark plugs are consumables, that is, they must be replaced after a certain time. Here you can be guided by mileage or the sound of the engine. But in any case, when the time comes for replacement, everyone has a question: which spark plugs are better?

In this article we will try to highlight various aspects of this difficult issue.

Types of spark plugs

Let's look at what kind of spark plugs there are. Electrodes are of primary importance.

Based on the number of electrodes, spark plugs are divided into:

two-electrode;
multielectrode;
flare;
plasma-prechamber.

Two-electrode spark plugs are a classic option. One central and one side electrode, between which a spark occurs, igniting the air-fuel mixture.

Spark plugs can also have V-shaped or U-shaped grooves on the electrodes, which increase the size of the flame (the engine works better at low speeds). Also, there are spark plugs with a protruding electrode - the purpose of which is to improve ignition in the combustion chamber (used only for certain engines).

Two-electrode spark plug 1 - central electrode; 2 - side electrode; 3 - V-shaped groove; 4 - U-shaped groove; 5 - difference in the amount of electrode protrusion.

Multi-electrode spark plugs - an improved circuit. There is still one central electrode, and there are two, three or more side electrodes. With this scheme, sparking becomes more stable. The result is smoother engine operation and longer spark plug life.

Torch and plasma-prechamber spark plugs do not have side electrodes in the usual sense of the word. The spark is generated here using a cone resonator. The fuel ignites evenly and continuously.

This is the best spark plug option today according to manufacturers. But according to reviews from motorists, this is not so! The cost of such candles, of course, is an order of magnitude higher than that of ordinary ones.

Electrode spark plugs are traditionally divided into:

The difference is in the name: the center electrode of a single metal spark plug is made of a homogeneous alloy, the majority of which is copper. The bimetallic electrode consists of two parts. The supporting part is a regular alloy, the working part is a metal with the best characteristics. It could be iridium, platinum or silver.

On the working part of the electrodes there is metal with the best characteristics

One of the most important characteristics of spark plugs is the so-called heat rating. This is a parameter indicating the pressure at which glow ignition occurs. Usually, the car's documentation indicates what heat rating spark plugs should be used in it. Try to follow these recommendations.

Candles are cold and hot

According to the heat rating, spark plugs are divided into:

cold (from 20 and above); hot (from 11 to 14) medium (17-19).

However, car owners usually divide spark plugs simply into “cold” and “hot”.

What are candles made of?

The working part of the spark plug is the electrodes. Accordingly, most spark plug parameters come down to the characteristics of the electrodes. The material of the electrodes, or more precisely, their tips, is of key importance.

Depending on the metals used in the production of electrodes, spark plugs are divided into:

iridium;
platinum, silver, gold, etc.
ordinary copper or chrome-nickel.

Copper (or chrome-nickel) spark plugs are the standard option. They are inexpensive (about 100 rubles per candle), and they exhaust their service life after 25-30 thousand km. By choosing such a candle, you are buying a proven quality product without overpaying.

Platinum candles (or from another precious metal, see above) are an advanced and improved technology.

The use of platinum in the manufacture of the electrode gives the spark plug a longer service life. If a platinum spark plug meets the required parameters, you will drive at least 50 thousand km with it. In addition, platinum spark plugs are less susceptible to carbon deposits, which allows the engine to reach its full potential. In other words, the car will drive better.

Iridium spark plugs . The use of iridium in the manufacture of spark plugs improves the characteristics of the spark plug significantly. Perfect, uninterrupted sparking allows the engine to perform better. The service life of such a spark plug is about 100,000 km.

So, what kind of candle should you put in your car? Which spark plugs are better - iridium or platinum? Or maybe it’s better to stick with regular copper ones? The answer lies on the surface. Iridium and platinum are a little expensive, but they work better. In addition, the increased service life will ultimately justify the expense.

Of course, an iridium spark plug is better than a platinum spark plug. If finances allow, it is better to give preference to iridium. If money is tight, then platinum will do as a golden mean. The main thing to remember is: no matter what the spark plug is, if it is chosen incorrectly, this will certainly affect the operation of the engine and the service life of the spark plug.

Video: description of copper, platinum and iridium spark plugs.

Spark plug manufacturers

Many people are tormented by the question: which brand of spark plugs is better?

Today, the most prominent players in the spark plug market are Denso, NGK, Bosch. Champion has also proven itself well. By the way, they were the first to make not only the central electrode bimetallic, but also the side electrodes. And the patent for the production of iridium spark plugs belongs to the Japanese company NGK.

Which company to choose.

All of the listed manufacturers produce truly high-quality products; they do not have any obvious advantages over each other. If you listen to the advice of your friends in choosing a manufacturer, you most likely will not go wrong. The parameters of the candle, and not the manufacturer, will still be of key importance. So no one can tell you unequivocally which spark plugs are better - NGK or Denso. This is 99% a matter of personal preference and 1% a matter of individual engine response.

The best European spark plug manufacturers

Bosch

Rating: 4.9

The honorary leader of the ranking is the world-famous Bosch Corporation, whose activities include the production of spark plugs for gasoline engines of cars, motor vehicles, and even garden tools. The most important difference between this company and others is its adherence to traditions, namely the constant observance of the geometric proportions of the insulator and the electrode part. However, there is also room for spot improvements, such as changing the concentration of electrode materials (both side and central), adding alloying components, and also playing with the relative position of the contacts relative to each other.

Judging by consumer reviews and what is seen in catalogs, the bulk of spark plugs from Bosch belong to the budget segment. And, most importantly, the concentration of fakes here is several times less than that of other well-known manufacturers. One of the representatives of the range is the Bosch FR7LDC+ iridium spark plug, the working life of which is 100 thousand kilometers. In addition, it significantly influences the increase in power while reducing fuel consumption (losses of the unburnt part of the mixture are minimized).

Beru

Rating: 4.8

One step behind the leader is the German company Beru, which likes to experiment with the geometry of the working part of spark plugs almost more than the Japanese Denso or the American Autolite. Russian consumers like it due to the huge selection of suitable products, balanced prices and the factor of novelty, which has a positive effect on work issues.

When conducting research, Beru adheres to the position of leveling out the shortcomings of engines in terms of operation, whether this is due to illiterate engineering solutions or gradual wear of the main components. In our opinion, this is the most correct approach, which has resulted in the appearance of very interesting products on the market. For example, the extremely popular four-electrode spark plug ULTRA-X79 with an asymmetrical arrangement of paired contacts relative to a common core. This geometry of the working part was recreated in order to improve the stability of operation at low voltage, for which two electrodes were moved in relation to the central one. This allows you to reduce the resistance during breakdown, as well as compensate for the lack of its power. And, in fact, there are a lot of such examples in Beru’s assortment...

Finwhale

Rating: 4.8

Bronze in the dispute between European manufacturers goes to the famous company Finwhale, the largest supplier of consumables for domestically produced cars. More than the consumers themselves, the employees of service centers love the spark plugs from this company, who recommend installing them under the hoods of not only VAZ cars, but also many other budget cars in Russia.

According to experts, the main competitive advantage of Finwhale candles is their low price and high prevalence on the market, coupled with a low level of falsification. The maximum service life of platinum samples (iridium samples rarely appear on the public market) is 80 thousand kilometers, but in general the situation is such that this figure is not very uniform. The most popular spark plugs here include the running F508 and F706, since they are suitable for installation on VAZ models from 2106 to 2110. The performance characteristics are normal, there are no serious complaints, and in terms of cost they look much more logical than premium models, say , from Brisk or NGK.

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Brisk

Rating: 4.7

The Czech company Brisk occupies fourth place in the rating, being the nominal leader in the European market segment in terms of the efficiency of its own developments. This is a company whose performance potential is measured by thousands of spark plug models produced, as well as by the constant search for the ideal formula for special cases of engine configuration. Naturally, it doesn’t cost anything to get confused in the endless jungle of such diversity.

For several years now, the main newsmaker in the Brisk assortment has been the Premium class candle LOR15LGS. In addition to the fact that it is based on the design of a spark gap with four electrodes made in the form of petals, each of them has an original location relative to the core. The effect of this configuration of the spark gap is expressed in the fact that at the rated voltage the spark travels a longer distance through the insulator, providing a high probability of ignition of the mixture with burnout over the largest possible volume of the cylinder chamber. Such a spark plug is quite expensive, but is often used in German, Japanese and Korean cars (Mercedes, BMW, Honda, KIA, etc.), as well as in AvtoVAZ flagship models.

Valeo

Rating: 4.7

Another French manufacturer of spark plugs, very popular in Europe. However, on the Russian market he is known as a regular “replacement” for spark plugs from Bosch or Czech Brisk. There really are enough common features among them - it’s immediately clear that Valeo is trying to make a product according to the patterns of more well-known companies, but it doesn’t always work out perfectly. Most consumers pay attention to uneven operation and the presence of misfires when the speed increases, which is typical for the situation of installing hot start spark plugs on forced engines.

Be that as it may, the French have enough worthy examples among their product range. For example, R76H11 is a single-electrode spark plug with average parameters, which provides a noticeable gain in fuel economy and power compared to analogues of a number of competitors. Optimal adjustment of the interelectrode gap provides consistently good sparking, which, in turn, affects the parameters of fuel combustion in the chamber, allowing you to consume less gasoline due to the notorious reduction in emissions losses (and afterburning in the exhaust manifold). Thus, the fuel gain is up to 2.0%!, as well as the increase in power.

SCT

Rating: 4.6

A company that has long and confidently established itself in the Russian auto parts market. It is a constant supplier of spark plugs to the assembly lines of well-known automakers (including VAZ), without forgetting, at the same time, to actively supply the retail market.

Over the years of production activity, the range of candles from SCT has been divided into four separate classes:

Classic. Standard nickel samples with a thin copper core, suitable for all consumer vehicles. They are used in new generation engines, but can also be installed in fairly old foreign cars.
Perfect. Models of spark plugs designed for longer operation due to the characteristics of the electrode part. The end of the central contact here is made in the form of a cone, which has a slight effect on operating conditions, but allows the spark plug to self-clean from carbon deposits.
Platin. A series of platinum spark plugs with a service life of up to 100 thousand kilometers, designed to work with ordinary and forced engines. They are supplied to the premium conveyors of the VAG group, Lexus, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, but are often found in the engines of more common foreign cars.
Tuning. A special limited series of spark plugs for forced and turbocharged engines. They have an extended spark gap, which allows the mixture to be ignited exactly when the piston reaches the extreme dead point during compression.

Even though SCT remains, for the most part, a “second-tier” player, it definitely deserves its place in the ranking.

Eyequem

Rating: 4.5

A little-known French company that produces spark plugs for the assembly lines of Renault and Peugeot, and is gradually expanding beyond the market of one country. The main postulate of Eyquem is to work for quality, which is confirmed by every new development.

If the company's history represents a rather monotonous existence in the realities of the predominantly French segment, then with the products not everything is so simple. Having released a batch of candles at retail, Eyquem immediately won a small percentage of consumers who fell for the low cost and acceptable performance indicators. Perhaps the most prominent representatives of the company can be called RFC58LZ2E and RFN58LZ, the heat number of which is 17 (an extreme case of “hot” spark plugs). In other words, these spark plugs are aimed exclusively at the city car segment without any pretensions to sports. Made of nickel alloy, the electrodes of these models are treated with a special anti-carbon composition, which prevents the appearance of defects on the metal. Thus, an increased working life is achieved, and external resemblance to a number of original (factory) spark plugs also plays an important role. All these characteristics, in general, are inherent in other products from Eyquem, so the company deserves to be included in the ranking of the best.

Properties of iridium as a material

Innovative air-fuel mixture igniters are manufactured by laser welding of iridium electrodes. Melting point is about 2,500 degrees. Since the beginning of the 21st century, iridium has been used in industry for the production of igniters.

In the industrial industry, not pure iridium is used, but alloys. It is impossible to work with the material in its pure form - it is too fragile, its electrical conductivity is low. But alloys improve the quality of the final product many times over. Alloys are used to make electrodes with much thinner tips. With such components, the engine runs smoother and the car accelerates faster.

How do iridium spark plugs differ from regular spark plugs?

The main difference between iridium spark plugs and conventional spark plugs is the material. It is iridium that spark plug electrodes owe to their unique properties that distinguish them from classical devices.

Since the melting point of iridium is high, the electrodes on which the material is applied do not fail for a long time. An iridium spark plug differs in appearance from a classic spark plug - the central electrode is slightly smaller in diameter, and the side electrode is wedge-shaped. This results in stronger sparking. The use of rare earth material improves the performance of the engine system - in cold weather the engine starts faster.

Iridium igniters contribute to economical fuel consumption and increase the power of the power unit. But while simple spark plugs can be used with fuel of any quality, only a mixture with premium characteristics is suitable for iridium spark plugs. More fuel is consumed during ignition. In a conventional spark generator, the fuel is located in a small gap between the electrodes, and the spark formation occurs at the edge of the central one. In the iridium version, the spark creates a funnel that expands from one electrode to the other.

Differences from ordinary candles

The main working part of the spark-forming device for a gasoline engine is the rod. In this case, special requirements are placed on the central electrode, namely its upper part, where the spark is formed.

The metal of this working surface must have the following basic characteristics:

thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity;
resistance to thermal erosion;
infusibility.

In conventional spark plugs, iron-chromium + titanium or nickel alloys are used to make the central electrode. More modern are specimens with a rod made of copper and nickel. Their average resource is approximately 20-30 thousand kilometers of car mileage. At the same time, from about 10 thousand, fuel consumption increases by 4%, later – up to 9%.

According to reviews from manufacturers Bosch and NGK, the service life of iridium spark plugs reaches 150 thousand. At the same time, they work effectively throughout their entire service life. The reduced electrode diameter promotes better fuel combustion and increased energy output. Thanks to this, tension is concentrated in a limited area.

Which spark plugs are better: iridium or platinum?

There are 3 types of spark-producing elements:

copper (variations - chrome, nickel);
platinum (PS);
Iridium (IS).

The last 2 options have better characteristics. The fact that platinum elements are inferior to iridium elements is true, but only partly. It is necessary to take into account the manufacturability of the power unit. If the best iridium spark plugs are installed on an old-style engine with a slight compression ratio, this will not greatly affect the engine power, as well as fuel consumption. Therefore, it is not worth installing iridium devices on old engines.

There is a myth among drivers that elements with iridium coating on the electrodes do not flood. This is not true, because if fuel or other working fluid gets into the combustion chamber, this will not save them from flooding. Devices coated with rare materials must not be cleaned using conventional mechanical methods.

Using low-grade fuel and driving on bad roads does not allow spark generators of any type to work out the entire period declared by the manufacturer - even on a working engine. Modern devices must travel 100,000 km - in practice, this turns out to be no more than 70-80 thousand km. This applies to both platinum and iridium elements.

Platinum and iridium-coated spark plugs have almost the same technical characteristics, but there are still differences. The diameter of the electrode on the PS is 0.7 mm, on the IS - 0.4 mm. This indicates greater efficiency and functionality of the latter.

The thinner the electrode, the more stable the spark formation even under low voltage conditions. And since iridium is much more refractory than platinum, ICs can withstand much greater stress. Their technical characteristics are also improved by using not a pure rare earth element, but its alloys - rhodium is usually used as an additive that prevents oxidation.

Advantages of platinum spark plugs and their differences from conventional ones

Do not assume that the individual elements of platinum spark plugs are made entirely of this noble metal. Of course this is not true. Platinum is valued in the same way as gold, so manufacturers use only thin plates, which are mounted by sputtering on the working areas of thinner central and side electrodes. Otherwise, products with the proud “Platinum” label on the packaging are outwardly indistinguishable even from those products that are sold on market stalls “for a ruble per kilo,” not to mention high-quality products from well-known brands. As for the technical characteristics and operational advantages, the differences from traditional spark plugs are more significant.

Platinum in spark plugs resists high temperatures and demonstrates high corrosion resistance, thanks to which manufacturers are able to increase the service life of spark plugs and obtain a number of other advantages:

the rate of electrode burnout is reduced;
the power and stability of spark discharges increases, which improves engine response and reduces fuel consumption;
when using platinum, spark formation occurs at a lower voltage, which improves the ignitability of the fuel mixture during the start-up period - the engine starts better in severe frost and with a partially discharged battery.

If we talk about durability, the service life of platinum spark plugs is 3-4 times longer than the service life of standard ones. Manufacturers guarantee their performance for a mileage of 50-60 thousand km, but, as practice shows, owners think about replacing them when the odometer shows a mileage of more than 80 thousand km.

Pros and cons of iridium spark plugs

When choosing spark generators, do not focus on price. By purchasing regular items, you will save money, but this may come at a cost. Better look at the pros and cons of the options.

The main advantage of IS is efficiency. Thanks to the use of a thin thread, the contact area between the electrode and the flame core is reduced. By the way, in classic spark plugs the spark gap is almost 3 times longer.

Excellent flammability and modest voltage requirements are another couple of advantages. Thanks to more complete burnout, engine efficiency increases, productivity increases by 6-8%. Fuel consumption is 6-7% lower. Less exhaust toxicity is what makes iridium spark plugs better.

The disadvantages are the high price and the fact that the IC can only be used on modern engines. It is better to install classic spark generators on ordinary models.

So, what are the disadvantages of iridium spark plugs?

High price. The first and main disadvantage of iridium spark plugs is their high price. If the price of a regular spark plug in the middle price category ranges from 150-250 rubles, then the price of an iridium spark plug starts from 700 rubles. Thus, the cost of a set of 4 iridium spark plugs will cost 4-5 times more than regular spark plugs.
Susceptibility to mechanical breakdowns. In terms of wear resistance and working life, there are no questions about iridium spark plugs. However, just like regular ones, they have a ceramic insulator and an o-ring in their design - mechanical damage to these elements requires replacement of the spark plug, and this, as already mentioned here, is not a cheap pleasure.

The best spark plugs for a car are platinum or iridium

The operation of internal combustion engines is directly related to spark plugs. The durability of the engine, the quality of the spark supply, and traffic safety depend on their correct choice. Platinum and iridium igniters became one of the best sellers, despite their high cost. Let's see which ones are better right now.

Platinum and iridium SZ

How do platinum and iridium spark plugs differ from others?

Traditionally, a spark plug is designated based on the material of the central electrode. There are platinum, iridium, nickel, copper with a heat-resistant coating. Less commonly used are gold and palladium spark plugs - they are usually found in racing cars and motorcycles.

Along with the central electrode, side electrodes are also installed. The material may be less heat-resistant, which leads to gradual burnout of igniters under the influence of frequent spark discharges. And it all depends on the choice of the manufacturer.

Platinum or iridium – which is better?

When choosing spark plugs, you should focus on the performance indicators of the parts - heat rating, physical characteristics, etc. Particular attention should be paid to selection based on the heat rating. An insufficient value will deteriorate the quality of the supplied air-fuel mixture, and overheating will lead to detonation and complete destruction of the engine.

In second place in importance are physical dimensions. The spark plugs must fit organically into the space allocated for them, otherwise the chain will be broken and the car will either not start, or another problem will occur.

Engine manufacturers rarely recommend using standard copper or nichrome spark plugs due to their short service life and rapid carbon deposits. And the main candle makers rely on the more expensive but reliable platinum and iridium.

If you, dear readers, are not convinced by the editors’ arguments, we will confirm it with official statistics. The service life of one nickel spark plug does not exceed 40 thousand kilometers on roads of normal quality. But in the CIS, this figure must be divided by at least two due to the almost complete absence of asphalt on the road network. Temperature changes also contribute. Platinum with iridium has a 2-fold increase in service life, and they are also more protected from the influence of weather and mechanical factors.

Iridium SZ from NGK

Platinum candles

The central electrode is made of noble material or alloys with its participation. Platinum is resistant to corrosion and carbon deposits. The minimum resource on the asphalt road network is 60 thousand kilometers; in off-road conditions it is 40 thousand km. The material demonstrates excellent heat resistance, which is extremely important for the operating conditions of an internal combustion engine. But the slow burnout of the electrodes is not the only advantage of these candles. Here are just a few interesting facts:

Compared to standard spark plugs, platinum plugs produce a powerful, stable spark, which is reflected in the quality of ignition of the mixture.
Stable flammability of the fuel is achieved due to the low voltage of platinum central electrodes.
The maximum mileage on the best spark plugs with a platinum electrode is 100 thousand kilometers. Over the entire period of operation, there are no cardinal jumps in significant indicators as such.
The emergence of turbocharged and highly boosted internal combustion engines gave rise to the appearance of platinum U-shaped spark plugs. This form burns fuel assemblies more efficiently and makes it easier to start the engine.

They appeared later than platinum ones. They differ from the first ones in mileage. Here the lower limit is at 100 km, which is slightly higher than competitors. A couple more interesting information about iridium spark plugs.

Iridium makes it possible to achieve an electrode thickness of 0.4 mm. – this is much thinner compared to 0.7 mm. at platinum ones. Thanks to the smaller gap and thickness of the electrodes, sparking is stable and reliable.
Iridium is more refractory than platinum. Therefore, spark plugs made from this material are installed on any cars where thermal stress plays an important role or where high-heat spark plugs are required.
Manufacturers of iridium igniters are striving to improve the formulation of electrodes made from this material. Due to additives, additional properties of the material such as oxidation resistance or thermal conductivity are increased.

Myths and truth

You may get the impression that iridium spark plugs are better than platinum spark plugs. This is only partly true. It all depends on the specific engine, which may be compatible with a certain type of arsonist. And on some engines, efficiency may not be noticeable when changing the spark plug material.

The use of iridium on low-octane engines can lead to undesirable consequences. This is, at best, fuel detonation, and at worst, engine destruction. Operating efficiency also decreases due to excessive carbon deposits on the spark plugs.

As for the shared resource, there is not much difference. Although iridium ones have a higher mileage declared by the manufacturer, the actual mileage will be the same, especially in the territory of the former USSR. Everything is explained by the driver’s rule to make an allowance of 20-40 percent when calculating the total mileage of parts.

On this basis, we can give useful advice: immediately look at the type of candles installed and buy only them. And if you want to change to another type in order to improve driving characteristics, contact experienced car operators. They will definitely suggest the optimal solution. But no one forbids experimenting, the main thing is that the car is no longer under warranty.