They are more durable than standard copper spark plugs.The platinum component handles high temp conditions better.Advertisements Pros of platinum spark plugs While they are not as efficient as iridium spark plugs, platinum spark plugs cost less, making them the middle-tier option. They are a great option if your vehicle has a wasted spark ignition system. These plugs are better than the single platinum spark plugs because they aren’t affected by the surrounding environment. The spark crosses the gap between the center and side electrode and then back. Double platinum spark plugsĭouble platinum spark plugs feature a laser welded platinum plate on the center and ground electrodes. They are suited for you if your vehicle use the non-conventional electronic ignition system. The only significant difference is that they have a platinum disc welded onto the tip end of the center electrode. These plugs are much like copper spark plugs in their design. They’re available as single platinum spark plug or double platinum spark plug, depending on the platinum tip design used. The tip here is more durable than the nickel-alloy material used in a standard copper spark plug. Their performance is decent, and they handle heat better than standard spark plugs. On average, they need replacement after every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. Spark plugs that feature platinum are less conductive, but they have better longevity. Platinum, like iridium, doesn’t offer the high-quality performance that copper does. RELATED: The Best Head Gasket Sealer Platinum spark plugs Their short life span means they need to be replaced after an average of 20,000 miles.A large amount of voltage is needed to produce a spark because of their large size.They are regarded as the best performance-wise.They tend to be cheaper compared to the rest, and they rarely cause problems when replaced regularly.Such vehicles don’t have many electrical needs, which makes the sparks plug last longer. Standard spark plugs are ideal for older vehicles (rolled out before the ‘80s) with basic engines. Note that almost all spark plugs have a copper core element because it has high electrical conductivity and effective heat dissipation. However, it’s not particularly durable, and the spark plug still wears down due to the high pressure and heat in the engine cylinder. The nickel alloy cover material is crucial as it protects copper whose melting point is low. The electrodes here are made from the copper core, with the tip covered by a nickel alloy. Standard copper spark plugs have the largest diameter and as you’d expect they are bigger than the other types of spark plugs. Platinum spark plugs (single or double).Spark plug options differ based on the metal combinations used to make the electrodes. It’s easy to make the cardinal mistake of thinking spark plugs are all the same since they technically serve one purpose. RELATED: The Best Engine Oils Types of spark plugs The material used to make the electrodes is different, and this determines the spark plug type. This spark leads to the ignition of the mixture of air & fuel resulting in a small explosion that keeps the pistons moving. It uses a voltage to generate a visible engine spark when an electrical energy jumps the gap between the plug’s center electrode and the ground electrode. A spark plug has two electrodes: the center electrode and a side electrode. It is screwed into the engine’s cylinder and ignites a spark when a high amount of voltage is sent through it from the vehicle’s coil pack. What does a spark plug do?įor combustion of the air and fuel mixture to occur in the combustion chamber, there must be a spark. The key to knowing which type fits your car is understanding the impact the metal used has on your vehicle and recognising the differences in performance and longevity. Many car owners often have a hard time choosing between the three especially when it comes to upgrading to platinum or iridium. Copper spark plugs are the most popular of the three and are often viewed as standard. “Its ultra-fine wire design and laser-welded tapered ground electrode help deliver increased performance, while the iridium firing pin and ground electrode inlay provide four times longer service life compared to standard copper core plugs.Advertisements Spark plugs come in a variety of different metal combinations the common ones being copper, iridium, and platinum. “The new Bosch Double Iridium Spark Plug represents the latest and best in OE fine wire technology,” said Tim Stumpff, senior product manager, Robert Bosch LLC, Automotive Aftermarket NA.