The best platinum spark plugs: how they differ from iridium spark plugs, pros and cons

Not many people will be able to distinguish iridium spark plugs from platinum spark plugs at first glance. You will find out what is their difference and service life.

The electrodes on these spark plugs do not burn out during their entire service life.

That is, the gap between the electrodes does not change.

This is considered a very great merit. This is due to the fact that rare earth metals are used in manufacturing. Platinum spark plugs have platinum soldering on the side and central electrodes.

And on an iridium spark plug there is a thin layer of iridium.

If we look at a standard spark plug that has already been pretty used up. We will see that over time, both the central electrode and the side electrode burn out.

The gap changes, and the engine operation changes accordingly. Hence breakdowns, etc., which is not acceptable for modern engines.

So where should you use ordinary, classic candles? Where is it better to put iridium or platinum ones?

For classic - standard, already with good mileage engines (such as those produced by VAZ or something similar). You can use ordinary candles. There is no need to install platinum or iridium spark plugs.

The first reason is that they are quite easy to change.
And secondly, often such engines already “eat up” oil.

Conclusion: There is no point in installing good spark plugs on an engine that “eats” oil.

But this is not prohibited. You have the right to do whatever you want. Just if there is no difference, why overpay!

But there are other engine models (especially foreign cars) where replacing spark plugs is difficult. Injection, high-power, turbocharged engines. It was for them that iridium and platinum spark plugs were invented.

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.

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.

SOURCE: INTERESTING IDEAS WITH YOUR OWN HANDS USEFUL TIPS – AUTO AND MOTORCYCLE

[Total: 2 Average: 4.5] share with friendsContents

Owners of modern cars prefer to install platinum or iridium spark plugs in the ignition system. Drivers claim that, despite the higher price than conventional ones, it is more profitable to use such products.

Characteristics of platinum spark plugs

They are divided into several varieties depending on the material of manufacture. The classification on this basis is as follows:

Nickel, the simplest and cheapest. Their resource is 15-50 thousand km. However, due to the low quality of Russian fuel, no more than half of this mileage can be used reliably.
With platinum soldering on both electrodes. Resistant to corrosion, they operate up to 50-60 thousand kilometers.
Iridium, traveling up to 100 thousand km.

The main characteristics of spark plugs with a platinum steel component:

diameter and number of electrodes;
life time;
spark gap;
body design;
operating temperature.

Difference from usual

In addition to the fact that platinum elements use a more expensive metal and a higher resource, they differ from ordinary ones in the following properties:

thinner electrodes;
lower rate of their burnout;
high power;
spark discharge stability;
better flammability of the mixture and, as a result, reduced fuel consumption;
reduced spark formation temperature, leading to easy starting in the cold season.

Visually distinguishing between types of candles is difficult. Manufacturers put the Platinum marking on the packaging and body of platinum candles.

NEGATIVE QUALITIES

The first thing that catches your eye is the high price of such candles. But given the long service life, high vehicle efficiency, excellent quality and temperature resistance, the price is justified, although it is higher than standard copper spark plugs.

Depending on the car model, iridium spark plugs may provide little or no performance improvement - it depends on the current state of the car. In addition, special engine efficiency is not always required and many vehicles will be limited to standard kits. Their use in conjunction with small-displacement engines is not recommended - such an expense will not be justified.

SERVICE

The operation of iridium kits has not changed over the past few years. They will still last over 100,000 miles on most cars, but manufacturers advise replacing them much more frequently, as frequent ignition, external contamination, and engine problems can reduce service life.

When choosing iridium spark plugs, the coincidence of the configuration with the old ones is not important, but the pitch, length and diameter of the thread must match, otherwise the installation will fail.

SPARK PLUG GAP – IS IT NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED?

For some drivers, the issue of setting the gap is questionable. They can be understood, because the kits are produced with the gap set at the factory, and the engines of the cars are different. Still, there is no need to worry, because when we buy a kit for our model, we receive ready-made samples that only need to be re-adjusted when repairing the engine or cleaning the spark plugs themselves. For example, Denso products have a factory-set gap. Before installing new ones, it is recommended to check the spark plug visually for bent electrodes.

IS IT WORTH INSTALLING IRIDIUM PLUGS ON OLD CARS?

Is it worth installing iridium samples on old cars that have driven hundreds of thousands, or is it better to get by with a more budget option? This is a difficult question that cannot be answered unequivocally. The question here is, first of all, economic feasibility. On new injection models, expensive iridium options pay for themselves quite quickly. This happens not only due to improved technical characteristics of the engine, but also due to reduced maintenance costs, as well as a significant reduction in fuel consumption - and such spark plugs pay for themselves quite quickly.

An old carburetor car, regardless of whether it has iridium or regular spark plugs, will not “drive better”, and there will be no significant savings on gasoline. However, the operation of the ignition system will undoubtedly improve and become more stable, starting the engine in cold weather will be easier, and the engine will stop reacting violently to low-quality gasoline. Car maintenance is also important, especially one that runs on liquefied gas. Thus, installing modern spark plugs can significantly increase the comfort when operating a car, but it is unlikely that you will be able to save on the rest.

Differences between platinum and iridium spark plugs - which one to choose?

They differ from each other in the material used to make the electrodes. In addition, there are other differences:

the diameter of the iridium electrode is 0.4 mm versus 0.7 for platinum;
the melting point of iridium is higher than that of platinum;
the mechanical strength of platinum is lower;
the mileage of a car with an iridium spark plug is 1.5-2 times longer;
the cost of a platinum product is 30-40% less.

Each car enthusiast chooses for himself which elements to use in the car’s ignition system. It is impossible to clearly identify a leader.

For cars with a turbo engine, purchasing iridium components is an excellent option.

However, it makes no sense to install spark plugs made of platinum or iridium on old domestic cars - their outdated design will destroy all the advantages of modern products.

Denso IW20, Denso WEPR

It’s not easy to pay about 3,000 rubles for a set of candles, knowing that your neighbor paid less than a hundred for similar ones. All the advantages of an expensive purchase are only in the future: the long mileage promised by advertising, some percentage of daily fuel savings, ease of starting... In addition, there is no need for frequent replacement: on a modern engine this is a labor-intensive and expensive procedure.

We decided to evaluate two polar designs from one reputable company in order to compare not the technology of different manufacturers, but the idea itself embodied in metal, all other things being equal. The choice fell on Denso.

Iridium IW20 are the obvious leaders in miniaturization of the central electrode: only 0.4 mm. It is the thin electrode that promotes better self-cleaning and, accordingly, extends the service life. They were accompanied by the usual W20 EPR-U. The initial difference in cost is approximately fivefold.

Pros and cons of platinum spark plugs

Good performance characteristics ensured the popularity of platinum products among car enthusiasts. This became possible thanks to the following advantages:

increasing car engine power;
reduction in gasoline consumption;
improving engine response;
possibility of cold start;
protection of the catalyst from burnout;
long service life.

The only drawback was the high price, but thanks to all the advantages, such an acquisition will quickly pay for itself.

Criterias of choice

Before purchasing the main component of a car's ignition system, attention is paid to factors that allow you to make the right decision. First of all, it is worth identifying the circle of manufacturers offering reliable and modern products. It is preferable to buy candles from such companies:

NGK;
Denso;
Bosh;
Brisk.

The number of electrodes becomes an important factor. The products of market leading companies exist not only with 2 rods.

They offer 3 or 4 pin models, making it easier to start the engine in extreme conditions and at low speeds.

It is also worth paying attention to the diameter and length of the thread. These parameters are checked against the characteristics of the seat on the engine block of the machine.

We must not forget about fakes, of which there are many on the market. More often they try to reproduce products from popular brands. In order to recognize a replica, the characteristic features of the original are studied. For example, the central electrode on NGK models is smooth and located perpendicular to the contact. For Bosh products, the company name is located just above the thread and there is no name W8 ATS, which is used to mark counterfeit products.

Fakes

How to determine which spark plugs are platinum and which are fake? Manufacturing design features distinguish parts from counterfeit ones.

NGK models are characterized by a perpendicular arrangement of the electrode with respect to the contact. Counterfeits have an uneven shaft. Low cost is a reason to be wary. The quality of the printing is different: the original drawings are clear and bright; for fake ones, the contours of the images are shifted downward. The batch code is indicated on one of the faces of this part. The carving is made perfectly, and the insulator resembles glaze; the fakes also have a rough coating.

Bosch products have a stamp on the belt, parts are sold with a warranty card, in high-quality packaging. Counterfeits are most often supplied from Turkey, entering the market in the form of W7DC, W7 DTC. They can be identified by deformation or detachment of the side electrode part. Remaining in the cylinder, they cause irreparable damage to the engine, which entails considerable expense. The underground came up with their own marking W8 ATC. Products from the dishonest master are coated with chrome, which sticks tightly to the head. Soon after purchase, they become loose, compression begins to disappear, and the car inexorably loses its dynamics. The original is characterized by clear, deep markings and a skillfully executed logo.

The Denso fakes have a blurred inscription on the body, a shiny contact pin, and poorly aligned electrodes. The markings are easy to scrape off.

Avoiding counterfeit products is extremely important for vehicle owners. You should only contact professional companies specializing in the sale of branded parts. Safety on the road and financial costs depend on this. To avoid embarrassment, it is better to listen to the advice of experts, study reviews of experienced car owners and remember that timely diagnostic measures, maintenance, careful attitude to the vehicle, and purchasing spare parts from a reliable manufacturer are the main canons of proper use of a car.

Frequency of spark plug replacement

The interval between the installation of new platinum elements of the ignition system is 60 thousand km. However, this mileage is adjusted depending on several factors:

Style and driving style. With intensive use and aggressive driving, the temperature increases and the service life of the spark plug decreases.
When refueling with low-quality fuel, carbon deposits on the electrodes increase. The performance of the product decreases and amounts to 20 thousand km.
On a serviceable engine, the service life corresponds to that declared by the manufacturer.
The age of the car and its make. Typically, the service life of spark plugs running on foreign cars is higher than on domestic cars. The older the car, the more often consumables need to be replaced.
Environmental conditions. With temperature changes and sudden changes in air humidity, the shelf life and performance of components decreases.

Among the spark plugs on the market, owners of modern cars should choose platinum spark plugs. In terms of performance and technical characteristics, they are ahead of simple nickel ones, and in price - iridium ones.

Which brand of antifreeze is better to choose: rating of coolant manufacturers Is it better to use antifreeze or antifreeze: what to use in the car cooling system Which universal scanner for car diagnostics is better to buy: rating of Russian-language adapters What is better to decarbonize the engine yourself: a proven tool, the best way

Spare parts and consumables

Iridium spark plugs are a serious competitor to platinum devices. The technical characteristics of a car can be significantly improved if a set of conventional elements is replaced with a set of iridium. These candles are stronger and therefore last longer than ordinary ones.

Advantages

Experiments to improve standard products were not in vain. The properties of iridium and the characteristics of iridium spark plugs have led to a number of advantages over outdated products made from other metals and alloys. Among which:

The use of a product using iridium on average increases the overall engine power by 7%. In some situations the percentage increases more and leads to tangible improvements;
The service life of iridium spark plugs significantly exceeds other types and subtypes. Replacement is required no more often than after 100,000-150,000 km (the service life of previous types and subtypes is 10,000-20,000 km). It is this property that compensates for the high cost of a product using iridium;
the required fuel costs are reduced by 7%, due to a more powerful spark providing volumetric ignition. In addition, toxic emissions that are harmful to the human body and the environment are also reduced;
It doesn't take much effort to start the engine. Even in adverse weather conditions (low temperatures), the engine starts quickly and without additional assistance. This property is especially important in areas with harsh climates, where the temperature in winter drops to 40°.

Thus, manufacturers not only corrected the problems of previous products, but also introduced a number of new advantages.

Flaws

Despite improvements, iridium spark plugs need to be refined and improved. The advantages and benefits of candles using iridium are complemented by several significant disadvantages, including:

There is a significant difference in price between iridium spark plugs and regular spark plugs. At the same time, the purchase of simple spark plugs cannot be called profitable or economical, since the service life of iridium spark plugs is many times longer. Choosing a product based on pricing is wrong and can lead to even greater waste;
unjustified use on conventional engines. Iridium spark plugs are aimed at modern models and for high mileage; if both the first and second are missing, all the positive aspects, with the exception of increased service life, disappear. Combining iridium spark plugs and an old car model will not bring impressive results.

If the first minus is justified by the quality and service life, then the second directly affects the decision to purchase iridium spark plugs. The costs will not be recouped without a powerful engine and frequent use of the car.

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.

The difference is also in price. Iridium spark plugs are much more expensive.

Gap

A test was carried out to determine the standard spark gap in carburetor and injection engines, which differ only in the voltage in the secondary circuit of the ignition system: the carburetor engine is within 18 kV, the injection engine is about 25 kV.

The spark gap was taken as a basis - from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm for a carburetor engine and 0.7 - 1.5 mm for an injection engine. Tests were carried out, on the basis of which the impact of the size of the spark gap on the car’s power and fuel consumption was revealed. In this case, spark plugs can make a difference in the behavior of engines.

As a result of the tests, the dimensions of the spark gaps were identified, changes in which significantly worsened the operation of the motor. Unlike classic ones, the gap on iridium spark plugs has increased by 0.8 mm for a carburetor engine and 1 mm for an injection engine. And all because an electrode with a small diameter increases the strength of the electric charge in the spark gap, and therefore an increase in the breakdown voltage is permissible.

Iridium spark plugs with a small electrode are much more sensitive to changes in the spark gap than classic ones. This is one of the most important advantages of these devices. And all because when electrodes of any type wear out, the gap increases and, as a result, the properties of the engine deteriorate. But in the case of iridium devices, everything is different: the rate of thermal destruction of the electrodes is minimal and the engine characteristics do not depend on the size of the gap.

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.

Conclusion: ICs are of slightly higher quality than platinum elements, but these advantages can be negated by Russian realities. ICs are somewhat more expensive.

MY REVIEW

Well, and finally, I would like to talk about my experience of using it (leave a review, so to speak). I bought iridium from FORD FUSION, because it seemed to me that my original spark plugs had already died and required replacement (and it was fashionable to try it then). I paid about 2,000 rubles for the set back then, when my original spark plugs (bought from a dealer) cost about 700 rubles, that is, almost three times more expensive. I took DENSO brands, selected them according to the catalog as usual.

I didn’t feel any global changes, the car became a little more cheerful, but only because the standard spark plugs already had burnt electrodes and their gap increased. Consumption did not drop, super power of 10% did not appear either. Winter starts were excellent for me and with the original FORD spark plugs.

I drove about 60,000 km on them, then I sold the car with them. They did not cause any trouble, the gap remained as it was, there was not even a hint of the electrodes burning. I usually changed the standard spark plugs at 50,000 km, they also did not cause problems, but with such mileage the central part began to wear out a little.

WHAT IS MY PERSONAL CONCLUSION. If you have the money, you can overpay for the iridium options, they really work well and for a long time, and it seemed to me that winter starts are, if only a little, better. HOWEVER - THEY ARE EXPENSIVE. With this money (for me personally) it was possible to buy almost three sets of ordinary spark plugs, and actually drive even more on them (together). I DIDN’T FEEL ANY increase in power or reduction in fuel consumption, BY 10% AT ALL!

Now let's watch the video version of the article.

Now let's vote on what you think is better

This is where I end, I think my material was useful to you, SINCERELY YOUR AUTOBLOGGER.

Iridium or platinum spark plugs. Service life and main differences.