What spark plugs should I get?

There are two basic types of spark plugs on the market: your basic copper-tipped plugs, which can last up to 30,000 miles and long-life platinum and iridium-tipped plugs which have a life expectancy of up to 100,000 miles. Recommended replacement intervals vary by manufacturer and should always be followed.

How do I know which spark plugs to buy?

The different types of spark plugs can seem overwhelming at first, but the simple way to find out what kind of spark plug you need is by checking your owner's manual. The manual will specify the right plugs for your vehicle.

Does it matter what spark plugs I get?

While you should buy spark plugs in matching sets for your vehicle, not all spark plugs are universal. Spark plugs come in different sizes with different gaps and are manufactured using a variety of metals. Finding the ones that you need can be difficult.

Do high end spark plugs make a difference?

High performance

Noble metal plugs can perform consistently and well, which helps to maintain the engineered performance of the engine. They won't make the engine perform better than it did when it was new, but they will help it stay at that level longer.

Do better spark plugs do anything?

High performance plugs reduce emissions

While great engine performance and better gas mileage keep you smiling behind the wheel and at the pump, what comes out of your tailpipe is another reason to celebrate. Lower emissions are a natural side effect of ultra-high efficient combustion and healthy engine function.

How to Select Spark Plugs for Your Engine

Why are NGK spark plugs better?

Modern engines demand more power while using less fuel, shortening the life of traditional iridium and platinum spark plugs. NGK's patented ruthenium technology stands up better to wear to bring maximum durability and performance to your engine.

Is iridium or platinum better?

Iridium is said to be six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum with a 700° higher melting point. Iridium spark plugs have extremely fine electrodes while retaining excellent wear characteristics. Thanks to its strength, iridium spark plugs can last up to 25% longer than comparable platinum spark plugs.

Should I use OEM spark plugs?

So even if you're trying to save money on spark plugs and don't care about longevity, OEM plugs are still the way to go. They'll ensure maximum performance and fuel economy, and that will save you on one of your largest vehicle expenses (fuel).

Should I get iridium spark plugs?

Iridium spark plugs are better at starting engines than other types of spark plug because the spark is highly concentrated in the central electrode, and consequentially requires less voltage to operate. This makes ignitions faster and more reliable, and also reduces power consumption.

Is iridium better than copper?

Platinum and Iridium plugs perform at a lower level than copper spark plugs, because they are less conductive and they tend to overheat. However, the overall longevity of these two types of metal is better than copper plugs. In reality, copper has the best performance of all three and the worst longevity.

Do iridium spark plugs increase horsepower?

Yes, NGK iridium spark plugs can increase horsepower. By providing more spark to the firing tip, you combust more fuel, producing more horsepower.

What are the 3 types of spark plug?

Nowadays there are different kinds of spark plugs available in the markets to choose from i.e. copper, platinum and Iridium spark plugs. The copper spark plug is the most commonly used spark plug as it is the cheapest among the three.

What's the best spark plugs for horsepower?

Do iridium spark plugs improve gas mileage?

When you use an Iridium TT spark plug, you're not just improving your customer's fuel efficiency, you're also improving the lifetime of their engine. Whereas older spark plugs last around 40,000 km, Iridium TT spark plugs will continue to perform after 120,000 km – that's 3 times as far!

Are all NGK Spark Plugs iridium?

NGK builds two types of iridium spark plugs: OE Iridium and Iridium IX^®. Every plug in the Laser Series was designed for an OEM application. All dual precious metal plugs are designed to provide maximum longevity.

How long do NGK iridium plugs last?

NGK gives them a life expectancy of 40-50k miles. But they have to temper their projections as driving conditions and motor modifications differ. Typically we have found you can expect 60,000 to 80,000 miles on an unaltered motor. NGK Laser Iridium Spark Plugs have iridium center and a platinum ground electrodes.

Can I use platinum instead of iridium?

Platinum may be harder than copper, but iridium is the hardest among the three, and iridium spark plugs outlast platinum spark plugs by almost twice the mileage. The only issue with iridium is that it costs double the price of platinum with little improvements in performance.

Are aftermarket spark plugs bad?

An aftermarket spark plug could work just OK in one vehicle and cause a great loss of horsepower and fuel economy in the next vehicle.

Are cheap spark plugs any good?

Copper core spark plugs are the most basic and affordable type of spark plug that you can buy. These used to be the most common plug type on the market, but have recently been replaced by platinum and iridium spark plugs due to their superior performance, efficiency, and lifespan.

What are the factory spark plugs?

Most original equipment spark plugs today are platinum or iridium and have a recommended replacement interval of 100,000 miles.

What spark plugs are better than iridium?

Platinum Spark Plugs

What is this? As a result, the platinum spark plug is more durable and can last as many as 100,000 miles. These plugs also generate more heat, which means that debris buildup will be reduced. If you have a new car with an electronic distributor ignition system, platinum spark plugs are recommended.

Do high performance spark plugs increase horsepower?

In short, yes, in some situations spark plugs can increase horsepower.

How often should I change iridium spark plugs?

Long-life (iridium- or platinum-tipped) spark plugs need to be changed between 60,000 and 150,000 miles, depending on the vehicle. The recommended replacement intervals are posted in the Maintenance Schedule, which can be found in the owner's manual or in a separate Warranty and Maintenance brochure for your car.

Which is better Denso iridium or NGK iridium?

NGK Iridium IX are designed to be a standard replacement that lasts many times longer than platinum while over more consistent performance over the life of the spark plug, and with less maintenance. Denso have taken the superior hardness of Iridium and chosen to shrink the diameter of the electrode more than NGK.

Is NGK an OEM?

OE-Style Spark Plugs - NGK Spark Plugs. NGK spark plugs come standard on more vehicles in North America than any other manufacturer. The OE-style spark plug line brings that original equipment spark plug to the automotive aftermarket, delivering OE fit, form, function and performance for your engine.