What are the best spark plugs for fuel economy?

April 29, 2020 Joe Ford

What are the best spark plugs for fuel economy?

Iridium Spark Plugs have some significant advantages over spark plugs made using other metals. They have better performance and more complete combustion than platinum-tipped spark plugs. Iridium has an outstanding longevity, so you won't have to change the spark plug so frequently.

How do I know if my spark plugs need to be changed?

Iridium plugs take less voltage to fire which results in more coil dwell time. That translates to better combustion, lower emissions, better fuel economy and more horsepower.

How long should Iridium spark plugs last?

Long-life platinum and iridium spark plugs will typically last up to 100,000 miles or longer provided the engine isn't using oil or doesn't spend a lot of time idling. Replacing spark plugs at 100,000 miles can be troublesome on some applications.

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Are Iridium plugs worth the money?

Iridium is said to be six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum. … It is also worth mentioning, that with platinum and iridium plugs you generally get what you pay for. The more expensive the plug, the more platinum (double/triple coated) or iridium is usually used in the plug.

What is the best brand of spark plugs?

Your spark plugs should be changed at the interval given in your owner's manual, and this can vary widely based on the type of plug your vehicle uses. In older or high performance vehicles, you may be changing your plugs every 20,000 – 30,000 miles.

When should I change Iridium spark plugs?

Conventional spark plugs need to be replaced every 30,000-50,000 miles. Recommended replacement intervals for iridium- or platinum-tipped spark plugs vary between 60,000 and 120,000 miles.

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 copper spark plugs better than Iridium?

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.

What is Iridium used for?

The main use of iridium is as a hardening agent for platinum alloys. With osmium, it forms an alloy that is used for tipping pens, and compass bearings. Iridium is used in making crucibles and other equipment that is used at high temperatures. It is also used to make heavy-duty electrical contacts.

What happens if spark plug gap is too small?

A gap that is too close will not deliver the proper amount of spark to satisfactorily cause the air fuel mixture to burn cleanly. While a gap that is too wide may not allow the ignition system to fire the plug at all. … Properly gapped spark plugs also remove heat from the cylinder ignition chamber.

When did iridium spark plugs come out?

In 1994, the first iridium spark plugs were introduced by NGK as a long-life alternative to platinum plugs.

How do you tighten spark plugs?

The tapered seat spark plugs must be installed by the use of the hands until finger-tight. Use an extra 1/16th turn with a spark plug wrench to make sure your spark plug is tightened to the manufacture's recommendation. Also, you can use a torque wrench to tighten the spark to approximately seven to fifteen lb.

How often should you change copper spark plugs?

how often do you have to change copper spark plugs? i was told "normal" spark plugs usually have to be changed between 20,000-30,000 miles. but, copper plugs need to be changed every 5,000 miles with oil changes.

What is a double Iridium spark plug?

Bosch Double Iridium Spark Plugs are engineered to deliver both high performance and long life, representing advanced OE spark plug technology. … Unlock the performance in your engine with Bosch Double Iridium Spark Plugs.

Are Laser Iridium Spark Plugs better?

It is also 4-5 times costlier than platinum. Both are iridium spark plugs and have a long lifespan. Iridium spark plugs are not the best in terms of performance but nothing can beat their longevity. When a copper plug lasts for around 20,000 miles, the average lifespan of an iridium plug is 40,000 – 60,000 miles.

Can you clean spark plugs?

To safely clean a spark plug, you should use a wire brush or spray-on plug cleaner specifically designed for this ignition part. You can also use a sturdy knife to scrape off tough deposits. Note: NEVER clean a spark plug with a shot blaster or abrasives.

Is there platinum in spark plugs?

This helps reduce deposits and prevent fouling. While these plugs offer high performance and a longer lifespan, they do come at a cost. Typically, platinum spark plugs cost two to four times that of traditional plugs, but can make up the cost differential with their longevity.

How long will copper spark plugs last?

Standard copper plugs will last from 10,000 to 20,000 miles, while more expensive platinum or iridium spark plugs can last much longer. Spark plugs have an important task to perform in your engine.

What does a healthy spark plug look like?

Images 1 & 2: These are normal looking spark plugs. The insulator tip is grayish white, but could also be grayish yellow to brown. This indicates the engine is in good operating condition and the heat range of the plug is correct. … In a two stroke engine, it indicates an oil mixture that is too rich.

Is Iridium better than platinum?

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.

Can you use iridium spark plugs instead of platinum?

You can't use single platinum spark plugs or traditional copper spark plugs in these systems because the side electrodes aren't designed to handle the reverse spark. … However, you can upgrade to an iridium/platinum combination plug (an iridium center electrode with a platinum-tipped side electrode).

Do Iridium spark plugs make a difference?

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.

What are the best spark plugs for fuel economy?

Yes, the brand matters when it comes to performance and how long they last. No. All spark plugs are made same, whether they're cheapest or the most expensive ones. There are brands of spark plugs that claim to add performance such as better MPG and even more HP.

What is the use of spark plug?

The spark plug has two primary functions: To ignite the air/fuel mixture. Electrical energy is transmitted through the spark plug, jumping the gap in the plugs firing end if the voltage supplied to the plug is high enough. This electrical spark ignites the gasoline/air mixture in the combustion chamber.

What are the advantages of Iridium spark plugs?