At the top of the list, we have the NGK Spark Plugs. With iridium as its core material, this spark plug pack can operate at a much wider heat range as compared to ordinary spark plugs made out of platinum or copper.
And we can't overlook the pure alumina silicate ceramic insulator, which provides unmatched strength and heat resistance that give NGK spark plugs a reliable reputation. And at $20, it is hard for a lot of the competition to keep up.
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.
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.
Denso plugs are installed on almost every automobile model manufactured in Japan. The iridium used in them has a superior hardness. The electrode's diameter in these plugs shrinks more than an NGK. For this reason, Denso plugs won't last longer than NGK units but they will be better at producing powerful sparks.
Platinum spark plugs last longer and typically run hotter. That means these spark plugs reduce carbon buildup in your engine. Since these are made with hard but high-quality metal, you can drive about 100,000 miles before needing to replace platinum spark plugs.
The spark plug manufacturers are unanimous about the fact that iridium spark plugs can considerably improve the engine power. The advantage is crucial when you need to navigate through difficult driving situations or climb steep slopes.
While plugs are pre-gapped from the factory, the gap may need to be adjusted for the vehicle that the spark plug is intended for. Those with modified engines must remember that higher compression or forced induction will typically require a smaller gap setting (to ensure ignitability under higher pressure).
Investing in high-performance spark plugs is a surefire way to save some money in the long run. Better gas mileage is just the beginning. These premium spark plugs last longer than conventional plugs, which means you'll be able to go a longer time between tune-ups, keeping your maintenance costs down.
Because iridium conducts energy better than platinum, it's the optimal choice if you want to get the most out of a performance engine. Iridium spark plugs are designed with iridium discs welded to their electrodes. Iridium is six times harder and eight times stronger than platinum!
Iridium spark plugs feature a fine wire center electrode that is designed to conduct electrical energy better and increase firing efficiency. There is a price for this precious metal. Iridium spark plugs are typically the most expensive, ranging from $8 to $15 each.
Lower grade spark plugs may not be built to original equipment specifications which can lead to many issues including decreased fuel mileage, poor acceleration, engine misfires and hard starts.
The engine won't know the difference. All spark plug manufacturers cross-reference their plugs with other brands so their brand can be interchanged with other brands. For most applications, there are usually a variety of brands that are interchangeable.
Iridium is a far stronger metal than platinum, capable of taking up to eight times as much wear and tear as a platinum spark plug before losing efficiency. This means that iridium spark plugs are less likely to fail than platinum spark plugs, need replacing less often, and perform better under tough conditions.
While a typical iridium spark plug can last for 50,000-80,000 miles, manufacturers set different limits for these plugs based on driving conditions. For example, NGK's Iridium IX spark plugs claim a 40,000-50,000 miles life expectancy on an unaltered motor.
Considered the second-densest natural metal, iridium plugs are generally well-liked by drivers, but they have a few drawbacks, including a substantially higher cost. Extra care must also be taken during the installation of such spark plugs due to the brittle and combustible nature of iridium-coated electrodes.
In most cases your Iridium Power plugs do not need to be gapped.
A leading cause of spark plug problems is a flow of engine oil into the combustion chamber. If oil leaks into the combustion chamber, it can cause the tip of the spark plug to get oily and dirty leading to premature failure.
The most important detail in a spark plug is matching your engine's design. Copper has high conductivity and low price, but also a shorter lifespan. Harder platinum and iridium cost more, but were designed to last longer, but remember, the best fit is always the one designed for your engine.
OEM spark plugs are always consistent in terms of quality. When you buy OEM spark plugs, you know you're getting the exact same ones that came with your car. Aftermarket spark plugs vary widely in quality, but they're usually made with lower grade materials. They're also commonly produced with poor workmanship.
Niterra Co., Ltd. NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Niterra is a coined word, which combines the Latin words 'niteo' meaning 'shine' and 'terra/earth'.