Iridium spark plugs last longer than copper ones and require less energy to generate the spark that powers the engine. Single platinum plugs are nearly identical to copper plugs in build except for their platinum core, which provides them a much greater lifespan.
Longevity is a key advantage in platinum spark plugs — they're typically replaced around 60,000 miles but can last up to 100,000 miles. And because platinum can handle a high heat range, combustion deposits burn off better, preventing spark plug fouling.
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.
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.
Switching to iridium spark plugs can considerably improve the mileage of the gasoline vehicles on the highway. This change comes from the fact that you now have a better ignition profile to ensure the efficient burning of the fuel.
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.
Denso on the other hand have taken the superior hardness of Iridium and chosen to shrink the diameter of the electrode more than NGK. Because there is less material in the Denso Iridium spark (vs NGK Iridium) plug the life of a Denso Iridium Power spark plug is going to be theoretically less than an NGK iridium plug.
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.
Iridium spark plugs have a smaller electrode tip that provides a more focused spark, while Platinum spark plugs have a longer lifespan than traditional spark plugs. Both materials have pros and cons, and the best option for your vehicle depends on your specific driving needs and conditions.
87% of mechanics' responses identified NGK as the preferred spark plug supplier. Since being established in Japan in 1936, NGK has always been at the forefront of innovation and technology.
The typical platinum spark plug can last up to 60,000 miles, though long-life variations boast up to 100,000 miles. However, even 60,000 miles of use is still longer than the copper spark plug, which usually only lasts up to 30,000 miles or so. Why do they last much longer?
Iridium Vs Platinum: Which Is A Better Plug? A platinum plug may be harder than a copper spark plug but an iridium plug is the hardest among the three! The iridium spark plug can last longer than platinum by almost twice the mileage, reducing the need to replace a bad spark plug every 60,000 miles.
Standard copper spark plugs last around 20,000 – 30,000 kms. The spark plugs play an important role in your engine, they produce electrical sparks that ignites the mixture of fuel and air in your engine's combustion chambers, causing the pistons to move up and down.
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.
The estimated mileage of iridium spark plugs – depending on the thickness of the central electrode and the construction of the ground electrode – ranges from 60,000 km up to 120,000 km in the case of DENSO Super Ignition Spark Plugs, which feature a protruding ground electrode, like DENSO's Twin Tip (TT) Spark Plugs.
Iridium Spark Plugs
They have a smaller center electrode and fine wire centers which can generate current faster. It provides better power and complete combustion that leads to better engine performance. Replacement recommendations for this type of spark plug are usually between 100-150,000kms.
Best Iridium Spark Plugs—NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
Iridium plugs are well known for offering increased fuel economy, and this six-pack of NGK plugs is one of the highest quality available. Unlike most other plugs, iridium plugs don't need to be gapped.
In most cases your Iridium Power plugs do not need to be gapped.
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.
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.
On the other hand, an iridium plug has an iridium tip on the center electrode. Double iridium spark plugs also have a coating on the ground electrode. The iridium electrode inlay is more durable, with a higher melting point that helps increase the service life of a plug.