There is much controversy over the benefits of such designs, but we will cover the most popular ones as well as discuss their potential and ability to perform as they have claimed in part 2 of this series.įeel the need for sustainable speed? See what Eco-engineers are doing to create super-charged but low-impact cars, bikes, and planes on Planet Green TV's Mean Green Machines. This is where the specialty plug comes in, such as the U-groove or Splitfire. With this said, technology has opened copper type plugs to the similar benefits of the fine electrode using various configurations and shapes. The reason you only use Iridium is because the coil on plug ignition system the Corolla uses burns out Platinum a lot faster than Iridium. However, in general, the standard copper plug does not reduce quenching like many of the platinum and iridium plugs can.

Over time they realized that platinum is a harder metal than copper so they started making spark plugs with platinum. When spark plugs were first invented they used copper on the tips of the spark plugs. A thin coating of these precious metals will not fair as well as a thicker, so in general, you won't want to go the cheap route, as it would be better to just use good old copper for your maximum value. Iridium is up to six times harder than platinum so Iridium should hold up longer when used on your spark plugs. Modern engines are fitted with much functionality that demands more power to run efficiently hence, NGK manufactured the ruthenium spark plugs. The more expensive the plug, the more platinum (double/triple coated) or iridium is usually used in the plug. Many traditional platinum and iridium spark plugs could not stay till their specified lifespan because of the demand for more power and less gas mileage by most modern vehicles’ engines.

This relatively rare metal is challenging platinum as the metal of choice for todays. It is also worth mentioning, that with platinum and iridium plugs you generally get what you pay for. The newest spark plug technology can be summed up in one word:Iridium. If you are willing to change your plugs once every year or two depending on your driving habits (and it is actually quite easy to change your spark plugs), copper plugs can offer good performance and efficiency. Both types have the very same parts and construction, the only difference between iridium and platinum spark plugs is the metal used for the center electrode.

Iridium vs platinum spark plugs