Whats the difference between platinum and iridium spark plugs

Last Updated on January 25, 2022

Table of Contents Show

Iridium Spark Plugs
Platinum Spark Plugs
Double Platinum Spark Plugs
Do iridium spark plugs really make a difference?
Is it worth getting platinum spark plugs?
What is the main disadvantage of platinum spark plugs?
What are the disadvantages of iridium spark plugs?

You might think that all spark plugs are the same. After all, the general purpose of a spark plug is to generate an electric current for igniting the compressed air and fuel in the combustion chamber.

However, there are some differences when it comes to spark plugs. Certain ones are more efficient and perform better than others. It all depends on what type of spark plugs your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends.

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All spark plugs have a central electrode and a side electrode. These electrodes were traditionally made of copper but now they are being manufactured from materials like iridium and platinum.

Also, the center electrodes are being made much smaller than they used to be. This means that less voltage will be required to generate the electric current for the combustion chamber.

Overall, you will find the four main types of spark plugs are copper spark plugs, iridium spark plugs, platinum spark plugs, and double platinum spark plugs.

Some have better uses than others, depending on the vehicle that you’re driving. Below you will find more details on these spark plugs when it comes time to replace them.

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Copper Spark Plugs
Iridium Spark Plugs
Platinum Spark Plugs
Double Platinum Spark Plugs

This spark plug is mostly made from solid copper. Its central electrode is made from nickel alloy and it has the largest diameter of all the other spark plugs. This means it’ll need more voltage to generate an electric current.

Nickel alloy is a material that is soft and not very durable. This means it won’t last long. It is best to use copper spark plugs in older vehicles which didn’t have high electrical needs.

Pros – Better for older vehicles built before 1980.
Cons – They don’t last as long; Requires more voltage.

Iridium Spark Plugs

Iridium spark plugs will last the longest. Iridium is a metal that is harder and more durable than platinum. Although you will have to pay more money for iridium spark plugs, you will get what you pay for.

These spark plugs have a small center electrode which means they use less voltage to generate the electric current. That is why many car manufacturers are starting to recommend iridium spark plugs for their vehicles.

If you already have these spark plugs installed and you need new ones, do not downgrade to platinum or copper because they will diminish the performance of your vehicle.

Pros – Harder than platinum; Lasts the Longest; Uses Less Voltage
Cons – Expensive

Platinum Spark Plugs

A platinum spark plug is similar to a copper spark plug, except that its center electrode has a platinum disc which is welded to its tip area. The copper spark plug only has nickel alloy material in this area.

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.

Pros – Lasts longer than copper; Reduces debris buildup
Cons – Not the strongest spark plug on the market

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Double Platinum Spark Plugs

If your distributor ignition system is a waste spark system, then double platinum spark plugs are recommended. This system causes the spark plugs to fire twice, once in the compression stroke’s cylinder and the other in the exhaust stroke’s cylinder.

The spark for the latter gets wasted because there is no ignition there. The benefit of the waste spark system is that it is more reliable and isn’t affected by environmental conditions such as rain or dampness.

Pros – Recommended for Waste Spark Systems; Reliable
Cons – Not recommended for electronic DIS

Do iridium spark plugs really make a difference?

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 it worth getting platinum spark plugs?

Platinum spark plugs will make a difference to your wallet, being a touch pricier than their copper counterparts, but will also last significantly longer, giving value to your extra spend. Because they last longer, you'll also save yourself the added effort of replacing them so frequently.

What is the main disadvantage of platinum spark plugs?

Single platinum spark plugs feature a platinum disc welded on the center electrode, while double platinum spark plugs have platinum discs on the center and side electrodes. The only drawback of platinum is that it's less conductive than copper, so it is inferior to the latter when it comes to performance.

What are the disadvantages of iridium spark plugs?

The primary disadvantage of iridium spark plugs is the cost. Due to the durability and longevity of the iridium-based spark plugs, they hold a higher price tag than the competition.