You may have seen several kinds of spark plugs: copper, platinum, and iridium are the three most common types. It’s only natural to wonder what the difference between the three are and which is best for your car.
Contents
1. Copper Spark Plugs
Generally, copper plugs are the cheapest, with high conductivity and a low price. They don’t last as long as the other two materials because copper’s conductivity causes them to overheat and wear out faster.
2. Platinum Plugs
Platinum is a step up from copper, performing at a lower level but lasting much longer because of the metal’s density. These are a safe, middle-of-the-road type option.
3. Iridium Spark Plugs
Iridium spark plugs are typically the premium spark plugs, iridium being 6 times harder than platinum. As a result, they’ll last much longer and suffer far less wear and tear than platinum or copper spark plugs.
Which Spark Plug Is Best for You?
Iridium plugs perform a little worse than copper spark plugs, but last much, much longer. It’s extremely important to note here, though, that you should only use iridium spark plugs if they’re compatible with your car’s engine.
Ultimately, what your car is most compatible with will perform best for you, no matter which types are ‘better.’ Check your car’s manufacturing details and contact your dealership if you’re unsure of what spark plugs are best for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Spark Plugs?
Spark plug replacements are one of the cheapest things you’ll need to buy for your car – they usually run less than $10 per plug. Depending on how many spark plugs you need to replace, you’re probably not going to pay more than $80 to $100 at most.