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Elder Lister
Spark plugs are devices that deliver electric current from the ignition system into the combustion chamber to ignite air/fuel mixture with a spark. Spark plugs are a petrol engine component since diesels rely on compression for ignition.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY DETERIORATE
The electrode wears over time causing the spark gap to increase, along with an increasing number of spark discharges. When the gap exceeds a certain limit, the sparking performance goes down which prevents stable ignition of fuel...
When this happens, the Hp & Torque of the engine falls, the fuel economy deteriorates and also the quality of the exhaust gas is adversely affected. so it goes without saying that it's necessary to replace the plugs when it falls due.
TYPES OF SPARK PLUGS
Spark plugs are mainly differentiated by the metal used to make their electrodes (the two points at the top). These metals have different conducting abilities, efficiencies & durability. Naturally, their cost will be the biggest indicator of quality.
1. COPPER (NICKEL)
They are the cheapest & least durable. It has the largest diameter of the centre core meaning more voltage for spark. They are used in old cars and pre 00' JDM's. They should be changed often. 5,000 - 10,000kms.
2. PLATINUM SPARK PLUGS Similar to copper/nickel plugs only difference is the tips that conduct electricity (spark) are tipped with platinum making them more resistant than normal Copper/Nickel. They can have either the core or both points tipped with platinum.
3. IRIDIUM Iridiums last longest since iridium is harder & more durable than platinum or copper. These spark plugs have a small center electrode which requires less voltage to generate a spark. This leads to better combustion/fuel economy & lifespan Likewise, they're costly.
4. SILVER Least Common and are used in old cars. They don't last as long and were used in old Ferraris, Jaguars, Aston Martins & Lambos... (pre 80's) They're no longer produced on large scale but on order.
Source
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY DETERIORATE
The electrode wears over time causing the spark gap to increase, along with an increasing number of spark discharges. When the gap exceeds a certain limit, the sparking performance goes down which prevents stable ignition of fuel...
When this happens, the Hp & Torque of the engine falls, the fuel economy deteriorates and also the quality of the exhaust gas is adversely affected. so it goes without saying that it's necessary to replace the plugs when it falls due.
TYPES OF SPARK PLUGS
Spark plugs are mainly differentiated by the metal used to make their electrodes (the two points at the top). These metals have different conducting abilities, efficiencies & durability. Naturally, their cost will be the biggest indicator of quality.
1. COPPER (NICKEL)
They are the cheapest & least durable. It has the largest diameter of the centre core meaning more voltage for spark. They are used in old cars and pre 00' JDM's. They should be changed often. 5,000 - 10,000kms.
2. PLATINUM SPARK PLUGS Similar to copper/nickel plugs only difference is the tips that conduct electricity (spark) are tipped with platinum making them more resistant than normal Copper/Nickel. They can have either the core or both points tipped with platinum.
3. IRIDIUM Iridiums last longest since iridium is harder & more durable than platinum or copper. These spark plugs have a small center electrode which requires less voltage to generate a spark. This leads to better combustion/fuel economy & lifespan Likewise, they're costly.
4. SILVER Least Common and are used in old cars. They don't last as long and were used in old Ferraris, Jaguars, Aston Martins & Lambos... (pre 80's) They're no longer produced on large scale but on order.
Source
