Can I use copper spark plugs instead of platinum?
Platinum and Iridium plugs perform at a lower level than copper spark plugs, because they are less conductive and they tend to overheat. However, the overall longevity of these two types of metal is better than copper plugs. In reality, copper has the best performance of all three and the worst longevity.
Do copper spark plugs give more horsepower?
Copper spark plugs run cooler and provide more power in performance driving situations. They are often installed as original equipment in turbocharged engines and engines with higher compression ratios.
Can I use platinum spark plugs instead of Iridium?
Platinum may be harder than copper, but iridium is the hardest among the three, and iridium spark plugs outlast platinum spark plugs by almost twice the mileage. It offers better performance than platinum, but with the downside of a higher cost. Iridium spark plugs come standard on select modern vehicles.
What’s the difference between a platinum and copper spark plug?
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.
What are the disadvantages of copper spark plugs?
The use of metals like nickel alloy, platinum and iridium reduces the wear caused by high voltage sparks. These metals also help extend the interval between spark plug changes and decrease the misfire rate. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the copper spark plug? The copper spark plug is the most common and cheapest plug available.
What kind of spark plug is best for a car?
Platinum spark plug. A single platinum spark plug is basically styled after a copper spark plug with a platinum disc welded to the tip of the center electrode. Since platinum is harder than nickel alloy, it holds its sharp edge for as long as 100,000 miles.
Do you need copper or iridium spark plugs?
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.
What’s the difference between platinum and copper spark plugs?
If your owner’s manual specifies iridium spark plugs, don’t downgrade to platinum spark plugs, double platinum spark plugs or even copper spark plugs. They won’t perform as well as the iridium spark plugs in this case. As the spark ignites the air/fuel mixture, the colder side electrode tends to “quench” the flame.
What’s the melting point of platinum spark plugs?
Platinum has a melting point of up to 3,215 degrees Fahrenheit. Comparing that to copper’s melting point of just 1,984 degrees Fahrenheit should give you an idea of how long platinum spark plugs can outlast copper spark plugs. There are two varieties of platinum spark plugs—single and double platinum.
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.
Platinum spark plug. A single platinum spark plug is basically styled after a copper spark plug with a platinum disc welded to the tip of the center electrode. Since platinum is harder than nickel alloy, it holds its sharp edge for as long as 100,000 miles.