Ordinary copper and nickel spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, unless otherwise suggested by the spark plug manufacturer. Platinum and iridium spark plugs tend to last longer than standard copper and nickel spark plugs. Expect to change them every 60,000 to 150,000 miles unless otherwise noted.
Not all iridium spark plugs are the long-life type, there are also some that have the same lifespan as a normal spark plug: 20,000 km (light automobiles: 10,000 km, motorcycles: 5,000 km).
Iridium Spark Plugs – Service Life
Denso Iridium spark plugs use a much thinner electrode than even the NGK. Given how long the NGK electrodes last you could argue the NGK are over engineered and reducing their diameter would have no effect on their service life.
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.
The spark plug manufacturers are unanimous about the fact that iridium spark plugs can considerably improve the engine power. The advantage is crucial when you need to navigate through difficult driving situations or climb steep slopes.
If the tip is worn down, the spark plug needs replacing. If wear is minimal, cleaning the spark plug will restore performance.
In most cases your Iridium Power plugs do not need to be gapped. Even with small variations in the factory set gap the ultra-efficient firing power design will compensate for those small variations.
Most spark plugs have a factory service interval of 100,000 miles, though some may be as much as 120,000 miles. Long-life platinum and iridium spark plugs will typically last up to 100,000 miles or longer provided the engine isn't using oil or doesn't spend a lot of time idling.
The only problem with iridium is that it's an expensive spark plug than platinum. So if you're on a budget and yet want an upgrade or some reliability, a platinum spark plug is the answer. It's also one of the best spark plugs recommended if your car has an electronic distributor ignition system.
Comparing a normal plug (W20FS-U) with an IRIDIUM POWER (IWF22) on a 2-cycle 50cc engine, fuel consumption improved from 41.74 km/L → 43.69 km/L, an improvement of about 5%.
If your owner's manual specifies iridium spark plugs, don't downgrade to platinum spark plugs or copper spark plugs; if you downgrade, you run the risk of poor engine performance. You can also consult your mechanic for guidance on selecting the best spark plug for your car.
Spark plugs are designed for long-term durability, meaning that they only need to be replaced between every 80,000 and 100,000 miles. However, they can become damaged earlier than expected and require replacements to avoid pricey engine repairs.
The most common signs of bad spark plugs include start-up trouble, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, declining fuel economy, engine misfiring, and engine knocking.
Worn spark plugs can cause unnecessary load on the coils and there is often some overlap in the labor required to replace both components. If your ignition coils failed as a result of worn-out spark plugs, it is wise to replace both components at the same time.
These plugs are pre-gapped at . 044".
Q: What Happens If You Don't Gap Spark Plugs? A: Ungapped spark plugs will cause misfires as the gap between the electrodes could be too small or too wide. The air/fuel mixture then may not ignite or ignite on the wrong stroke, which can cause misfires.
NGK builds two types of iridium spark plugs: OE Iridium and Iridium IX®. Every plug in the Laser Series was designed for an OEM application. All dual precious metal plugs are designed to provide maximum longevity.
So don't rush to replace the spark plug. Pour the toilet cleaner into a cup, put the spark plug in and soak for a few minutes. and the carbon deposits on it will be cleaned.
Niterra Co., Ltd., formerly NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd., is a public company established in 1936 and based in Nagoya, Japan. Niterra manufactures and sells spark plugs and related products for internal combustion engines, as well as sensors and ceramics for a wide range of applications under NGK and NTK brands.
Its price has surged in recent times due to increased demand from the tech industry. Iridium is one of the rarest elements in the earth's crust. It is believed to have arrived in the same meteor that killed the dinosaurs.