Is platinum spark plugs better than iridium? The difference between platinum spark plugs and ordinary spark plugs

The spark plug is a component that introduces high-voltage current into the cylinder in the ignition system of a gasoline engine to generate an electric spark, which is used to ignite the combustible mixture. Because it needs repeated pressure and discharge to achieve the purpose of ignition, spark plugs are one of the vulnerable parts of gasoline engines. Commonly used spark plugs are usually precious metal spark plugs, which have good ignition performance and longer life. The most commonly used noble metal spark plugs are platinum spark plugs and iridium spark plugs.

Many people have asked whether platinum or iridium is better for spark plugs, and what are the characteristics of each of them. Let me introduce to you.

Both iridium and platinum are precious metals, and their melting points are relatively high. They can still ensure a stable working state under the harsh environment of repeated discharge and pressure. Due to their different electrode materials, iridium spark plugs and platinum spark plugs are still quite different of.

The melting point of iridium reaches 2454°C, which is much higher than the 1773.5°C of platinum. Therefore, the ignition effect of the iridium spark plug is better than that of the platinum spark plug in a high-temperature working environment. Moreover, the hardness of iridium is higher than that of platinum, so its life is longer than that of platinum spark plugs. Although the melting point and hardness of platinum are lower than that of iridium, as long as there is no accident, platinum spark plugs also have stable ignition performance, and the service life can reach 100,000 kilometers.

However, because iridium is an alloy of platinum and iridium, its rarity is still higher than that of platinum, so the price of iridium spark plugs is much higher than that of platinum spark plugs. In the case of its performance, platinum spark plugs are still the most cost-effective s Choice.

The difference between platinum spark plugs and ordinary spark plugs

Compared with ordinary spark plugs, platinum spark plugs have a qualitative change in performance:

First, platinum spark plugs have high corrosion resistance, which can ensure that the spark gap remains unchanged for a long time and make the engine work smoothly.

The second is to reduce the heat absorption and flame suppression effect of the electrode, and enhance the spark energy. The small electrode expands the space around the gap, increases the accessibility of the mixed gas, makes the combustion more complete, and lowers the emission.

The third is suitable for cold start. Because the platinum spark plug is a tip discharge, it is easier to ignite, which greatly improves the performance of the engine at low speed.