Spark plugs make up part of the ignition system in an internal combustion engine. Their composition influences their performance and longevity, subsequently affecting fuel economy and efficiency.

Each kind of spark plug has a specific use and its own pros and cons. Let’s take a look at how spark plugs work, their types, and their functions to form a better understanding. In this way, you will be better able to select the right used cars for sale in Guyana for your next purchase.

How Do Spark Plugs Work

A spark plug consists of an insulated center electrode and one or more ground electrodes on the bottom. These are separated from the center electrode’s exposed end by means of the spark gap.

A spark plug is used in a cylinder of a petrol-powered internal engine to ignite the compressed mixture of fuel and air. The high voltage supplied by the ignition coil forms a spark as energy jumps the gap.

Traditionally, electrodes were made of copper. However, today they are made of platinum and iridium. Newer spark plugs use a low amount of voltage to ignite the spark utilizing a smaller center electrode. This makes the ignition system more efficient.

Types of Spark Plugs

There are five main types of spark plugs: single platinum, iridium, copper/nickel, double platinum, and silver. Their functionality varies from vehicle to vehicle. Let’s take a look at these in detail below:

1.     Copper Spark Plugs

This is one of the oldest and standard forms of spark plugs categorized by a copper core, which is coated with nickel alloy. It needs more voltage than all other types to generate a spark as it has the largest diameter.

Nickel allow is a non-durable and soft material, making it wear faster under pressure and high heat. This means you will have to replace the copper spark plugs more frequently compared to other types. However, some cars can only utilize these due to manufacturing restrictions. Therefore, copper spark plugs are the cheapest and most widely used plugs.

If you purchase a car that uses copper spark plugs, keep in mind that it will need replacement every 20,000 miles. Copper spark plugs should not be used in high-energy distributor-less ignition systems or coil-on-plug ignition systems.

Pros

Less costlySuitable for pre-1980 vehiclesGood performance under turbocharged or high-compression conditions

Cons

Uses higher voltageShort lifespan

2.     Iridium Spark Plugs

Iridium is harder and more durable, which means they tend to have a longer service life. They require less voltage to ignite a spark due to a small center electrode. However, due to their distinct features, the cost is considerably higher in comparison to other types.

Iridium spark plugs are differentiated by their narrow electrode tip in the center. Many plugs also come with a shaped channel on the ground electrode preventing the quenching of the high-voltage spark. Iridium spark plugs can generate a more concentrated spark due to the higher flame quality.

Pros

Long lifeUses less voltageProvides complete combustion

Cons

Costly

3.     Single Platinum Spark Plugs

A single platinum spark plug has a platinum disc at the center electrode that is wielded to the tip. It is similar to a copper/nickel spark plug and lasts longer due to the use of platinum. Platinum has a high melting point and is much harder, making the plug retain its sharp edge and preventing rapid wear and tear.

Platinum spark plugs can need replacement at approximately 60,000 miles, but they can perform well up to 100,000 miles. These plugs are best used in newer vehicles that have electronic distributor ignition systems.

Pros

Longer lifespanReduces carbon buildup

Cons

Expensive

4.     Double Platinum Spark Plugs

Double platinum spark plugs are differentiated by the platinum coating in the center and ground electrodes. This makes these types of spark plugs a good choice for a wasted ignition system as they are longer-lasting and more efficient.

In a wasted ignition system, the spark is actually wasted because it ignites nothing on the exhaust stroke. An alternative to these spark plugs is upgrading to an iridium-platinum combo plug.

Pros

Best for wasted ignition systemsDependable

Cons

High-priced

5.     Silver Spark Plugs

Silver spark plugs are less durable than iridium or platinum spark plugs as it uses metal which doesn’t last long. Furthermore, these plugs have silver-coated electrode tips and are not as commonly used as other spark plugs. You can find silver spark plugs in older performance motorcycles and cars.

Pros

Greater thermal conductivity

Cons

Less durable

Hot vs. Cold Spark Plugs

There is also the consideration of using hot or cold spark plugs. The temperature of the tip where the spark plug has a gap determines its heat range. The hot variety gives improved insulation by retaining heat in the main chamber where combustion takes place. Thus these plugs last longer and work well in most vehicles.

On the other hand, cold spark plugs give lesser insulation which takes the heat away from the combustion chamber, keeping it cooler. If the cylinder chamber is not as hot for functioning, it can cause knocking or pre-ignition resulting in the engine getting permanently damaged. Cold ones are good for high-end cars where the engine temperatures can be comparatively high.

End Word

The best-performing spark plugs are indeed copper spark plugs because it is an excellent electrical conductor and remains cooler. It is a considerably cost-effective option. You can also choose iridium spark plugs, but while they are good in performance, they can be very costly.

However, if you are looking at performance, then the platinum spark plugs may not be the best choice. Whichever spark plugs you choose when purchasing used cars for sale in Guyana, make sure you focus on quality. A quality plug will last you longer and prevent engine damage which is an important consideration to make. After all, you don’t want to keep changing the spark plugs repeatedly or incur greater costs due to engine damage.

0

0