Did you realize that your automobile wouldn’t even start without a properly working spark plug? That is how crucial this little gadget is to your car if it has a gas-powered internal combustion engine.

Mechanics of spark plugs

To ignite the engine on the other side, the spark plug sends energy through the engine. In order to start the engine and produce internal combustion, this spark will then ignite the mixture of gasoline and air within the vehicle.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPARK PLUGS

There are five main types of spark plugs:

• Silver
• Double platinum
• Copper
• Single platinum
• Iridium

SILVER SPARK PLUGS

The electrode tips of these spark plugs have a silver coating. Due of their short lifespan, you will typically find them in older European cars and bikes.

DOUBLE PLATINUM

Compared to silver spark plugs, these spark plugs are more robust. Its ground electrode and center electrode are both platinum-coated. You can swap out spark plugs with damaged and inefficient ignition systems for ones of this kind.

THE COPPER SPARK PLUGS

Due to its big diameter, this kind demands greater electricity. Since the nickel alloy coating on its center electrode is not long-lasting, you will need to change it regularly. It is coated with both copper and nickel alloy.

SINGLE PLATINUM

These spark plugs are comparable to copper spark plugs in all other respects except for the platinum coating on their core electrodes. These spark plugs are appropriate for new automobiles, especially those with coil-on-plug ignition systems, because they also prevent carbon build-up due to their increased heat generation.

IRIDIUM

Because of the tiny size of their central electrodes, they ignite with extremely little voltage. In comparison to all the previous varieties, the iridium spark plugs also have a lengthy lifespan.

PARTS OF A SPARK PLUG

There are three key sections. These are the housing, insulator, and electrodes (either the center, ground, or side). To learn more about how these primary components and the additional components below work, keep reading.

CENTER ELECTRODES

For the center electrodes, the tips are coated with nickel, copper, silver, or any other metal that is readily accessible. The high voltage spark will travel through this coating from one end to the other.

GROUND/SIDE ELECTRODE

This is where your car’s internal combustion engine is located.

Housing: The housing is the exterior casing that encloses, supports, and inserts the plug into the car’s engine.

INSULATOR

The center electrode, terminal, and center shaft are all protected from the housing by this component. The high voltage spark is also prevented from escaping before it reaches the electrode tip thanks to this.

TERMINAL

It is accountable for conducting the high voltage and is attached to the ignition system.

The insulator is secured to the housing by the ring and parking washer.

CENTER SHAFT

This links the terminal to the central electrode.

GASKET

This makes the housing and engine more secure.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE IT?

Before they need to be replaced, spark plugs may keep your automobile running for years and a good distance. It also depends on the kind your automobile uses as to how frequently you need change it. Iridium, for example, lasts the longest of all types.

BENEFITS OF REPLACING SPARK PLUGS

The main advantage is that your automobile will start. Other advantages include smooth starts and improved fuel efficiency. Please bring it to an auto repair shop if you need to replace it.