Iridium spark plug life

We have already talked about different types of spark plugs on our website Vodi.su. One of the most reliable are spark plugs, the central electrode of which is made not of ordinary heat-resistant alloys based on nickel or steel, but of iridium and platinum. It is iridium spark plugs that belong to the highest price segment, but at the same time they have a lot of advantages:

high strength, stability in operation;
The melting point of iridium is very high, so it is used in gas-powered cars;
Trivalent nickel plating is used to protect against corrosion;
high spark efficiency - a simple calculation shows that only by replacing spark plugs with iridium spark plugs can fuel savings of 5-7 percent be achieved;
Less voltage is required to produce a spark due to the fact that the tip is thin and the potential difference is concentrated in a small area.

Other advantages emerge from these points. So, due to the fact that iridium spark plugs require less voltage, a stable spark is achieved even when starting the engine and at idle. Thanks to this fact, engine performance also increases by an average of 8 percent.

It is clear that to implement such technologies in life, manufacturers had to significantly modernize their equipment.

For example, the performance of spark plugs is largely ensured by the use of high-precision laser welding, with which the side electrodes are welded.

Also, the thickness of the electrode is only 0.4 millimeters, that is, thinner than wire (the thickness of the electrode of a standard candle is 0.8 mm). With such a small diameter, the resistance in the electrode can be practically neglected.

If you install such spark plugs on your car, you will see significant improvements:

the engine will run smoothly, even at idle;
its productivity will increase;
fuel consumption will decrease;
The spark plugs will not need to be changed for a very long time.

Service life of iridium spark plugs

First of all, it is worth saying that there is a service life recommended by the manufacturer. But many car enthusiasts do not listen to this advice and continue to use candles.

The service life of an iridium spark plug is on average 3-4 times longer than a standard nickel spark plug. So, if the manufacturer recommends changing the latter every 30-45 thousand kilometers, then iridium ones can last from 60 to 160 thousand km. And this is according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

If you want to use them to the last, then their service life will be up to 200 thousand kilometers. It is advisable, of course, not to exceed the recommended period of use. In addition, it is very important to install the candles correctly, tightening them to a certain point, otherwise all their advantages will be lost and they will quickly become unusable.

Factors that reduce service life:

low-quality fuel - due to the formation of soot, spark efficiency decreases;
pollution - dust from the street, various particles from fuel or motor oil also settle on the spark plugs;
Frequent starting of the engine - it is during startup that the heaviest load is placed on the ignition system;
various internal problems with the engine.

Thus, if you want to spend money on good spark plugs at one time and not return to this issue, at least until your car reaches 100-160 thousand kilometers on the speedometer, then we recommend paying attention to Iridium Denso spark plugs or an improved version - Iridium Denso TT (Twin Tip), Iridium Denso SIP (super ignition), Iridium Denso Tough. NGK products have also proven themselves to be quite good - one such candle will cost you about 450-900 rubles.

Source: http://vodi.su/srok-sluzhbyi-iridievyih-svechey/

Cost and service life of iridium spark plugs

An area of new spark plug technology is iridium. This is a rare metal that has become a real competitor to platinum.

The process of replacing an old set of spark plugs with iridium ones can be a way to get better vehicle performance. Many motorists interested in extending the life of their vehicles prefer iridium kits as they are durable, strong and efficient.

Features of iridium models

Iridium sets have a number of features. They are designed to provide better performance, although in some circumstances their use may provide only a small improvement.

To improve the performance of the fuse, the contact area between the electrode and the flame core must be reduced in size. In this regard, the electrode has the form of a thin wire with a diameter of 0.4 mm.

Standard copper sets have a spark gap of 0.8 mm, resulting in iridium spark plugs having flammability limits 2.5 times greater. The small metal at the tip allows the spark to expand its area, increase starting performance and reduce voltage requirements.

In this video, they will tell you about the service life of iridium devices. Let's see!

Everyone knows that when idling, the engine ignition is especially bad. Iridium spark plugs have low voltage requirements and high flammability, allowing the engine to perform well even at idle.

While normal plugs vary greatly in RPM, iridium connectors are able to maintain a smooth idle. In addition, with better combustion, the ignition energy increases the number of revolutions per minute.

Compared to standard configurations, iridium can increase engine performance by up to 8%. By using iridium electrode tips, fuel consumption is reduced by 5-7%.

Cost of elements

Iridium sets are in great demand due to their cost advantages compared to platinum. Despite the fact that iridium is a rarer metal than platinum and gold, its pricing is directly dependent on market volatility. Today its cost is cheaper than platinum.

Almost one-fifth of iridium production currently goes into spark plugs. The amount of metal required to make one unit is very small - just tiny pieces of wire that are welded onto the tip of the tip and ground electrodes to prevent electrode erosion and wear.

But multiplied by the millions of units of these tips produced each year to meet the demands of many automotive manufacturers, the cost of iridium kits rises significantly.

Such types have a fairly high price; the cost of one candle can be 600-700 rubles (a set - 2400-2800 rubles). The usual option can cost 300 rubles per set.

The fuel savings will pay for the cost of these spark plugs after six months of use. Easy starting, increased power and service life make you seriously consider purchasing this type of spark plug.

Lifetime

When using iridium, the service life of the product, compared to conventional ones, doubles. The small diameter of the spark plug electrode, as well as the beveled edges of the electrode, lead to a powerful spark, since a small voltage is required to break down the interelectrode gap.

The ignition process is significantly improved, since the influence of the electrodes on the flame front in the combustion chamber is reduced.

The service life of iridium modifications is more than 100,000 km.

Reviews

Let's consider reviews from car owners who purchased and installed these spark plugs. Of course, these reviews can help you decide on the choice of one configuration or another.

I inherited iridium spark plugs. I myself have already driven about 20,000 km, I can’t say anything bad. In any frost the car starts without problems. One of my friends drove 120,000 on them and the reviews were rave. Yaroslav

I now have iridium spark plugs - song! Before that I installed simple Denso ones, which were also not bad, but still, these are an order of magnitude higher. Michael

When working with simple spark plugs, instability of the engine was noticed after 15 thousand mileage (in cold weather, in heavy rain), and uncertainty about starting the engine beyond -20 degrees. Iridium ones have gone through more than 30 thousand and not a single complaint. Nikolay

Over the 20 years of my professional driving experience, I tried different spark plugs. I was convinced many times that you should not skimp on quality; purchased candles should be immediately checked on a special-purpose device. Normal candles do not cost less than 250-300 rubles. Today I prefer iridium spark plugs. Andrey Yakovlevich

Thanks for the advice. I installed iridium spark plugs and was pleasantly surprised. First of all, the car began to start without any special whims in any frost, the engine runs smoother and quieter. Novel

We also recommend watching

Source: http://natapku.ru/ustrojstvo/svechi-zazhiganiya-iridievue.html

Iridium spark plugs: properties, description, prices, service life

Automotive innovation is how iridium can be described. Spark plugs made from this material are worthy competitors to platinum ones.

By replacing a classic set of spark plugs with an iridium one, you can significantly improve the performance of your vehicle.

Most drivers prefer these spark plugs, as they are more durable, stronger and extend the life of their vehicles.

New product on the automotive spare parts market

Iridium spark plugs are a relatively new product, which, despite the fact that they have been on the market recently, have already gained popularity among many car enthusiasts.

The design of the candles was already installed in the very first samples, and therefore the new product is practically no different from its analogues. Manufacturers' efforts are aimed at improving technical characteristics, since the principle of operation always remains the same.

There's no point in reinventing the wheel. Therefore, manufacturers are working to increase the service life of iridium spark plugs, and reviews from many drivers are proof of this. No less attention is paid to how reliably the spark works. This will allow the fuel mixture to burn completely.

In this regard, each subsequent generation of spark plugs allows you to save on fuel. Also, many manufacturers are addressing the issue of reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Basic properties

The first company to use iridium, thereby improving the quality of SZ, was the Japanese company NGK. The reason why iridium was chosen was that this metal has a very high melting point, exceeding even platinum. In addition, it has high resistance to corrosion processes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RARgCKiOSKM

The reliability of spark formation can be increased by increasing the gap between the electrodes or reducing the diameter of the central electrode due to the use of chemically resistant noble and refractory metals for its manufacture. If you increase the gap, it becomes necessary to increase the voltage for sparking. When using noble metals, the cost of protective equipment increases. Manufacturers have taken both paths.

Since the 1980s, iridium in the form of an alloy has been used to produce igniters. Due to its fragility and low electrical conductivity, iridium is not used in its pure form. Its best properties are manifested in alloys. Iridium electrodes are made by laser welding. The iridium alloy is a good conductor, so it became possible to reduce the diameter of the central electrode.

Due to the small diameter of the tip, high voltage is not required to form a spark; the charge is concentrated on a minimal area.

Therefore, high-quality ignition is guaranteed in any driving mode, and the fuel will burn completely. The engine power increases, it runs smoothly without failures, which allows you to quickly gain speed.

Iridium maintains a constant gap between the electrodes, ensuring the safety of the spark and eliminating problems with starting the power unit.

The following main properties can be distinguished:

the high melting point of iridium alloys makes it possible to use these products for high-tech engines;
iridium tips of minimal diameter have high strength, which guarantees a constant spark to ignite the fuel assembly and start the engine in any weather;
Nickel coating of devices increases anti-corrosion and anti-blocking properties;
the voltage is supplied to the thin tip, so large values are not needed for sparking;
Iridium SZ have good efficiency during fuel combustion;
Long service life due to the high melting point of iridium.

Service life of iridium spark plugs

First of all, it is worth saying that there is a service life recommended by the manufacturer. But many car enthusiasts do not listen to this advice and continue to use candles.

If you want to use them to the last, then their service life will be up to 200 thousand kilometers. It is advisable, of course, not to exceed the recommended period of use.

In addition, it is very important to install the candles correctly, tightening them to a certain point, otherwise all their advantages will be lost and they will quickly become unusable.

Factors that reduce service life : low-quality fuel - due to the formation of soot, spark efficiency decreases; pollution - dust from the street, various particles from fuel or motor oil also settle on the spark plugs; Frequent starting of the engine - it is during startup that the heaviest load is placed on the ignition system; various internal problems with the engine. Thus, if you want to spend money on good spark plugs at one time and not return to this issue, at least until your car reaches 100-160 thousand kilometers on the speedometer, then we recommend paying attention to Iridium Denso spark plugs or an improved version - Iridium Denso TT (Twin Tip), Iridium Denso SIP (super ignition), Iridium Denso Tough

NGK products have also proven themselves well - one such candle will cost you about 450-900 rubles

Positive traits

Testing shows that iridium spark plugs have many advantages over analogues. They were originally created to achieve greater productivity, fully meeting expectations. It is important to note that they show maximum returns over time.

INCREASING FUNCTION PERFORMANCE

Achieved due to the ability to produce candles with a smaller contact area. Thin alloy wire (about 0.4 mm) has a 2.5 times higher flammability limit compared to classic copper sets. Some alloy at the tip allows spark expansion, improving starting performance and reducing voltage costs.

SMOOTH IDLING

It is known that at idle the engine ignition is very weak.

Testing shows that iridium spark plugs require less voltage, which, coupled with excellent ignitability, gives the engine the ability to operate with good performance even at idle.

Conventional plugs do not allow maintaining a stable number of revolutions per minute, unlike iridium ones. The energy of the igniter also increases the speed due to excellent combustion.

INCREASED ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Unlike others, iridium ignition devices tend to increase engine efficiency by up to 8%.

LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION

Alloy tips reduce fuel requirements by 5-7%.

Negative qualities

The first thing that catches your eye is the high price of such candles. But given the long service life, high vehicle efficiency, excellent quality and temperature resistance, the price is justified, although it is higher than standard copper spark plugs.

Depending on the car model, iridium spark plugs may provide little or no performance improvement - it depends on the current state of the car. In addition, special engine efficiency is not always required and many vehicles will be limited to standard kits. Their use in conjunction with small-displacement engines is not recommended - such an expense will not be justified.

SERVICE

The operation of iridium kits has not changed over the past few years. They will still last over 100,000 miles on most cars, but manufacturers advise replacing them much more frequently, as frequent ignition, external contamination, and engine problems can reduce service life.

When choosing iridium spark plugs, the coincidence of the configuration with the old ones is not important, but the pitch, length and diameter of the thread must match, otherwise the installation will fail.

SPARK PLUG GAP – IS IT NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED?

For some drivers, the issue of setting the gap is questionable. They can be understood, because the kits are produced with the gap set at the factory, and the engines of the cars are different.

Still, there is no need to worry, because when we buy a kit for our model, we receive ready-made samples that only need to be re-adjusted when repairing the engine or cleaning the spark plugs themselves. For example, Denso products have a factory-set gap.

Before installing new ones, it is recommended to check the spark plug visually for bent electrodes.

IS IT WORTH INSTALLING IRIDIUM PLUGS ON OLD CARS?

Is it worth installing iridium samples on old cars that have driven hundreds of thousands, or is it better to get by with a more budget option? This is a difficult question that cannot be answered unequivocally. The question here is, first of all, economic feasibility.

On new injection models, expensive iridium options pay for themselves quite quickly.

This happens not only due to improved technical characteristics of the engine, but also due to reduced maintenance costs, as well as a significant reduction in fuel consumption - and such spark plugs pay for themselves quite quickly.

An old carburetor car, regardless of whether it has iridium or regular spark plugs, will not “drive better”, and there will be no significant savings on gasoline.

However, the operation of the ignition system will undoubtedly improve and become more stable, starting the engine in cold weather will be easier, and the engine will stop reacting violently to low-quality gasoline. Car maintenance is also important, especially one that runs on liquefied gas.

Thus, installing modern spark plugs can significantly increase the comfort when operating a car, but it is unlikely that you will be able to save on the rest.

How to choose candles

Denso iridium spark plugs should be selected based on the recommendations of your car manufacturer. How not to make a mistake when choosing, and most importantly, is there any point in such an expensive purchase? The main feature of spark plugs using iridium is the small thickness of the central electrode.

This helps to better clean the spark plug from soot, which is always present in a running engine. The obvious benefit of high-tech spark plugs is that they need to be changed much less often, because this procedure is often quite difficult. But there is one “but”... It all depends on the quality of Russian fuel.

It does not kill iridium spark plugs as quickly as regular spark plugs, but they often do not reach their full service life. Therefore, it only makes sense to buy iridium or platinum for owners of expensive cars whose annual mileage exceeds 5,000 km.

There is no particular need to install iridium spark plugs on a VAZ, since they are quite easy to change on our cars, and the quality of Russian gasoline is different from European. Which iridium spark plugs are better? One of the main characteristics of a spark plug, regardless of its type, is its heat rating.

The spark plug accumulates heat during engine operation. If the heat value is chosen incorrectly, then two scenarios are possible: detonation of the engine cylinders or fouling of the spark plug and its failure.

Spark plugs have become almost a mythical attribute of the car, judging by what they write on car forums. The reality is that in Russia, ngk iridium spark plugs and other expensive spark plugs cannot withstand more than 50,000 km, although they are designed for a longer service life. The application of noble metals to the electrode increases the life of the spark plug and reduces the gap between the electrode and the insulator.

Source: http://seite1.ru/zapchasti/iridievye-svechi-zazhiganiya-svojstvaopisaniecenysrok-sluzhby/.html

Spark plug life

Competitive conditions force manufacturers to use various technologies to increase the service life of spark plugs. The main direction of improvement of these products is the material from which the spark plug contacts are made. This article describes the factors affecting the service life of the SZ, as well as the design features of the products.

What does the operating period depend on?

Product with platinum contacts.

The service life of spark plugs depends on the following main factors:

The qualitative composition of the fuel poured into the car. The use of low-quality fuel (the presence of a large number of additives, lead, in fuel) disrupts the operation of the power unit, leads to increased carbon formation, and affects the life of the spark plugs.
Motor condition. If the power unit is faulty, various types of carbon deposits form on the spark plug, making it difficult for a spark to pass through and resulting in a reduction in the service life of the spark plugs and the car engine.
Driving style. Long-term driving at high speeds, prolonged use of the vehicle under excessive loads leads to overheating of the spark plug contacts, carbon formation, and a decrease in spark plug life.
Prolonged warm-up of the car engine and prolonged stay in traffic jams do not allow the temperature in the cylinders to exceed 450 0C. At this temperature, self-cleaning of the SZ occurs, therefore, without achieving it, the service life of the products is reduced.
The cooling system is working properly. Malfunctions of the cooling system result in overheating of the motor, unstable heat removal from the spark plugs and their excessive overheating, as a result of which the material of the spark plug contacts loses its properties. Thus, SZ wear out faster.
Design features of the SZ. The use of contacts made of various alloys that are resistant to high temperatures, corrosion, and so on. Increasing the number of spark plug electrodes helps to increase the service life of the spark plugs. If one contact fails and fails, a spark will occur at the second. Multi-electrode spark plugs can last up to 60 thousand km.

Manufacturers indicate the period of use of the SZ, corresponding to the use of these products on fully serviceable engines under ideal operating conditions.

According to the standards for an electronic ignition system, spark plugs must last 20 thousand km, in the case of a classic system - 30 thousand km.

The actual spark plug life is several times longer, but it is difficult to achieve due to non-ideal operating conditions.

We recommend watching a video about the need for timely replacement of protective equipment:

Modernization, its impact on service life

Three-electrode spark plug.

The main structural components of the spark plug are two electrodes and an insulator. The service life of the product is affected by the burnout rate of the contacts; the higher it is, the shorter the operational period of the SZ. In this case, the contact area should not be overestimated, otherwise the spark will be of low power.

The power of the spark affects the rate of fuel combustion; it is important that the fuel burns completely without residue, this ensures long-term and stable operation of the engine and its high efficiency. Thus, special requirements are imposed on the materials from which spark plug contacts are made.

To ensure a long service life of spark plugs, manufacturers increase the number of electrodes, but the contact area does not increase.

To improve spark plug electrodes, soldering from the following materials is used: platinum or iridium.

They provide greater spark power in harsh operating conditions, make it possible to reduce the central contact during product manufacture - this helps reduce voltage, reduces the load on the coil, and improves combustion of the combustible mixture. The service life of such products is 60 thousand km.

The company's iridium products, for example, NGK, have a high melting point and a very low probability of erosion (contact burnout). At the same time, the contact cross-section is very small, up to 0.5 mm. Plus, an additional recess between the insulator and the electrode allows for a high degree of self-cleaning of the spark plug from deposits.

Prechamber SZ have a design feature: the body of the product is a lateral contact. Such spark plugs have an improved degree of self-cleaning and an increased service life of up to 60 thousand km.

Conclusion

The life of spark plugs depends on many factors. The operating period indicated by product manufacturers is designed for ideal operating conditions, which are almost impossible to achieve in reality.

Therefore, you need to monitor the condition of the spark plugs and replace them in a timely manner.

It is considered normal if there is gray or light brown spark plug soot; in all other cases, you need to look for a malfunction in one of the car’s systems.

The use of faulty spark plugs leads to the following symptoms in the car:

poor engine starting;
instability of idle speed;
excessive engine wear;
increasing fuel consumption and so on.

Ignoring the above signs may result in a major overhaul of the engine.

Source: http://pro-zamenu.ru/svechi-zazhiganiya/srok-sluzhbyi-svechey-zazhiganiya.html

What are the pros and cons of using iridium spark plugs?

The operating principle and design of the SZ have changed little compared to those that were released 50 years ago. Previously, there was a small selection of SZ on the market. Platinum products appeared not so long ago, but their quality left much to be desired.

Manufacturers have worked to improve three main characteristics of candles:

reliability of sparking;
combustion quality of the fuel-air mixture;
increase in service life.

As a result, fuel is saved, exhaust gases become cleaner, and the period between SZ replacements increases.

Basic properties

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RARgCKiOSKM

Due to the small diameter of the tip, high voltage is not required to form a spark; the charge is concentrated on a minimal area.

Therefore, high-quality ignition is guaranteed in any driving mode, and the fuel will burn completely. The engine power increases, it runs smoothly without failures, which allows you to quickly gain speed.

Iridium maintains a constant gap between the electrodes, ensuring the safety of the spark and eliminating problems with starting the power unit.

The following main properties can be distinguished:

the high melting point of iridium alloys makes it possible to use these products for high-tech engines;
iridium tips of minimal diameter have high strength, which guarantees a constant spark to ignite the fuel assembly and start the engine in any weather;
Nickel coating of devices increases anti-corrosion and anti-blocking properties;
the voltage is supplied to the thin tip, so large values are not needed for sparking;
Iridium SZ have good efficiency during fuel combustion;
Long service life due to the high melting point of iridium.

Is it worth paying more?

If we talk about the advantages of such spark plugs, then consumer reviews speak for themselves. Stable engine operation under any load and over a wide range, fuel economy - these are the advantages that a car enthusiast receives when using them.

Those who tried to install them were satisfied, as they were convinced of their quality and durability. True, this is more felt if the products are installed on a car with low mileage, otherwise they will quickly wear out and will not have time to show their advantages.

If the car model allows the use of such devices, then they are worth installing. In addition to reducing fuel consumption, the number of service visits to replace the SZ is reduced. The high cost is justified by the long service life. This candle will not let you down even in the most severe frost. According to consumer reviews, buying iridium spark plugs is a profitable investment.

Iridium spark plugs vs platinum spark plugs: which are better?

If a consumer decides to purchase expensive candles, then the question naturally arises: which candles are better - platinum or iridium. To answer this question, you need to study in detail the properties of both SZ.

Platinum devices are durable, resistant to corrosion and temperature changes.

An electrode with a platinum tip will not burn. Naturally, such candles last longer than classic ones. They are ideal for engines with a mechanical or turbocharger. Long service life allows you to forget about repairs.

Platinum spark plugs have the following advantages:

strong spark;
service life up to 150 thousand kilometers;
performance characteristics are maintained for a long time, since the gap between the electrodes remains unchanged;
fuel consumption is reduced.

Iridium SZ are created using innovative technologies. The electrode has a minimum diameter of 3 mm and the tip has a high-tech coating. Thanks to products with iridium alloy, the car will work at full capacity. A minimum voltage is required for sparking, since the electrode has a small diameter.

The melting point of iridium is higher than that of platinum. Compared to analogues, iridium alloys have increased strength and wear-resistant characteristics. The spark plugs operate stably under any load.

Denso iridium devices have shown excellent results after repeated testing. The alloy on the electrode was analyzed.

It turned out that the technical additives included in the alloy increase the resistance of products to oxidation processes. An alloy of iridium and rhodium increases functionality.

Iridium-rhodium SZ are patented, so they are difficult to counterfeit (the author of the video is Yaroslav Nemoy).

Advantages and disadvantages of iridium products

Iridium SZ characteristics are in many ways superior to classic products.

They increase engine productivity and have a long service life, so they show their benefits over time:

High efficiency of SZ operation. Due to the small area of the contact part located by the electrode and the spark core, the ignition performance increases. Reducing the area made it possible to increase the efficiency of the fuse by 60%. Devices with iridium alloy are twice as likely to ignite. The spark has a large area to expand due to the small amount of alloy at the tip. Therefore, a spark is formed at lower voltage.
Uninterrupted engine operation at idle speed. In idle mode, problems often arise with the operation of the SZ, since in this mode less fuel enters the combustion chamber. But iridium devices cope well with their functions, thanks to their inherent characteristics: good flammability of fuel assemblies and the ability to spark at minimum voltage. Thanks to the iridium SZ, the engine runs smoother in idle mode.
The fuel burns better, which increases the productivity of the power unit. Compared to classic SZ, productivity increases by 10%.
Fuel consumption is reduced. With stable engine operation, up to 7% of fuel is saved. These figures have been established empirically.
The content of toxins in exhaust gases is reduced. This is achieved through high-quality fuel combustion.
Starting the engine is faster and easier, even in difficult operating conditions.
Due to the refractoriness of iridium, the service life of products is significantly increased.

Iridium devices also have disadvantages:

The biggest disadvantage is the high cost. These spark plugs are much more expensive than classic spark plugs, but the long service life of iridium spark plugs makes up for this drawback.
Application depends on car model.
They are not suitable for older brands. They can be installed on modern high-tech car brands. When purchasing iridium spark plugs, you need to select them based on your vehicle. When used on low-power engines, the cost of the SZ may not be recouped. You should not install iridium spark plugs on cars with high mileage, as they will wear out quickly. As a result, performance indicators deteriorate sharply. Although they wear out more slowly than classic ones.
If iridium spark plugs are cleaned, they lose their performance characteristics, although the engine will still run on them for some time.

Candles have no other disadvantages.

Price issue

Iridium SZ lose in cost. The cost of classic candles ranges from 100 to 150 rubles per piece. Iridium devices cost from 200 to 700 rubles. Thus, a set of iridium spark plugs can be purchased for about 2,000 rubles. But it should be noted that these devices will pay for themselves in 4 months by saving gasoline.

Their service life is sufficient for the entire life of the vehicle. The catalyst will last longer since the exhaust gases have low toxicity. Iridium SZ can operate stably on fuel of any quality.

1. Classic SZ NGK (price - 100 rubles per piece)2. Iridium spark plugs NGK (price - from 700 rubles per piece) Loading...

Video “Comparison of iridium and simple spark plugs”

The difference between iridium spark plugs and simple spark plugs is explained in this video (video author: Albert Auhadullin).

Source: https://avtoklema.com/svechi/iridievye-detali-zazhiganiya-3677/

Spark Plug Replacement Intervals: What You Need to Know – Denso

Posted by Gilbert Couvert, Product Manager

The replacement interval for spark plugs depends on the technology and materials used in their manufacture, and especially on the thermal and high voltage resistance of these materials.

The estimated life of standard nickel spark plugs is 30,000 - 45,000 km, platinum spark plugs - about 70,000 km, and Double Platinum spark plugs - more than 80,000 km.

The design life of iridium spark plugs, depending on the thickness of the center electrode and the design of the ground electrode, varies from 60,000 to 120,000 km, as for DENSO super spark plugs (SIP), which are designed using a protruding spike on the ground electrode, like DENSO Twin Tip (TT) spark plugs.

What you need to know about replacing spark plugs?

Design matters

The center electrode and side electrode design have a huge impact on the combustion process. The smaller the area of the central electrode, the less electrical voltage is required for ignition. In addition, the distance between the electrodes should be taken into account.

The ground electrode is important. In 1974, DENSO developed the U-groove ground electrode design, which subsequently became widely used.

This groove allows for a greater concentration of sparks in a smaller area and increases ignition efficiency.

Another way to improve ignition efficiency is to use a precious metal spike welded to the ground electrode.

Lower cost and higher efficiency?

In 2003, DENSO introduced Super Spark Plugs (SIPs) with a thin platinum spike on the ground electrode.

Based on this design, DENSO Twin Tip (TT) spark plugs were developed and introduced to the auto parts market, which quickly became very popular. DENSO TT spark plugs are manufactured without the use of precious metals, making them comparable in price to standard nickel spark plugs.

DENSO TT have a nickel center electrode and a side electrode with a thin spike with a diameter of 1.5 mm. The entire line of DENSO TT spark plugs is highly uniform and includes 15 references, which cover 87% of the best-selling cars in Europe.

When you want long-lasting spark plugs with high ignition efficiency and a lower price than premium precious metal plugs, choose DENSO TT.

Both SIP and TT spark plug series have a ground electrode that ensures optimal use of electrical energy, which significantly reduces energy losses caused by temperature drop at the ground electrode.

This solution also makes it possible to increase the density of the air-fuel mixture in the spark gap, which improves the combustion process in the combustion chamber, and also reduces fuel consumption while increasing the efficiency and smoothness of the engine.

At low temperatures, engine starting performance is significantly improved by significantly reducing response time and start-up time.

Gas engines

Gas engines have their own characteristics. The operating temperature of engines using liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas as fuel is significantly higher than the operating temperature of gasoline engines, since the combustion temperature of the gas-air mixture is higher.

Higher temperatures, combined with increased electrical erosion from alternative fuels, reduce spark plug life compared to their life in conventional gasoline engines. This difference depends on the type of vehicle and can be very significant.

Moreover, the ignition voltage required to ignite a mixture of air and LPG is significantly higher than the voltage required to ignite a mixture of air and gasoline. For the latter, an ignition voltage of 10-15 kV is usually sufficient. LPG engines require about 25-30 kV.

The increased voltage and high combustion temperatures in this type of engine shorten the life of the spark plugs.

In this regard, in gas engines, it is recommended to use iridium spark plugs with platinum side electrodes. DENSO's Iridium Tough range of spark plugs provides the best ignition performance of any spark plug on the market.

DENSO Iridium Tough spark plugs have a 0.4mm diameter iridium center electrode and last four times longer than conventional nickel plugs.

In terms of coverage, DENSO iridium spark plugs provide the largest LPG fleet coverage on the market, representing approximately 90% of popular vehicles.

Spark plugs DENSO TT

In regions where LPG is used to fuel older vehicle fleets, price is often more important to vehicle owners than the lifespan provided by iridium plugs.

In this case, DENSO offers an extremely effective alternative to Iridium Tough spark plugs: the DENSO TT spark plugs. These plugs compensate for the need for increased ignition voltage when using alternative fuels by using smaller diameter center and side electrodes.

DENSO TT spark plugs provide better ignitability than platinum spark plugs, and their hardened ground electrode is more resistant to heat and electrical erosion than standard nickel spark plugs.

This determines the high efficiency of using TT spark plugs in engines running on liquefied petroleum gas at an affordable price.

For more information, download the latest DENSO Spark Plugs and Glow Plugs catalog from www.denso-am.ru or contact your DENSO representative for a printed version.

Source: http://www.denso-am.ru/novosti/novosti-po-produktam/2014/intervaly-zameny-svechei-zazhiganiia-chto-nuzhno-znat-/