by Liam O'Brien
A spark plug is crucial for the internal combustion engine to operate as it is what provides the spark that ignites the fuel to start combustion. This means that if there is a faulty spark plug then the car will never start.
And while many vehicle owners will always look for the exact spark plug that came with your vehicle, there is more to finding the best spark plugs than just shopping for the exact one you have.
The life of a spark plug mainly depends on its material. Most of these products last for over 7000 miles or more. And when it comes time to change it, you can trust this piece to have the information you need to choose a good spark plug.
Here we provide some top-notch recommendations with our review of top 7 spark plugs and highlight what to look for when shopping for one.
Contents
Because a spark plug is not something you purchase every now and then, you need to make your purchases worth each penny spent. Plus, it will be safer for your car if you buy the right product. But, choosing a good spark plug only requires you to look out for the following things.
You will want to buy a product that is not compatible with your car engine as it will be of no use to you.
As far as the compatibility is concerned most of the best spark plug brands will clearly indicate the car models with which their product will be compatible.
Hence, in most instances, choosing a compatible spark plug will only require you to read the manufacturer's description.
Besides compatibility, you will also need to choose the spark plug type to use on your vehicle as there are different options available. Here are the most common ones.
Copper/Nickel Spark Plugs : While the name might confuse you because mostly these plugs are referred as copper plugs, only the inner core is made of copper.
Other than that, the whole thing is mostly nickel constructed. Copper has good tendency to conduct electricity. That is why, most of the cores are made with this material.
These are less expensive but the drawback is that they have a smaller lifespan. The durability becomes even challenging when they are used in high-energy distributor-less ignition system.
But, for many engines, these are quite efficient. They also run good on the natural gas engines.
Single Platinum Spark Plugs : So, the next type has a platinum center electrode. It is relatively expensive for the obvious reason that platinum is a rare element and it is quite pricey.
This material is harder than nickel, and so you can rest assured that it will not corrode. This will not allow the gat at the tip to widen as the metal starts to wear which directly affects the efficiency of the plug.
There are some models with one or more fine wires inside the platinum disc. This helps in conducting electricity in a superior fashion. But it definitely affects the cost.
As far as lifespan is concerned, it is double the span of a standard spark plug made of nickel/copper.
Iridium Spark Plugs : Well, if you desire seamless and smooth engine performance, nothing is better than Iridium products.
These have longer lifespans than the traditional plugs. The fine wire centers are designed in perfect way to conduct electrical energy in the best way possible.
These are costlier spark plugs but they make up for this with the incredible performance.
Silver Spark Plugs : As we go further, we take you to the option that has best thermal conductivity which is the silver spark plug. However, the durability remains a concern because these cannot live up to the level of platinum or Iridium plugs.
Buying Advice: Well, our final word on this topic will be that while all the options are suitable one way or the other, the platinum based ones seem, to tick all the boxes.
These are relatively affordable than Iridium and much better in performance and durability than the copper/nickel ones.
So, the Platinum spark plugs are the ones that we recommend. However, if you can spend a little extra then you should consider Iridium spark plugs as well.
If you want a precise and less-tricky definition, let me tell you that the plugs that become very hot are the hot plugs. And the ones that don't reach the high temperatures are the cold plugs.
Interestingly, the metal shell of the plug functions at a similar temperature as the head. The plugs are screwed together which makes a chamber for the heat to flow to all the parts.
The hot plugs have longer insulator tip with large surface area which is usually exposed to the heat, making the entire thing hot. At the same time, the cold spark plugs have short insulator tip which helps in removal of heat from combustion area faster.
The spark plug makers usually assign numeric heat rating. They cannot give uniform rating because some of the makers give higher numbers for hot while others do the same thing for cold plugs.
It becomes extremely difficult for the buyers to pick the right plug with such wide variability. The best idea is to specify the car engine model and year to find the right product.
If you want to try your hand in replacing the spark plug then you better pick an item that is easy to install. This is a crucial concern for many vehicle owners with that like DIYing things.
Well, the first obvious reason is the aging of the component that requires changing. While these product lasts for a decent amount of time, at some point you will have to change the component.
If you take a word from the technicians then they will recommend the change after every 30000 miles for copper/nickel plugs and 50000 miles for iridium plugs.
This is not a stringent figure. If you feel that your car is causing trouble then you can get it changed sooner as well. Other reasons may include:
First of all, changing spark plug is not as simple as it seems. If you are unsure about doing it yourself, it is recommended to seek professional help.
The removal of spark plug is pretty straightforward. But same is not the case with the installation. But, it is also not rockets science as you only need to follow the steps below.
You should start with the removal of vanity cover plus the air cleaner assembly from the engine. Make sure to label all the hoses that you disassemble so that it won't cause any trouble later. Now, simply clean all these parts.
Next, you should disconnect the ignition coil electrical connector and rock it off the coil. Then simply remove the coil while holding down the bolt and pulling it out.
Then you must remove the COP systems. This can be done with the needle-nose pliers. At last take off the spark plug.
Now, simply clean the whole area and slide exact size spark plug socket over the plug. We recommend swivel-head socket because it makes the job pretty easy. Use some extension to reach the plug, rotate it counter clockwise and loosen it.
Make sure to check the spark plug gap. Also, buy a wire-style gap gauge instead of purchasing disc-style gauge. Such can bend the electrode or even break it.
Now, push the wire gauge within the electrodes. Make sure that the wire is dragged slightly between them. Make sure that the gap is filled appropriately.
Be sure that the new plugs have anti-corrosive coating. So, use a torque wrench to tighten them firmly. Now, apply a thin coat of grease inside the plug boot before you reinstall the coil.
NGK SILZKGR8B8S Laser Iridium Spark Plug (94201 Laser Iridium), 4 Pack - Walmart Link
ACDelco 41-962 Professional Platinum Spark Plug, (8) - Walmart Link
NGK # 1465 Laser Iridium Spark Plug IZTR5B11 --- 8 PCSNEW - Walmart Link
(6-Pack) NGK Spark Plugs TR55 (Stock # 3951) - Walmart Link
NGK 95897 MR7F Standard Spark Plug, black, One Size - Walmart Link
NGK 5666 Standard Spark Plug - CR8EH-9, 1 Pack - Walmart Link
NGK (7100) ZFR6FGP Spark Plug - Pack of 4 - Walmart Link
NGK SILZKGR8B8S Laser Iridium Spark Plug (94201 Laser Iridium), 4 Pack - eBay Link
ACDelco 41-962 Professional Platinum Spark Plug, (8) - eBay Link
NGK # 1465 Laser Iridium Spark Plug IZTR5B11 --- 8 PCSNEW - eBay Link
(6-Pack) NGK Spark Plugs TR55 (Stock # 3951) - eBay Link
NGK 95897 MR7F Standard Spark Plug, black, One Size - eBay Link
NGK 5666 Standard Spark Plug - CR8EH-9, 1 Pack - eBay Link
NGK (7100) ZFR6FGP Spark Plug - Pack of 4 - eBay Link
A spark plug is a crucial component on an engine and at some point you will need to buy one. And when you need to make the purchase it is vital to make sure that you make a more informed decision.
But, choosing the best spark plug for your vehicle should now be super easy as you will only need to watch out for the factors highlighted on our buying guide above.
Also, you will not need to do a lot of shopping around as our review have already narrowed down the options for you.
Sources
When shopping for spark plugs, focus on build quality, compatibility with your vehicle or application, user reviews, and warranty coverage. Price should be weighed against durability and long-term value rather than upfront cost alone.
Replacement intervals for spark plugs vary by manufacturer, driving conditions, and mileage. Check your vehicle owner's manual for specific recommendations. As a general rule, inspect them at every oil change and replace when you notice visible wear or reduced performance.
Brand reputation can be a useful indicator of quality and customer support, but it is not the only factor. Some lesser-known brands offer excellent spark plugs at lower prices. Focus on verified user reviews, warranty terms, and specific product features rather than brand name alone.
Many spark plugs can be installed at home with basic tools and some mechanical knowledge. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, having a professional handle the installation ensures it is done correctly and safely. Always consult your vehicle's service manual first.
Online retailers like Amazon often offer the widest selection and competitive pricing for spark plugs. You can also compare reviews easily. Auto parts stores are a good option if you need the product immediately or want in-person advice. Always check for warranty coverage regardless of where you buy.
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About Liam O'Brien
Liam O'Brien is a tools and equipment specialist who has been buying, breaking, and reviewing automotive tools for over a decade. He focuses on what actually holds up in real-world DIY garage use, not just what looks good on a workbench.
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