Platinum Spark Plugs

!#8# Platinum Spark Plugs

A platinum spark plug requires less maintenance compared to other types of sparkplugs. Some platinum plugs can last almost a hundred thousand miles because of this metal's unique properties. A platinum spark plug needs to be gapped to the car manufacturer's specifications. However, use of sand paper should be avoided on a platinum spark plug, and if the plug becomes soiled, it will simply need to be replaced. This means that inspection of the spark plug at regular intervals is important.

Platinum is used for making spark plugs because of its long life and superior performance. This is because platinum has a high melting point, and this characteristic makes it useful in two ways. First, the wear and tear or fatigue failure in these sparkplugs can be avoided because of the wafer thin layer that forms on the firing point of the plug. In a fine wire performance plug, the tip of the center electrode is made using platinum so that the fine wire tip lasts longer as compared to other plugs.

However, all platinum plugs do not give equal performance since platinum is a very expensive and precious metal; therefore, a platinum spark plug will not have enough platinum in it to make a substantial difference and therefore will not last as long compared to a plug. Some platinum plugs have only the middle electrode tipped with platinum, while others have both the middle and ground electrodes tipped with platinum.

According to some experts, the requirement for platinum spark plugs in the North American market is increasing, as these sparkplugs offer longer tune-up cycles and greater strength compared to traditional copper plugs. There are double platinum sparkplugs that offer greater durability but are costlier compared to copper sparkplugs.

The demand for platinum spark plugs will definitely increase in the future because of the escalating production of vehicles and the need to run the vehicles for long distances.