tommudd,
I appreciate some of your comments.
Maybe you should do more of a search for information than just Carsdirect.com,
Your comments are a direct quote from them.
"Advance Essentials: Spark Plugs Basics
Spark plugs Spark plugs
It’s time to tune up your car, so you head to the Advance Auto Parts website. Once there, you enter the year, make, model and engine size of your vehicle. You want to buy the best spark plugs so you click on “spark plugs” and up come more choices than you expected. In most cases, you’ll see at least four different types of spark plugs, from at least three different manufacturers. Will it be platinum spark plugs? Copper spark plugs? Iridium spark plugs? How do you know which are the best spark plugs to buy? Simple. Just pick the spark plug based on the type of ignition system in your vehicle. Here, we’ll further explain the differences between platinum spark plugs, copper spark plugs, iridium spark plugs and other spark plug types. Plus we’ll give you some solid advice on which are the best spark plugs for your vehicle.
Let’s start with the two most important spark plug facts. First, sparks like to jump from the sharpest point on the center electrode to the sharpest point on the side electrode. So you want a plug that retains its sharp edge for the most miles. Precious metals like platinum and iridium are harder and have lower melting temperatures than the nickel alloy electrodes found in traditional copper spark plugs. Second, the smaller the diameter of the center electrode, the lower the voltage needed to start the spark. Keep those shopping tips in mind as you review the best spark plugs for your vehicle.
Copper spark plugs—where to use them
Copper Spark plugs Copper Spark plugs
Copper spark plugs have a solid copper core, but the business end of the center electrode is actually a 2.5mm-diameter nickel alloy. That’s the largest diameter electrode of all the spark plug types. Remember, the smaller the diameter, the less voltage required to initiate the spark. Nickel alloy is also softer than either platinum or iridium, so the sharp firing edge you get right out of the box tends to wear out quickly. Despite those shortcomings, copper spark plugs are still a good choice for certain applications. Copper spark plugs are best for older (pre-‘80s) vehicles with low voltage distributor-based ignition systems. But don’t use copper spark plugs in high-energy distributor-less ignition systems (DIS) or coil-on-plug (COP) ignition systems. They’ll wear out too quickly.
There’s one exception to that advice. Some late-model high-performance engines were designed specifically for copper spark plugs. In those cases, copper spark plugs are considered to be high performance spark plugs.
If your owner’s manual calls for copper spark plugs, don’t upgrade to platinum spark plugs or iridium spark plugs. Single platinum spark plugs—a step up from copper spark plugs
Single platinum spark plug Single platinum spark plug
A single platinum spark plug is basically styled after a copper spark plug with a platinum disc welded to the tip of the center electrode (see photo). Since platinum is harder than nickel alloy, it holds its sharp edge for as long as 100,000 miles. Platinum spark plugs also run a bit hotter, preventing spark plug deposit build-up and fouling.
Platinum spark plugs are usually the best spark plugs for newer vehicles with electronic distributor-based ignition systems and some (DIS) systems. If your owner’s manual recommends platinum spark plugs, don’t downgrade to copper spark plugs to save money. However, you can upgrade to either double platinum spark plugs or iridium spark plugs.Double platinum spark plugs—twice as good?
Double platinum spark plugs Double platinum spark plugs
Double platinum spark plugs were designed for “waste spark” DIS ignition systems. In a waste spark system, the spark jumps from the center electrode to the side electrode for the cylinder that’s on the compression stroke. To return the electrical pulse back to the ignition coil pack, the spark jumps backwards (side-to-center) on the partner cylinder. Since the partner cylinder is on its exhaust stroke, nothing ignites and the spark is “wasted.” You can’t use single platinum spark plugs or traditional copper spark plugs in these systems because the side electrodes aren’t designed to handle the reverse spark. But double platinum spark plugs, with a platinum disc welded to their side electrode, work exceptionally well. Both the center and side platinum discs remain sharp, allowing sparks to fly easily in both directions without causing rapid electrode wear.
If your owner’s manual recommends double platinum spark plugs, then those are the best spark plugs to use. Never downgrade to single platinum spark plugs or copper spark plugs. However, you can upgrade to an iridium/platinum combination plug (an iridium center electrode with a platinum-tipped side electrode).
Double platinum spark plugs
On the compression stroke
The spark shoots from the center electrode to the side electrode
Double platinum spark plugs
On the partner cylinder exhaust stroke
The spark shoots from the side electrode to the center electrode — why double platinum spark plugs are needed in a waste spark DIS system
Iridium spark plugs—the best kind around
Iridium spark plugs Iridium Spark plugs
You guessed it: iridium is harder than platinum. In most cases, iridium spark plugs last about 25 percent longer than comparable platinum spark plugs. Because iridium is costly, iridium spark plug manufacturers reduce the diameter of the center electrode to as little as .4mm. In addition to saving money, the “fine wire” center electrode of iridium spark plugs increases firing efficiency.
Many carmakers require iridium spark plugs or iridium/platinum combination spark plugs for (COP) ignition systems. If your owner’s manual specifies iridium spark plugs, don’t downgrade to platinum spark plugs, or double platinum spark plugs, or even copper spark plugs. They won’t perform as well as the iridium spark plugs in this case."
I quoted that from Advanceautoparts.com
It is quite educational.
As a moderator you should not put down certain populations just because of the car they may own, that is a very backward thing to do.
Thanks,
John in Joplin kb0ou
