Iridium spark plugs: reviews. Iridium candles NGK: reviews

Everyone who has his own transportmeans, wants only one thing - that it is as long as possible in a workable state. And for this it is necessary to timely pass the planned maintenance and troubleshoot, without postponing their decisions in the long box. And the source of ignition is an important element of any power unit, since in many respects the efficiency of the engine depends on it. Recently, many owners of movable property have become interested in iridium spark plugs, reviews about which are very different.

Meanwhile, they have their own strengths and weaknesses. However, this fact does not make candles less popular, they almost always find their buyer. It is worth to consider this novelty from all sides and find out how good they are.

New in the automotive spare parts market

Iridium candles are a relatively new product,which, despite the fact that it is on the market recently, has already managed to gain popularity among many motorists. The design of the candles has already been installed by the very first samples, and therefore the novelty practically does not differ from its analogues. The efforts of manufacturers are directed towards improving the technical characteristics, since the principle of operation always remains unchanged.

There is no point reinventing the bicycle. Therefore, the manufacturers are working to increase the life of iridium spark plugs and the feedback of many drivers is proof of this. No less attention is paid to how reliable the spark works. This will allow the fuel mixture to completely burn. In this regard, each subsequent generation of candles allows you to save on fuel. Also, many manufacturers are addressing the issue of reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

A small historical reference

The first appearance of candles from iridium is requiredthe Japanese company NGK, which produced the first products in 1994. In those years, her product was just beginning to be tested, and therefore few people knew about the merits.

Novelty served as an alternative optionplatinum products. If we compare iridium with platinum alloys, then it has a significantly higher melting point. In addition, the material is more resistant to the impact of an aggressive environment. This circumstance allowed NGK to produce a worthy and competitive product with iridium tips. And as many reviews note, NGK in the rating of spark plugs is an advanced manufacturer, the company's sales volumes are increasing year by year.

Rarity in nature

Iridium is a chemical element thatis located at number 77 in the entire known periodic table created by the chemist DI Mendeleev. Being a representative of the platinum group, the metal has a silvery white hue, refractory and very hard. It is such a rare element that in nature, gold is more often found. And it is easier to find it in some meteorite than in the earth's crust.

Its melting point is approximately2450 degrees, and therefore ideal for the production of spark plugs. Only it is worth noting that by its nature iridium in its pure form is a fragile material. In connection with this, only its alloys with other metals are used for production.

Advantages of new candles

First, let's look at the advantages of iridiumspark plugs, reviews of which allow you to judge the quality of products, and then we will touch upon the shortcomings. As testing shows, the novelty has a number of advantages.

The key distinguishing feature of iridiumcandles, in which and their main advantage, is the thickness of the electrode. For standard candles, the diameter of the copper tip is 0.8 mm, while for the iridium electrode it is 0.4 mm. What does it give? First of all, due to this, you can get a more powerful and qualitative spark. Due to the thin electrode, the discharge concentrates on a small area and can occur even with a small voltage value.

Another important parameter, confirmed by manytests and reviews, this is fuel economy. In some cases, it reaches 7%! And due to complete, therefore, qualitative combustion of the fuel mixture, the hydrocarbon content in the exhaust system is minimized. And as many reviews show, iridium spark plugs really allow to reduce the toxicity of the exhaust.

Among other not less important pluses it is possible to note:

• Long service life. According to the manufacturer, iridium candles will work up to 150 thousand km. This figure is slightly overestimated, since the tests do confirm a long service life, only their resource - 110,000-12,000 km.
• The engine can be started under any conditions, even at low temperatures.
• When using these candles, engine powerincreases by at least 6-8%. And numerous reviews of drivers confirm the positive trends in the performance of their cars after the installation of such candles.
• Improved idling performance. Effective ignition and combustion of fuel leads to an increase in the number of revolutions.

Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to invent a perpetual motion machine, a car that never broke down, or even perfectly perfect spark plugs, completely devoid of flaws.

And no matter how positive the feedback, iridium spark plugs NGK or Denso have their drawbacks.

The Weak Side of Iridium Candles

A significant disadvantage is the price. The cost of some products can be 500 rubles and higher per unit! The same copper, platinum or chromium-nickel candles are much cheaper. Only for a number of buyers this is a moot point, since high cost is compensated by a long resource of iridium candles.

The second disadvantage is the fact thatthe installation of modern candles on old carburetor engines will not provide the car with all the benefits. A long period of operation is all that you can count on in this case.

Clearance adjustment

Some manufacturers recommend installingclearance on the candles according to the recommendations of the engine manufacturers. This is informed on the packaging. The large distance between the contacts allows better ignition of the fuel-air mixture. All thanks to the increased clearance, where more fuel penetrates. In some cases, it even explodes, as evidenced by the claps. Around this issue, a lot of controversy arises that reflect the feedback on iridium candles NGK or another brand.

Because of the small gap, the length of the spark tooIt decreases, but at the same time its power increases. At the same time, there is a possibility that the candles will flood, and the motor will start to touch. As a result, the engine is unstable and often stalls.

We omit all the individual characteristics of the manufacturers of power automobile units and candles, we will only designate the gap:

• classic carburetor engines with a tramper - 0,5-0,6 mm;
• Classical carburetor engines with electronic ignition - 0,7-0,8 mm;
• Injection motors - approximately 1.2 mm.

Do not neglect such a parameter as the gap on candles. Because this is an important parameter that affects the efficiency of ignition and engine operation.

Cost

The price issue for many car enthusiasts ismost important, everyone wants to save as much as possible. But it is better not to buy cheap parts into the car, as this affects its efficiency and safety. And the cost of these or other parts depends on the demand and availability of the material of manufacture. Therefore, the question arises whether it is worth overpaying, buying iridium candles.

Iridium - metal is very rare, its priceis formed depending on the demand in the market. In this regard, he significantly loses to his opponent - platinum. Approximately 50% of its output is spent on the creation of fine jewelry. While only 20% of iridium is spent on the manufacture of spark plugs. It is used only for the production of electrode tips. But for the large-scale needs of manufacturers and car owners, the output must amount to millions of units.

The formation of the final cost affects a number of factors:

• manufacturer;
• product characteristics;
• supplier of products and others.

But as mentioned above, the price starts with a mark of 500 rubles.

Competition, which is not

Producers of spark plugs are now a considerable number. Among them, you can find two companies that produce decent products. This is Denso and NGK.

As noted by numerous reviews, iridiumDenso spark plugs can be guaranteed to last up to 7 years. Manufacturers managed to reduce the electrode diameter to 0.4 mm. And this is a soft start of the engine in any weather, less time to accelerate the car, less noise at idle and significant fuel economy.

The NGK candles are in no way inferior to opponents in their characteristics. Many leading manufacturers equip the manufactured cars with iridium products as standard.

The choice of a finished product is a matter of taste andpreferences of each of us. But what about these two companies, you can definitely say the following - both competitors produce high quality candles, and their products are identical in terms of characteristics.

A little Shakespeare

To be or not to be - put iridium candles orthere are no old cars that have passed more than one hundred thousand kilometers of mileage ?! And if they have so many advantages, then why not? No one will give an unambiguous answer to such a Shakespearean question, since it is important to take into account the economic component.

Essential savings can be felt oncars with modern engines. The technical characteristics of the engine are noticeably improved, one can observe a reduced fuel consumption. In addition, maintenance costs are reduced. As a result, the use of iridium spark plugs pays off very quickly.

It is quite another thing with the old transport- it is better to ride it is unlikely to become. On gasoline, too, will not work. But the efficiency of the ignition system will improve - it will work more stably. The car is now easy to start if the frost is on the street. In other words, comfortable operation is guaranteed, but there can be no question of saving.

Service

From the date of production of iridium candles their termservice has not changed and is also 150-160 thousand km. However, manufacturers themselves recommend changing candles as often as possible. The efficiency of the ignition system is affected by a number of factors, among which the quality of the fuel used is not last.

Also, the serviceability of the engine itself matters. Replaceable candles can be used with different electrode configurations. But the thread diameter, its pitch and length should always be unchanged.

Iridium candles are the best innovativeachievement of world producers from all available before. Before buying it is better to study once again reviews and comparisons of spark plugs. The choice in this case will be most optimal.