7 Best Spark Plugs That Are Worth Paying For!

Spark plugs play a critical role in starting and keeping your vehicle’s engine running. Choosing a low-quality spark plug not only means that you’ll need to change them frequently, but they’ll also degrade the overall performance of your vehicle as well.

 

That’s why we have come up with this detailed guide that contains 7 of the best spark plugs available in the market. In addition, this guide will also teach you the most effective way to choose the right spark plugs for your vehicle. So, let’s get started.

 

Best Spark Plugs: Buying Guide

There are a number of factors that you should consider before buying spark plugs for your vehicle. The following factors will allow you to choose the best spark plugs to keep your vehicle running as smoothly as possible.

 

Price

 

Price is one of those factors that you must consider while purchasing any type of product. However, choosing the cheapest product isn’t recommended. You need to find a perfect balance between efficiency and price.

 

The price of spark plugs mainly varies because of their quality. For example, you’ll need to pay more money if you need to buy iridium spark plugs. On the other hand, the copper spark plugs will cost you less.

 

Ease of Use

 

If you’re not a mechanically sound person, you should buy pre-gapped spark plugs for your vehicle. It’ll allow you to avoid the fuss of buying and using gapping tools.

 

The spark plugs which aren’t pre-gapped can be used with multiple engines, so you would want to buy pre-gapped ones. If you need to buy spark plugs for your car, you should be looking for products with 0.6 to 1.8 millimeters of the gap.

 

Heat Range

 

Spark plugs can be cold or hot. The hot spark plugs come with an excellent heat insulator. Whereas a spark plug that can lower its tip temperature and conduct heat is known as a cold plug. Therefore, it’s important to find out what your vehicle requires before making your purchase.

 

Material

 

The material is one of the most important parts of spark plugs. You’ll need to buy a copper spark plug if you’re using an older vehicle. On the other hand, modern and high-performance vehicles use iridium or platinum spark plugs.

 

The best way to find out the requirements of your vehicle is to open the manufacturer manual or go to a professional mechanic.

 

7 Best Spark Plugs: Our Picks

 

1. ACDelco GM Original Iridium Spark Plug: Best Overall – Check Price

2. Denso 4504-PK20TT Platinum Spark Plug: Runner Up – Check Price

3. ACDelco PLATINUM RAPIDFIRE Spark Plug: Best Value for Money – Check Price

4. NGK 4291 V-Power Spark Plug: Best for DIYers – Check Price

5. Motorcraft Spark Plug: Best Pack – Check Price

6. Champion Copper Spark Plug: Best Copper – Check Price

7. NGK Laser Platinum Spark Plugs: Best Longevity – Check Price

 

7 Best Spark Plugs: Details

 

ACDelco GM Original Iridium Spark Plug: Best Overall

ACDelco is one of the most popular brands in the auto parts world and the ACDelco GM Original Iridium spark plug has topped our list for several reasons. It’s equipped with the latest technology and offers maximum efficiency, smooth performance, stable idle, and long life. It meets all the industry specifications for durability and quality.

 

This spark plug is based on iridium that ensures a more efficient and smaller electrode. Not only does it help you with cold engine start-up, but it also draws reduced voltage for igniting the air and fuel mixture.

 

The ACDelco GM Original Iridium can block radio frequency interference with the help of its built-in suppressor to keep your vehicle’s electronics safe. These plugs are also pre-gapped and you don’t need to perform the extra step of using a gap tool.

 

Pros

• Equipped with the latest technology and offers efficient and smooth performance
• Runs efficiently for a longer period of time
• Ideal for cold starts
• Reduces strain on other components

Cons

• A little expensive

 

Denso 4504-PK20TT Platinum Spark Plug: Runner Up

Denso is one of the biggest names in the spark plug industry and the Denso 4504-PK20TT Platinum spark plug combines performance, improved efficiency, and advanced technology together. It comes with a platinum construction and alumina powder insulator to offer consistent performance.

 

The titanium-enhanced ground electrode of this spark plug ensures a long lifespan. It’s one of the best choices for high-performance and modern vehicles as it offers smoother idle, enhanced performance, and improved mileage.

 

Pros

• Durable construction for a long lifespan
• Offers consistent performance
• A vast array of fitment options
• Features self-cleaning effect

Cons

• Available for limited applications
• Platinum construction that can’t be used for all types of vehicles

 

ACDelco PLATINUM RAPIDFIRE Spark Plug: Best Value for Money

It’s yet another product by ACDelco that comes at an extremely affordable price. This spark plug has a vast array of applications and it also flaunts some unique features for enhanced durability and performance.

 

It comes with a rib-less insulator to fit into the socket more securely and its copper core ensures higher heat transfer rates that allow your vehicle’s engine to cool. The platinum center electrode of the ACDelco PLATINUM RAPIDFIRE spark plug produces a superior spark and also provides long life.

 

In order to reduce the radio frequency interference, this spark plug also features a solid-state suppressor. It restores your vehicle’s improved fuel productivity and smooth performance.

 

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• Superior spark
• Secure fit
• Long life
• Improved performance

Cons

• Not available for all types of vehicles

 

NGK 4291 V-Power Spark Plug: Best for DIYers

If you’re a DIY enthusiast and looking for a great-quality spark plug, NGK 4291 V-Power can be your best option. It comes with a unique electrode design that features an inbuilt notch. It generates a unique spark shape that not only offers smooth performance and improved mileage, but also contributes to long-lasting and clean electrode surfaces.

 

The NGK 4291 V-Power spark plug also comes with the company’s Trivalent Metal Plating technology that provides you with enhanced anti-seizing characteristics. The metal plating also keeps the spark plugs from rusting and corroding.

 

You can buy this spark plug at a very affordable price and it comes in different fitments for multiple vehicles such as family cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other power equipment applications.

 

It offers excellent ignitability by consuming less voltage, which translates to more efficiency and power. At the same time, it also reduces strain on your engine’s ignition components.

 

Pros

• Improved performance and efficiency
• Reduced strain on engine’s ignition components
• Ideal product for DIY enthusiasts
• Offers long life

Cons

• Can’t be used for all types of vehicles

 

Motorcraft Spark Plug: Best Pack

If you want to buy multiple sparks plugs for your vehicle, you can go with the Motorcraft Spark Plug pack of 8 pieces. It’s designed for high-performance vehicles such as Ford trucks and cars.

 

These spark plugs meet the factory requirements and specifications of high-performance vehicles, especially Ford, and offer a hassle-free and worry-free installation experience. The Motorcraft spark plugs are known for their world-class quality and durability and they’re available in application-specific kits.

 

If all the other components of your engine are working seamlessly, using these spark plugs will allow you to get rid of poor fuel mileage and poor performance.

 

Pros

• Long service life
• High-quality materials
• Worry-free installation
• Guaranteed to fit
• Comes with a 1-year replacement warranty

Cons

• You need to verify your model, year, or make before buying these spark plugs
• Relatively expensive

 

Champion Copper Spark Plug: Best Copper

Champion is one of the oldest names in the landscape of spark plugs. The products, especially spark plugs, of this company are popular all around the world and they reflect years of expertise and experience.

 

Some of the best features of these spark plugs are highly-durable copper core center electrodes, long life, built-in corrosion resistance, and affordable price. The center electrode of the spark plug offers a more consistent performance by enabling higher control.

 

Each item is manufactured on OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards for the most efficient and effective performance. Under all engine operating conditions, these spark plugs can maintain a stable temperature. So regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, you can rely on the Champion Copper spark plugs.

 

These spark plugs also flaunt the company’s patented SAC-9 semiconductor resistor that suppresses all types of radio frequency interference to keep your electronics such as stereo audio playback safe.

 

Pros

• Highly durable
• Inexpensive
• Suppress radio frequency interference
• Offer improved mileage and power

Cons

• Can’t offer the same lifespan as iridium and platinum spark plugs do
• Not suitable for all types of applications.

 

NGK Laser Platinum Spark Plugs: Best Longevity

If you’re looking for a spark plug that offers very long life and can be used with high-performance and high-efficiency engines, NGK Laser Platinum Spark Plugs will serve you well. These spark plugs come with an OEM-approved design and offer superior performance.

 

Probably the best thing about these spark plugs is that they can be used for more than 100,000 miles if your vehicle doesn’t have any other issues. The durable and high-quality build also ensures enhanced performance, improved mileage, smooth idle, and a worry-free driving experience.

 

Pros

• Offer a very long life
• Provide improved performance
• Come with a precise and high-quality build

Cons

• Pricier than many products

 

FAQs

 

How Do You Know If Spark Plugs Are Working at the Right Temperature?

 

Inspecting the color of your spark plugs is the best way to find out whether they’re working at an optimal temperature or not. If you find that the color is gray or tan, they’re working at the right temperature. On the other hand, if you find black and dry soot, you need to get your spark plug checked as soon as possible as it might be overheating.

 

How Often Do You Need to Change Spark Plugs?

 

The lifespan of spark plugs depends upon several factors such as your driving habits, engine condition, and the type of spark plug. If your engine is in a good condition and you usually drive your car at an average speed, you’ll need to change a conventional spark plug (copper) after every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

 

On the other hand, iridium and platinum spark plugs offer longer life and you need to change them after every 60,000 to 150,000 miles.

 

What are the Common Symptoms of a Faulty Spark Plug?

 

Several signs indicate that you have a faulty spark plug including difficulty in starting the engine, a significant drop in mileage, charred spark plug wires, rough idle with knocking or rattling sounds, decreased acceleration, and backfiring or hesitation while accelerating your vehicle.

 

If you notice any of these symptoms while driving your vehicle, you’ll need to take it to the mechanic to get your spark plugs checked to fix the issues.

 

Will Your Check Engine Light Turn on Due to a Faulty Spark Plug?

 

Yes, your check engine light can turn on if you have one or more faulty spark plugs. You might also find that your check engine light is flashing instead of permanently on with a solid light. In both situations, you need to take your vehicle to the mechanic to get it checked in order to find the root cause of the problem.

 

What Happens If You Fail to Change Spark Plugs on Time?

 

You must replace your spark plugs on time if you want to avoid experiencing driving issues and damaging your vehicle’s engine. Constantly using your vehicle deteriorates the spark plugs and they’ll stop operating optimally. Your vehicle will start consuming more fuel and you’ll also experience a significant loss of engine power.

 

Bear in mind that in the worst cases, your vehicle’s engine can stop working altogether as well. That’s why it’s critical to change the spark plugs of your engine according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

Final Thoughts

 

If you want to enjoy the best experience, consider buying a spark plug that features excellent reliability, efficiency, power, and performance. You might need to spend a little more amount of money but it’ll be worthwhile in the long run.

 

We hope this guide will help you choose the best spark plugs depending upon your vehicle’s unique needs.