Spark plugs are essential for the efficient operation of your vehicle’s ignition system. They ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the engine’s cylinders, enabling combustion and powering the vehicle.
Choosing the right spark plug for your car is crucial, and there are various types available, each designed for specific applications and engine requirements. Below, we’ll explore nine different spark plugs, each offering unique benefits to suit different driving needs and budgets.
Best Copper-Core Spark Plug: Champion Copper Plus
For low-performance vehicles or small engines, Champion Copper Plus spark plugs offer a cost-effective solution. These plugs use a copper core that ensures reliable performance, particularly in older or classic vehicles, as well as tools like lawnmowers and chainsaws.
While they don’t offer the longevity of modern spark plugs, they are still highly rated for their durability, with customers praising their reliable service. Champion Copper Plus spark plugs are perfect for those who need a basic but effective spark plug without breaking the bank.
Where to get it: Champion
Best Super-Affordable Spark Plug: Autolite Copper Core
If you’re on a tight budget but still need a reliable spark plug, Autolite Copper Core plugs provide an excellent solution. These super-affordable plugs are sold in four-packs for about $10, making them a bargain.
Despite their low price, Autolite copper core plugs maintain strong performance and are a solid choice for vehicles that don’t require high-end specifications.
They’ve earned praise for being dependable and effective, boasting a 4.7-star rating from customers, which makes them a great choice for those seeking value without sacrificing quality.
Where to get it: Autolite
Best Platinum Spark Plug: Denso Platinum TT
For drivers who want better performance and durability than copper-core plugs, the Denso Platinum TT spark plug is a fantastic choice. These plugs feature a platinum-tipped center electrode that improves ignition efficiency and longevity, making them ideal for daily drivers.
They enhance fuel economy, acceleration, and provide quicker starts in cold weather. With a reputation for reliability and a 4.6-star customer rating, these platinum plugs strike a balance between price and performance, offering solid value for those looking to upgrade from copper plugs without going for a high-end option.
Where to get it: Denso
Best Value-Priced Spark Plug: Champion Double Platinum
If you want a significant step up from standard platinum plugs, Champion Double Platinum spark plugs offer great value. Featuring platinum on both the center and ground electrodes, these plugs provide enhanced performance, better engine smoothness, and longer life.
They’re designed to maintain stable operating temperatures, ensuring optimal function even under demanding conditions. With a 4.5-star rating and a price that’s affordable for most car owners, these double platinum plugs are an excellent option for those seeking durability and improved efficiency at a reasonable price.
Where to get it: Champion
Best Iridium-Tipped Spark Plug: NGK Iridium IX
NGK Iridium IX spark plugs are engineered for performance enthusiasts, offering superior longevity and efficiency compared to platinum models. Iridium is known for its high melting point, which allows these plugs to withstand higher temperatures and pressure.
The NGK Iridium IX plugs deliver improved throttle response and better fuel efficiency, making them perfect for high-performance or daily-use vehicles. With a 4.7-star customer rating, they’re highly regarded for their resistance to fouling and durability, making them a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle’s performance.
Where to get it: NGK
Best High-End Spark Plug: NGK Ruthenium HX
For those with high-performance or turbocharged engines, NGK Ruthenium HX spark plugs are the best option available. These plugs are designed for long-term durability, featuring a ruthenium alloy that provides excellent oxidation resistance.
The Ruthenium HX spark plugs ensure superior ignition and fuel burn, which leads to quicker throttle response, smoother idling, and better cold starts.
They are particularly well-suited for modern fuel-efficient engines and high-output applications, where long-lasting performance is required. These premium spark plugs may be an investment, but their longevity and efficiency make them well worth the price.
Where to get it: NGK
Best Spark Plug Socket: Ares 11007 Spark-Plug Socket Set
When it’s time to replace spark plugs, having the right tools is essential, and the Ares 11007 Spark-Plug Socket Set is perfect for the job. This five-piece set includes a variety of socket sizes and a rubber insert to hold spark plugs in place during installation.
The set is designed for ease of use, making it easier to access and install plugs in deep cylinders. Affordable and practical, this set ensures that you can replace spark plugs without the risk of damaging them, making it a must-have tool for DIY car maintenance.
Where to get it: Ares
Best Spark Plug Gap Tool: CTA Tools 3235 Gapper
The proper gap between the electrodes of a spark plug is critical for optimal engine performance. The CTA Tools 3235 Gapper is a ramp-style tool that allows you to easily set the correct gap according to your vehicle’s specifications.
It’s compact, easy to use, and even small enough to fit on a keyring. This inexpensive tool ensures that your spark plugs are perfectly gapped before installation, which can help prevent misfires, improve fuel efficiency, and prolong the life of your engine.
Where to get it: CTA Tools
Best Feeler Gauges: Stainless Steel Feeler Gauge Marked Metric and Imperial
For precise spark plug gap adjustments, Stainless Steel Feeler Gauges are an essential tool. These gauges allow you to measure the gap accurately and ensure that your spark plugs are properly set for optimal ignition. With both metric and imperial markings, they offer versatility for different specifications.
They’re simple to use and durable, making them an ideal tool for spark plug maintenance as well as other automotive tasks. Their easy-to-read design and reliability have made them a go-to option for car enthusiasts and mechanics alike.
Where to get it: Hotop
Selecting the right spark plug is crucial for the performance and longevity of your engine. Whether you’re on a budget and opting for copper-core plugs or upgrading to high-performance iridium or ruthenium plugs, there’s an option for every vehicle and driving need.
Additionally, having the right tools, such as spark plug sockets, gap tools, and feeler gauges, can make the replacement process smoother and more efficient. By choosing the best spark plugs and tools, you’ll ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.