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Special spark plugs are a strong trend in the automotive sector, but still cause a lot of doubts among drivers. Made of fine materials, the special spark plugs provide a significant improvement in fuel burning, generating a gain in vehicle performance.
Special spark plug technology has been increasingly used in new engine designs, in several categories. Ignition Systems Specialist, NGK launched two lines of special candles to the aftermarket: a G-Power, of platinum and Iridium IX, by Irídio, enabling the use of this technology in cars that left the factory with conventional spark plugs. The change provides the improvement in vehicle performance only with the replacement of the spark plug, without the need for major engine changes..
Look, in five points, other benefits of this type of component.
Noble material
The main characteristic of special candles is the presence of noble materials in their composition.. "While conventional spark plugs have a nickel electrode tip, the special ones have tips produced in platinum or iridium", explains NGK's Technical Assistance consultant, Hiromori Mori. The use of these noble materials makes it possible to reduce the diameter of the electrode tip. The G-Power models, for example, has a diameter of 0,6 mm. In the case of Iridium IX, this value ranges from 0,4-0,6 mm, while in conventional candles it goes 1,9 to 2,3 mm.
Improved performance
According to Mori, the fact that the electrode tip of special spark plugs is thinner than that of conventional spark plugs means that this type of part has more energy to start combustion, resulting in better burning of the air/fuel mixture. "This condition, combined with the fact that the candle is easier to generate sparks, enables the vehicle to perform better, with agile responses in acceleration and better speed recovery", explains NGK's Technical Assistance consultant. Stability at idle and faster starts are also other gains that special components bring to the vehicle.
Iridium or platinum?
The platinum and iridium pieces, marketed by NGK in the aftermarket, like G-Power and Iridium IX, respectively, have very similar performances. "The difference, in this case, is that G-Power is more cost-effective and can be applied to original factory engines, without any special preparation. Iridium IX stands out for its durability and resistance to carbonization, can be found in a colder thermal grade, which allows its application also in vehicles with a certain engine preparation", says the NGK expert.
Emission reduction and fuel economy
The most efficient burning of the air/fuel mixture, in addition to resulting in better response and performance, contributes to reducing vehicle pollutant gas emissions and fuel consumption. "These are, inclusive, two important factors in the industry's decision to upgrade its ignition systems and opt for special spark plugs", Mori comments.
Application on vehicles of all categories
Previously present only in vehicles considered premium, the special candles can already be found in the most diverse categories nowadays. “The G-Power and Iridium IX spark plugs have a wide range of applications, covering a large part of the fleet circulating in the country and enabling the use of this technology by different types of vehicles", explains Hiromori Mori.