NGK tells three curiosities about iridium candles

Dubbed 'extraterrestrial metal', Iridium is responsible for ensuring durability and resistance to high temperatures

São Paulo, August 2024- Iridium spark plugs have been gaining prominence in the automotive community for their unique features and amazing benefits. This rare metal offers significant advantages for engine performance. A NGK, Niterra brand specialized in components for ignition systems, tells three curiosities about iridium and its application in spark plugs.

1. Metal rarity: iridium is one of the rarest metals on Earth. It is found in greater quantities in meteors and asteroids, which gave it the nickname of "extraterrestrial metal". With a very low concentration in the Earth's crust, The presence of iridium on our planet is often linked to impacts from celestial bodies, increasing the mystery and fascination with this element.
2. Benefits to engine performance: The choice of this metal for the manufacture of spark plugs is not by chance. It is resistant, both corrosion and high temperatures, which allows the production of candles with very fine tip electrodes. These characteristics improve the sparkling capacity of the candles, resulting in superior engine performance. Furthermore, Iridium spark plugs contribute to the reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, while offering a longer lifespan.
3. Durability and maintenance: Even though iridium candles are known for their durability, Regular inspections are still required. The recommendation in this case is to inspect every 10.000 km or one year of use, what happens first. It is important to note that the durability of 100.000 km, often associated with iridium candles, may vary according to the vehicle and the conditions of use. Therefore, Always follow the guidelines in the owner's manual to ensure replacement at the proper time and avoid ignition system problems.

Other noble metals

Beyond modern iridium candles, The automotive market still offers options with nickel electrodes, Platinum and Ruthenium. Nickel candles, the most traditional, Meet the specifications well (Performance and Durability) according to the engine design specified by the automakers, when compared to iridium candles, but they have inferior performance and durability. Platinum and ruthenium candles, in its turn, They are made with noble metals that give similar characteristics to iridium candles, such as increased efficiency and durability.

"Iridium is a rare element and its extraction occurs as a by-product of other mining activities. In the face of the finiteness of natural resources and constant technological evolution, Niterra, as a world leader in spark plugs, keeps an eye on new technologies and the search for alternative materials, thus ensuring the long-term sustainability of its products", says Enrico Merizio, Technical Assistance Analyst at Niterra.

Niterra presents options for noble metal candles through the NGK brand, offering a range of specialty candles such as G-Power (Platinum) e Iridium IX (Iridium), Available in the aftermarket.