Don’t Neglect Your Spark Plugs
Never neglect the spark plugs in your Audi, BMW or VW. The condition of your plugs could be the difference between a well or poorly performing car.
Although it is true that plugs are manufactured to be durable, they will deteriorate over time. Their edges will wear and as a result more voltage is required to ensure they work properly. If you are aware and observant your car will tell you when it’s time to exchange the old plugs for new ones.
Common symptoms include difficulty in starting the vehicle, rough idling engine, engine misfire or surging, high fuel consumption, or lack of acceleration. All these problems could be due to a plug’s inability to produce an adequate spark.
When your car misfires, exhaust emissions increase and too much gasoline enters the exhaust system. This creates a hotter catalytic converter and could result in a meltdown of converter parts.
If you don’t heed the signs, then a worn-out spark plug can still service the engine for a long time and cause the deterioration of the ignition and engine. Moreover, bad plugs will drain your battery
Replacing the plugs when necessary assures that your car will run efficiently and perform to its capability. Cold starts diminish, the battery continues to supply power and money need not be spent to buy a new one, less voltage is necessary to work the ignition system and misfires are prevented, protecting the catalytic converter from damage.
There are four types of spark plugs – copper, iridium, platinum, and double platinum.
Copper spark plugs have a copper core and are the least expensive. They commonly last between 20,000 and 40,000 miles.
Iridium plugs are made of a less conductive component, but functions best at a lower temperature than their copper counterparts. It typically last from 40,000 to 60,000 miles. They last longer than copper plugs and are rated as the “elite” style of plug. In addition, they are more durable, and offer a more concentrated ignition compared to copper.
Platinum spark plugs are similar to the iridium and operate under low temperature. They can last twice as long as the copper plugs, but do not last as long as iridium plugs. This plug is favored for its ability to reduce gap erosion, lasts longer, and results in fewer misfires.
Double platinum spark plugs are said to be the best spark plugs. An improved version of the platinum, they offer a long life and improved engine performance. Although they are not the best conductor, they do well in eliminating gap erosion, reducing misfires, and improving durability.
Own an Audi or Volkswagen needing a tune up? Check out the NGK BKR7EIX Iridium IX Spark plugs offered at ModdedEuros.com. This plug features an Iridium tipped electrode for a consistent spark and high durability. It has a 7 stock heat range and the Iridium alloy has an extremely high melting point. The plug also includes trivalent metal plating that fights corrosion and seizing. It features corrugated ribs prevent flashover, a pure alumina silicate ceramic insulator for strength and better heat transfer, a copper coil that assists in heat removal, and triple seals to prevent leakage. So if you are stock or tuned this is a great plug to upgrade to.
