Spark Plug

What Is a Spark Plug and Why Does It Matter?

A spark plug is a device for delivering electric current from an ignition system to the combustion chamber of a spark-ignition engine to ignite the compressed fuel/air mixture by an electric spark, while containing combustion pressure within the engine. In short, without a properly functioning spark plug, your engine simply won't run.

At exactly the right time, the ignition system delivers a short burst of high voltage energy to the spark plug, which creates a spark that travels across a small gap from the central electrode to the ground electrode at the tip of the spark plug, which is screwed into the top of the engine's cylinder. This combustion generates the energy needed to power your car's pistons and get you to your next destination.

It seems obvious that a spark plug provides the spark that burns the fuel, but its secondary role as a heat dissipater is equally important. A spark plug's ability to transfer heat to the car's cooling system is based on the length of the insulator nose and the materials used for the center electrode and the insulator.

Spark Plug Types: Choosing the Right Electrode Material

Not all spark plugs are created equal. The electrode material has a direct impact on performance, longevity, and suitability for your specific application.

• Copper/Nickel: Standard spark plugs in modern engines have a copper center electrode core surrounded by a nickel alloy. These are the most affordable option and work well in older vehicles.
• Platinum & Iridium: Premium spark plugs make use of precious metals like platinum or iridium in place of the nickel alloy. These metals have higher melting points — and higher prices to match. They offer extended service intervals and consistent performance in modern engines.
• Silver: Silver is a specialized choice for high-performance and racing applications. Silver is an element with the most free electrons, and is the best electrical and thermal conductor of all metals.

Heat Range: Getting It Right

The heat range of the spark plug must be carefully selected in order to create optimal thermal performance. If the heat range is not correct, you can expect serious trouble. Typically, the appropriate firing end temperature is approximately 900–1,450 degrees. Below 900 degrees, carbon fouling is possible. Above it, overheating becomes an issue. Matching the correct heat range to your engine's output and operating conditions is one of the most important decisions when selecting a spark plug.

Signs Your Spark Plugs Need Replacing

A few common symptoms of failing spark plugs include an illuminated check engine light, rattling or "knock"-like noises when a plug fires at the wrong time, and hard vehicle starts. Worn, misfiring spark plugs can also reduce your gas mileage — when replaced at the recommended intervals, new plugs can help maximize fuel economy.

Top Spark Plug Brands

Finding the right plug starts with a trusted manufacturer. Brisk USA is one of the most recognized names in performance and racing ignition. Brisk is one of the largest spark plug manufacturers in the world, with 80 years of experience in spark plug manufacturing. Brisk USA specializes in the use of silver center electrode technology in their high performance and racing spark plugs, but also offers OEM auto parts and a wide assortment of iridium, copper, platinum, and even yttrium spark plugs.