00:00Wrong spark plug equals less power, more fuel burned, and even misfires.
00:04Let's break down which plug type actually belongs in your engine and what happens if you get it wrong.
00:10Copper, platinum, iridium, ruthenium.
00:12It's not about the price, it's about what your engine was built to run.
00:16Choose the wrong one and you're not just wasting money, you're literally throwing away horsepower.
00:20Copper plugs fire hot and fast, perfect for older engines with distributors.
00:24But they wear quickly, so if your car was designed for long life plugs, copper could misfire under load or start fouling.
00:32Platinum plugs are made for engines that fire two plugs at once, the waste spark system.
00:36Using the wrong type here leads to uneven wear and weak spark.
00:39You lose throttle response, power, and it gets harder to ignite fuel under pressure.
00:44Iridium plugs are built for precision.
00:45If your engine was tuned for that fine wire spark, downgrading to copper or even basic platinum can mean a weaker spark, poor combustion, and less efficiency.
00:55Especially at high RPM or under load.
00:57There's also a newer material called ruthenium.
01:00Think of it as the next step after iridium.
01:02It's more durable, handles extreme heat, holds a sharper edge on the electrode for longer.
01:08You'll see them in some new Toyotas, Hyundais, and even Ford EcoBoost engines.
01:12If your engine calls for it, don't downgrade.
01:14Here's what happens when you get it wrong.
01:16You burn extra fuel trying to compensate.
01:19You lose spark energy at the wrong moment.
01:21You get incomplete combustion, which means less horsepower.
01:25In some cases, you'll get hard starts, carbon buildup, or a check engine light.
01:29Use the plug your car came with.
01:31It was chosen for the ignition system, fuel mapping, and engine design.
01:35Only change types if the engine is modified or the OE plug is no longer available.
01:39Next up, we're talking heat range.
01:41It's too hot or too cold, and the plug won't just run wrong.
01:44It could damage your engine.
01:45It could damage your engine.
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