Winter ready 36 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2025 Sparks of innovation offer premium service As we start the slow slide into the chilly winter season, Niterra UK explains why premium plugs are worth it — even if they cost a little more I t is not uncommon for a technician to ask: “Is the extra cost of a precious metal spark plug genuinely worth it, or is it just marketing hype?” When it comes to premium spark plugs, there is still an element of scepticism, among both workshops and consumers, around spending more than is deemed necessary for a common, largely hidden and often misunderstood component. But as engine technology has evolved, so too has the spark plug. Those little metal and ceramic units may look similar across different price points, but their construction and the benefits they bring, tell a very different story. Traditionally, the spark plug has been viewed as a product with one simple job: to create a spark. So understandably, those accustomed to older technologies question why they should spend extra now when a traditional, cheaper nickel plug still fits and fires. The trouble is that today’s engines place far greater demands on ignition components than their older counterparts. High-stress engines, higher pressures, leaner air-fuel ratios and tighter emissions regulations all mean that the spark has to be more powerful, more precise and more consistent. In these environments, material and design make all the difference and that’s where premium plugs earn their price tag. Nickel alloy plugs are cost-effective and perfectly functional in many cases, especially for older vehicles. But the difference in price for premium plugs is about far more just a brand name. Premium spark plugs are built with precious metals including platinum or iridium — elements chosen for their exceptional performance in extreme conditions. Iridium, for example, has a melting point of 2,450°C and is one of the hardest materials in existence. This makes it extremely resistant to fouling and ideal for delivering consistent ignition under pressure. Platinum plugs also provide better durability and reliability. These precious metals aren’t marketing gimmicks, they are engineered responses to the needs of today’s vehicles. As a result, premium plugs can maintain performance over 60,000 miles, far longer than a standard option. Fit a high-performance spark plug and the benefits spread far beyond the ignition chamber. Engines run more smoothly, with improved cold starts and fewer misfires. Better combustion means more efficient fuel burn, improved throttle response and fewer unburnt emissions. The workload on other components is reduced too. Ignition coils, for example, no longer need to overcompensate for a weak or inconsistent spark. So the true value isn’t just in their immediate performance. Once installed, these plugs that are initially perceived as expensive start paying you back, saving on fuel, repairs and replacement parts. Instead of asking why the plug costs more, maybe the better question is: “What am I currently missing out on?” The answer could include longer service life, stronger cold starts, better emissions performance or greater reliability in startstop traffic. When workshops position premium spark plugs as a valuable upgrade, not just a replacement, they unlock a better ownership experience for their customers and potentially greater revenue and reputation for themselves. For decades, Niterra’s NGK brand has led the way in OE-quality spark plug innovation. Its platinum and iridium plugs are developed in close partnership with vehicle manufacturers. NGK Iridium IX plugs, for example, offer a fine-wire iridium tip laser-welded to a nickel shell for high ignitability and low voltage requirement, reducing strain on coils and enhancing fuel economy.
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