Although some drivers may not be aware, spark plugs are one of the most vital components in a vehicle. Great spark plug health translates to better overall performance and fuel efficiency, increasing the service life of your car. It is important, therefore, they are regularly checked and kept up to date to help avoid unwanted or costly repairs.
In this article, we recommend several of the best spark plugs of various brands based on value, longevity, and more to provide you with the right fit for your vehicle. Before purchasing new spark plugs, remember to consult your vehicle’s owners manual for specifications on which ones fit your engine and safe replacement practices.
In this article:
- 5 Best Spark Plugs
- #1 Best Overall Value: NGK 7090 G-Power Platinum
- #2 Runner-Up: NGK Iridium IX
- #3 Best Longevity: Denso #5304 Iridium Power
- #4 HiVehicle New Iridium
- #5 ACDelco OEM 41-962 + Herlux Spark Plug Wires
- Spark Plugs Buyers Guide
- Our Review Standards
- Frequently Asked Questions
5 Best Spark Plugs
#1 Best Overall Value: NGK 7090 G-Power Platinum
What makes the NGK 7090 G-Power Platinum spark plugs stand out is the quality of materials these plugs are made of. The 7090’s platinum-tipped center electrodes produce better conduction for starts, while its copper cores aid in heat removal for better thermal conductivity. And we can’t overlook the pure alumina silicate ceramic insulator, which provides unmatched strength and heat resistance that give NGK spark plugs a reliable reputation.
Key Features
- Fine wire platinum-tipped center electrode
- Pure alumina silicate ceramic insulator
- Trapezoid-cut ground electrode
- Trivalent metal plating
- Corrugated ribs
- Copper core
- Triple-sealed
What Customers Are Saying
Customer reviews on Amazon are largely positive, with an overall average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers claim that the NGK 7090 plugs are inexpensive and easy to install. The few negative reviews cite shipping misorders but no issues with the plugs themselves.
Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
#2 Runner-Up: NGK Iridium IX
If you’re searching for optimum performance for your vehicle, look no further than the NGK Iridium IX spark plugs. Although they are more expensive than other spark plugs, their longevity and ease-of-use are tough to beat.
One of the key features of the plug is its high melting point, making the plug more suitable for engines that are generally in a greater heat range than most vehicles. Other notable features include a fine iridium tip and trivalent metal plating, both of which contribute to better fuel economy, superior corrosion resistance, and a consistently stable spark for better starts.
Key Features
- High-grade alumina silicate ceramic
- 98-percent pure copper core
- Tapered-cut ground electrode
- Fine iridium tip
- Trivalent metal plating
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon reviews for the NGK Iridium IX spark plugs are largely positive, with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
One complaint is that some customers needed to have the gap adjusted slightly on their plugs to make them fit their vehicles, yet many of these reviews were still ranked at 4.5 stars or above.
Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5
#3 Best Longevity: Denso #5304 Iridium Power
The Denso #5304 Iridium Power spark plug is great for improving firing performance in your engine. It is one of the best iridium spark plugs on the market. The only real con is the price, which is higher than most of its competitors.
This plug’s tapered-cut U-groove ground electrode increases ignitability and decreases quenching. Its five rib insulator also helps prevent flashover, and the copper-glass seal bonds the electrode and insulator to provide a gas-tight seal.
Key Features
- 0.4mm iridium-tipped laser-wired fine wire center electrode
- Tapered-cut U-groove ground electrode
- Purified alumina powder insulator
- Five rib insulator
- Copper-glass seal
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon reviews for these spark plugs are positive, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers note increased engine performance and better gas mileage after installing the Denso iridium plugs.
Negative reviews complain that the Denso spark plugs do not fit their engine. These can serve as a gentle reminder that new spark plugs should be the same, if not similar, model as what your vehicle was originally equipped with.
Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5
#4 HiVehicle New Iridium
HiVehicle New Iridium spark plugs are great for drivers who want high durability and a consistently stable spark. The 99-percent copper-clad electrode makes the plug great for conductivity, reducing the risk of false starts and breaking while working. HiVehicle also claims that its plugs improve fuel efficiency and emissions, as well.
One drawback to these spark plugs is that they are only compatible with select car brands: Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, Hummer, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. This makes these spark plugs a limited option for other car owners.
Key Features
- 0.6mm laser-welded fine platinum tip
- Full automatic isopressing
- Trivalent metal plating
- 99-percent copper-clad electrodes
What Customers Are Saying
Customer reviews for the HiVehicle spark plugs on Amazon are positive, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Many positive reviews come from owners of the car brands advertised as compatible with the spark plugs.
Negative reviews are scarce, with one review citing poorer engine performance after replacing the spark plugs.
Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5
#5 ACDelco OEM 41-962 + Herlux Spark Plug Wires
AC Delco has been producing parts for General Motors for over a hundred years, and this dedication to quality is demonstrated by its ACD-OEM 41-962 spark plugs. Included in this listing is a set of Herlux spark plug wires, which help conduct power from the spark plugs. Although this brings the price of the package up, including these wires helps reduce the cost of buying them separately.
Notable specifications include a one-piece suppressor that creates a gas-tight seal great for reducing radio frequency and engine interference, as well as a pure copper core built for maximum fouling resistance.
Key Features
- Pure copper core
- Double platinum point pad
- Nickel and chrome alloy electrodes
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon reviews for this product package are positive, with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many reviews commend the ease of installation of these plugs, with good remarks about the reliability of the spark plug wires, as well.
There are few negative reviews of this product, including some that say the plugs didn’t match their engine.
Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Spark Plugs Buyers Guide
When considering the best spark plugs for your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations on brands and replacement practices. Spark plugs play a vital role in the combustion process of your vehicle’s engine, and the difference between the right and wrong replacement spark plug can have a substantial impact on your vehicle’s lifespan.
Types Of Spark Plugs
There are five general types of spark plugs: copper, iridium, single platinum, double platinum, and silver. Not only does the material of the plug itself contribute to its performance, but so does its design and fit within the engine.
The cheapest option of the five, copper, is known as the standard spark plug. These plugs have a copper centrode plated with a nickel alloy. Although relatively inexpensive, copper spark plugs are less durable than those made with other materials and need to be replaced more often.
Iridium spark plugs last longer than copper ones and require less energy to generate the spark that powers the engine. Single platinum plugs are nearly identical to copper plugs in build except for their platinum core, which provides them a much greater lifespan. Both of these options are more expensive than copper spark plugs.
Double platinum spark plugs have both platinum-lined center and ground electrodes. This makes them ideal for vehicles with wasted spark ignition systems.
The last option, silver, are weaker than iridium and platinum plugs and are generally reserved for older, high-performance vehicles.
Our Review Standards
To select the five best spark plugs in this review, our team searched Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should spark plugs be replaced?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing your vehicle’s spark plugs every 30,000 miles. It is best to check your vehicle’s owners manual for the specific make and model of spark plug it has to determine its lifespan.
How do I know when my vehicle needs new spark plugs?
There are a variety of signs that your vehicle needs new spark plugs, including but not limited to: engine misfires, increased fuel consumption, loud idle engine, poor acceleration, low horsepower or a check engine light. Some automotive manufacturers suggest leaving the engine running for a few minutes to listen for abnormal sounds.
Can I clean and reuse my old spark plugs?
Yes. You can clean old spark plugs and reuse them in your car. Unfortunately, cleaned original equipment runs for a very short period of time before needing replacement and can even cause damage to your engine’s combustion chamber, so it is wise to invest in quality spark plugs for the best performance.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
