Do spark plugs contain precious metals

Yep, spark plugs often contain precious metals! It’s not the whole plug, but the electrodes — those tiny tips where the spark happens — that get the fancy stuff. Most commonly, you’ll find platinum or iridium in there, and sometimes even palladium. Older or cheaper ones might use nickel or copper, but those aren’t precious metals.

Here’s why they use the good stuff: precious metals like platinum and iridium are super tough. They resist corrosion, handle insane heat (think 1,000°C in an engine), and don’t wear out fast. That means the spark stays strong, your engine runs smoother, and you don’t have to swap plugs as often. Iridium’s especially popular in modern cars because it’s harder than platinum and can be shaped into finer tips for a sharper spark.

Not every spark plug has them, though. Basic ones for, say, a lawnmower might stick to nickel alloys to keep costs down. But in high-performance or long-life plugs — the kind rated for 100,000 miles — manufacturers like NGK or Bosch lean on platinum or iridium. Sometimes they mix both, with platinum on one electrode and iridium on the other, to balance cost and durability.

So, short answer: yes, many spark plugs contain precious metals, especially the premium ones. It’s a small amount per plug, but it’s why scrappers sometimes hoard old ones to recycle the tips! Curious about anything else engine-related?