5 Best Spark Plugs for Gas Mileage and Performance
From economy to power, the right spark plugs can make your engine run as new (or better). But with so many types of plugs claiming improved mileage or horsepower, how do you choose?
In this article, we’ll cut through marketing hype to pick the truly best spark plugs for gas mileage and performance. Don’t fall into the low-quality trap and instead, invest in top-tier plugs matched to your engine.
See Also: What Do Faulty Spark Plugs Look Like?
Top 5 Best Spark Plugs
There are many variations of spark plugs available on the market. If you were to go to your local auto repair shop and ask for a new spark plug, they probably wouldn’t tell you what kind of spark plug they’re putting into your vehicle.
So, if you were to educate yourself on the best spark plugs around, then you’d know what to spark plug to request for your vehicle. Better yet, purchase them beforehand (you’ll save some money) and simply have the repair shop install them for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing the job yourself.
Without further ado, here are five of the best spark plugs for the money:
#1 – NGK G-Power Spark Plugs
NGK G-Power platinum alloy spark plugs are arguably the best spark plugs for the money.
They offer excellent performance with greater fuel efficiency to save you money in the long run.
The center electrode core is made out of copper while the ground electrode is made of nickel alloy. They are made to last 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
#2 – NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs
The NGK Iridium IX plugs are high quality iridium spark plugs made for the auto enthusiast who demands better performance.
They are designed to operate over a much wider heat range than the competition.
They come pre-gapped but check your owner’s manual to confirm correct gap. Expect a 40,000 to 50,000 mile lifespan.
#3 – Bosch Double Platinum Spark Plugs
They may be slightly more expensive than others, but with Bosch Double Platinum plugs, you certainly get what you pay for. There’s good reason why Bosch is the OEM spark plug used by many car manufacturers.
Because of the ultra fine wire design, expect better ignitability, performance, and fuel economy.
Their 5-year satisfaction guarantee also says something about their long service life.
#4 – Denso Platinum TT Spark Plugs
Denso is another well respected brand when it comes to high quality spark plugs.
The Denso Platinum TT plugs offer twin-tip technology with a platinum center electrode and titanium enhanced ground electrode.
You’ll likely get faster starts, better fuel economy, and quicker acceleration over the lesser plugs you currently have.
#5 – Motorcraft Platinum Spark Plugs
If you have a Ford, it’s hard to beat genuine Motorcraft spark plugs.
The platinum electrode plugs come pre-gapped and are the direct OEM replacement that came with your Ford car or truck.
Get quieter idling, faster startup, better gas mileage, and better overall performance. Your vehicle will feel like the day you bought it.
Read also: Top 5 Best Brake Pads for Cars, SUVs, and Trucks
Cost to Replace Spark Plugs (DIY vs Professional)
It is fairly simple for almost any car owner to replace bad spark plugs with new ones. Changing spark plugs yourself should only take a few minutes to do correctly. Since there is one spark plug per cylinder, a 4-cylinder car should theoretically take half the time of replacing spark plugs on an 8-cylinder.
By doing it yourself, you can save anywhere from $60 to $100 versus going to a professional mechanic. As you can see from the list above, the cost of the spark plug pieces is very inexpensive.
You could be looking at no more than $20 to $40 if you do it yourself versus $80 to $140 if you let a repair shop or dealership do the job. You’ll likely be paying at least double the parts price since spark plugs have a huge markup.
He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.
When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.
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Mark,
Could you recommend a good spark plug for my ’94 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, I am restoring, please?
Really appreciate your insights and knowledge. Thanks for contributing to this forum.
Are NGK Iridium IX spark plugs good for Jeep 4.0?
This says the NGK platinum alloy spark plugs contain iridium but per Amazon and The NGK website they are platinum. Might be an error on this site.
Thanks Ted. That one actually should’ve been copper, not iridium. I’ve corrected the article.
Hi i have a 2005 Nissan 2.0l Xtrail and heavy on fuel so i an looking at any way to reduce fuel consumption.Your info was very informative.
Make sure all your basic maintenance is up to date. When were the spark plugs and fuel filter last changed? Also check your tire pressures. Some tires have lower rolling resistance which may give you slightly better fuel economy.
Try to drive with a light foot and keep a healthy following distance in traffic. One of the easiest ways to save fuel is to use less brakes. To use less brakes, you have to allow yourself more room between you and the person in front of you, especially in stop and go traffic.