What's the difference between platinum and non-platinum spark plugs?

Question

The mechanic I went to recommended changing out recently installed platinum spark plugs for non-platinum spark plugs. Why? What's the difference?

Answer 1

Given two identical plugs, one copper and the other platinum, the only difference will be how long the plug lasts. There is a lot hooey out there about platinum creating a 'hotter spark' which increases power and/or mileage. Nonsense. How 'hot' a plug is has to do with the tip of the ceramic insulator on the plug, and nothing to do with the spark itself. You can put copper plugs in a car originally equipped with platinums, and vice versa, with no ill effects. Copper plugs are usually 1/2 to 1/5 the cost of platinums, depending upon the brand, but they will need to be changed more often.

Answer 2

Platinum gives you a hotter spark for a cleaner burn and economy. They last longer too.
What was the reason for your mechanic to tell you to swap the plugs out for?
The only hotter spark plug is Iridium.

Answer 3

He wants to REMOVE the platinums? the platinum plugs last longer than standard plugs.

Answer 4

I have had cars that have run better on different brands of plugs. I have never seen any improvement on life or mileage out of platinum plugs.

Answer 5

FIRST OF WHAT KIND OF CAR???
SECOND A PLATINUM TIP WILL LAST ALOT LONGER THAN A COPPER PLUG.COPPER PLUGS GO APPROX 30K MILES WHAERE AS A PLATINUM WILL GO APPROX 60K .WHAT YOU GOT WAS A LONGER LASTING PLUG SO YOU SHOULDNT HAVE TO WOORY FOR A WHILE AS LONG AS YOUR MOTOR IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER

Answer 6

Platinum Tipped Spark Plugs

Answer 7

About $20. Stick with what works and don't bother buying things just because of their claims.