Spark plugs supply the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture so that combustion can occur in a gasoline vehicle’s engine. It fires thousands of times a minute with extremely precise timing under varying operating conditions.

According to Autolite engineers, even though a spark plug is exposed to severe stress, there’s no need to worry if you’ve got the right plugs. The Iridium-enhanced .6mm finewire designed Autolite XP Xtreme Performance spark plug is a great choice and one of the Autolite brand’s greatest innovations.

By increasing the size of the flame kernel – a 21 percent bigger flame compared to that of standard plugs – the Autolite XP Xtreme Performance spark plugs ignite more gas and air mixture inside the cylinders to deliver better throttle response and improved acceleration. The ignition is also more focused, which provides faster, more complete fuel combustion for better fuel efficiency over the life of the plug.

And, testing shows that the proprietary ball welding process used on the Autolite XP Xtreme Performance spark plug provides better overall durability and less electrode wear, which means they last longer than other .6mm and .4mm finewire designs.

Iridium is more thermally conductive than platinum so it transfers heat better; has a higher melting temperature than platinum; and is more corrosion resistant than platinum, however, testing showed the best spark plug performance was accomplished by using a combination of the two metals. While spark plugs made of pure iridium have a higher melting point than an iridium-enhanced design, electrode melting caused by high temperatures is not a dominant factor or concern in electrode wear. That’s why Autolite XP Xtreme Performance spark plugs are made up of the ideal combination of precious metals. This mixture allows for protection against all electrode wearing factors such as temperature, corrosion and oxidation, which means they last longer and provide enhanced performance over the life of the plug.

“While pure iridium is more corrosion resistant, it is less oxidation resistant than platinum,” said Sean Lyon, senior product manager for the Autolite brand. “Plus today’s automotive fuels are cleaner and have less of a corrosive effect on the electrode, so a mixture of platinum and iridium is a really good option.”

Lyon adds that one of the most economic ways to maintain an efficient engine, save money on gas and avoid wasting fuel is to change spark plugs at regular intervals. As spark plug electrodes wear, the voltage required to jump the gap increases. Under hard acceleration, high speeds or heavy loads, misfires can occur and that can waste fuel. Autolite XP Xtreme Performance plugs are designed to provide top fuel efficiency over the life of the plug.

Wholesalers and retailers should contact their local Autolite sales representative or visit www.honeywellauto.com. Professional technicians should contact their local wholesaler or retailer.

For additional information, visit www.honeywell.com.