Niterra, the company behind the NGK and NTK brands has issued some useful guidance that tackles five key misconceptions about precious metal spark plugs that could be holding garages back from a premium service offering.

The company says precious metal spark plugs are tarnished by a lot of misconceptions, but when it comes to modern vehicle performance, they have more to offer than many people realise. Here are five common myths that need busting:

• 1. "They’re only for high-performance engines" - Precious metal spark plugs actually offer as many benefits for a 1.2-litre engine as they do for a 3-litre powerhouse. Those smaller turbocharged engines are often working to their maximum capacity and demand reliable, efficient combustion. Iridium and platinum plugs deliver that by providing a more stable spark and better ignition performance under load.
• 2. "They only came out recently" - NGK has been manufacturing precious metal spark plugs for decades. Iridium IX was launched in 2006, and the company’s expertise with these materials goes back even further. This means the benefits are proven. As manufacturers continue to specify iridium and platinum in original equipment designs, this is now trusted, established technology.
• 3. "It’s just a gimmick to charge more" - Yes, they cost a little more, but that price reflects the real value of the materials used. Iridium is one of the hardest metals on Earth, with a melting point of 2,450°C. It resists wear and spark erosion far better than standard metals. NGK’s iridium and platinum tips are laser welded to ensure maximum performance and durability, giving drivers tangible improvements in reliability and efficiency. As a result, service life is typically double that of standard nickel plugs.
• 4. "They only last longer, that’s it" - Longevity is just one part of the story. Precious metal plugs operate at higher temperatures, which helps prevent carbon build-up. That’s a major benefit in urban driving and stop-start traffic where fouling can be a real issue. Their lower voltage demand also reduces strain on the ignition system overall, protecting coils and the wider ignition eco-system.
• 5. "You’re wasting mileage if you follow standard service intervals" - In truth, these plugs are capable of lasting far beyond standard service intervals. That’s part of their appeal. There’s no need to worry about poor starting or rough idling towards the latter end of the running interval before next service.  It means that if a customer misses a scheduled service when things get busy, these plugs keep performing. It’s about peace of mind and protecting engine health when life gets in the way.

Niterra has been developing spark plug technology for nearly a century and its NGK brand is the world’s number one. Drivers benefit from improved on-the-road performance, better fuel economy, and lower emissions. This precious metal range is trusted by leading vehicle manufacturers and workshops to boost performance, cut emissions and help workshops deliver standout service with confidence.

For more details on NGK’s full range, visit www.ngkntk.com/uk