Spark plugs and their environmental impact. How can efficient spark plugs improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and carbon footprint?

We hear so many horror stories when we hear the phrase "environmental damage". In the end, it is not surprising, because the impact of humans on the planet (and, by extension, on their own well-being) is indeed very detrimental, as comfort and laziness have begun to replace common sense. For example, today we are already experiencing the effects of the greenhouse effect. It is impossible to dismiss this problem, because its geography does not cover a particular country or continent, but the whole world.

One of the main air pollutants is the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere, which are formed as a result of fuel combustion. Let's start with some brief statistics: the gases emitted by cars contain more than 200 chemical compounds that are toxic to the environment. The lion's share of these emissions is represented by various hydrocarbon compounds. 

Let's slowly move on to more specifics, namely carbon dioxide. It is the end product of fuel combustion and, although it is contained in the atmosphere, its increased concentration significantly affects the temperature and causes the greenhouse effect. How is this relevant to everyone today? The fact is that all these emissions are generated in the surface layers of the atmosphere, where people live. The toxic substances we discussed earlier can remain in the atmosphere for up to six months. So, what do we have in conclusion besides the obvious problems with the lack of fresh air? Fires covering vast areas, pollution of groundwater, floods in Europe and Asia, and significant melting of glaciers that are the planet's cooling system. 

How can you improve your carbon footprint if you can't stop your own transport?

Carbon footprinting is a concept that measures how individuals, activities, or businesses affect the quality of the Earth's atmosphere. It expresses the environmental responsibility of an individual or group through concrete numbers and allows you to track changes for better or worse. Of course, today there are many measures aimed at reducing emissions: 

• Alternative fuels and operating systems for cars are being developed;
• Citizens are being provided with comfortable conditions for travelling by alternative ecological transport;
• The government is trying to introduce eco-friendly logistics;
• Establishing zones free of cars with non-oncological engines. 

And this is not the whole list of actions that should help in the fight against the carbon footprint. But how can we help the planet if, for some reason, a person cannot stop driving a car and switch to a bicycle? 

• Follow environmental innovations. A lot of biodegradable fuels are being developed now, alternative engines that are more environmentally sound, even motor oil can do less harm today. So, the first thing to do is to arm yourself with knowledge in this matter. 
• Keep an eye on the condition of your vehicle. A well-maintained vehicle can function properly, consume the minimum amount of fuel for a given model and use it to the end, and clean up the emissions generated by burning the same fuel as efficiently as possible. 
• If you are just going to buy a car, choose a newer model. Yes, it will be much more expensive, but its environmental impact will be less. 
• Learn to drive your vehicle so that it uses the minimum amount of fuel. 

Let's talk about spark plugs: how do they affect carbon dioxide emissions and how to choose a truly environmentally friendly option?

As we said earlier, a newer model car will be much more environmentally friendly than its predecessors. However, it is possible to modernise older models by improving some parts (e.g. spark plugs). In addition, modern environmental standards (we are talking about EURO-6) imply a number of restrictions to reduce harmful emissions, which simply can not be ignored. But let's return to the subject of conversation, namely spark plugs. Spark plugs are one of the key ignition components in petrol and gas engines, determining how much fuel is burned in the combustion cycle. Modern manufacturers are able to extend the life of spark plugs, improve their reliability and the operating range required for timely ignition and complete combustion. How are plugs related to emissions? 

To start with a few words about how plugs function: they transfer ignition energy into the combustion chamber and create a spark between the mass and the centre electrode, igniting the fuel-air mixture. They operate in an unstable atmosphere with high temperature fluctuations. The longer a plug lasts, the more worn the electrodes become. Eventually, the correct ignition voltage will not be maintained by the ignition coil. 

The result of such a malfunction is ignition misses, which are necessarily associated with increased harmful emissions. It is also worth remembering that if the ignition system is working properly, you can save fuel. In addition, it is worth giving worn-out plugs for recycling. The fact is that iridium and platinum are used for the manufacture of the part. As you know, such metals are called strategic. For example, such metals are needed for the production of hard discs and telephones. In turn, iridium is used in many industrial sectors, including aerospace. Thus, it is a great crime to throw away or dispose of spark plugs as metal.

Conclusion

Our planet requires more ecological solutions to move humanity. It is clear that it will not be the same as it used to be. That's why it's worth following the trends of conserving the planet's resources and purifying the air. The basic message is that even small details such as spark plugs can have a positive impact on the environment as a whole.

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/spark-plug-10251

Are spark plugs recyclable?

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/info/car-distributor-what-it-is-when-to-replace-it-and-common-problems