Wondering which the right spark plugs for your car are? Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a mechanic to understand the basics.

Spark plugs are what provide the "spark" to get your engine started and keep it running smoothly. Choosing the right ones means better performance, fuel economy, and "health" for your car. Let’s see what you should know before you buy.

1. Choose the Right Material (What type should I get?)

On the market, you will find three main categories, depending on the material used to make their tip:

• Nickel (Standard): This is the most classic and budget-friendly option. They do their job just fine, but they wear out faster. Usually, you need to replace them every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers.

• Platinum: Here we move up a level. Platinum is a harder material, which means the spark stays stable for much longer. They will easily give you twice the mileage of standard ones.

• Iridium: The ultimate premium choice! Iridium is a metal that withstands extreme temperatures. What does that mean for you? Better throttle response, perfect combustion (and therefore fuel savings), and a huge service life, since they may only need replacing after 100,000 kilometers.

2. When do you realize it’s time for a change?

Your car usually "warns" you when its spark plugs have worn out. If you notice any of the following, it’s probably time:

• It has trouble starting up on the first turn of the key in the morning.

• You feel the car "misfiring", meaning it makes small shakes or hesitates when you press the gas pedal suddenly.

• You notice that fuel consumption has increased without you having changed the way you drive.

3. Two golden rules before you click "Buy"

• The manufacturer knows best: Don’t buy at random. Open your car’s manual. It states exactly the code or specifications (such as the gap and heat range) required by your engine. The ideal approach is to always follow the factory specifications.

• Do you use LPG or CNG? If you have converted your car to gas, engine temperatures are higher. In that case, ask for "spark plugs for LPG" (usually iridium or platinum), which are specially designed to withstand these conditions and keep your engine running smoothly.

My advice: Don’t skimp on spark plugs. They are perhaps the cheapest replacement part that can make the biggest difference in the way you drive every day. If your budget allows, go straight for Iridium and drive worry-free!