How to Tell If Your Spark Plugs Are Platinum, Iridium, or Just Copper
Posted: April 22, 2025
You can tell if a spark plug is valuable by checking the shape of its tip.
Platinum and iridium spark plugs have a thin, needle-like “pin” tip, while copper spark plugs have a thicker, blunt “rod” tip. At RRCats, we only accept spark plugs with pin-style tips. Copper plugs are not accepted for payment.
Why Tip Shape Matters
Regarding spark plug recycling, the value is found in the precious metal at the tip. That small piece of metal determines whether your spark plugs can be scrapped for money.
Platinum and iridium spark plugs contain small amounts of precious metals. These are typically located at the center of the spark plug’s tip. Because of that, we pay for them in pounds.
Copper spark plugs, however, do not contain precious metals at the tip. While they’re still commonly used in some vehicles, they have no scrap value and are not included in our pricing.
How to Visually Identify Valuable Spark Plugs
The most reliable way to tell whether a spark plug has value is by looking at the shape of the tip on the center electrode.
Pin-Shaped Tip (Valuable)
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Thin, pointed, needle-like center
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Typically, platinum or iridium
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These are accepted and paid for
Rod-Shaped Tip (Not Valuable)
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Thick, blunt, or flat rod shape
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Typically copper
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These are not accepted
If you’re unsure which type you have, look closely at the spark plug’s center. A slim, centered pin is a good sign. A wide, flat tip means it’s likely copper and won’t be paid for.
We also have a side-by-side image on our spark plug landing page to help you compare them.
Why We Don’t Accept Copper Spark Plugs
Copper spark plugs might look similar to more valuable ones but don’t contain the precious metals we’re looking for. They’re often found in older or budget vehicle models and are made with low-cost materials that do not hold scrap value.
Sending in copper spark plugs will not result in payment and may reduce your overall return if they make up a large portion of your shipment. To keep the process quick and fair, we ask that only platinum or iridium types be included.
How to Check Your Spark Plugs Before Shipping
Here’s a simple way to sort them before you send them:
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Wipe off any dirt or oil so the tip is visible
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Inspect the center tip carefully
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If it looks like a pin, it’s likely platinum or iridium
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If it looks like a flat rod, it’s copper
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Only include the pin-tipped plugs in your shipment
This quick inspection will help ensure you’re only sending spark plugs we can pay for and avoid any issues with your return.
Need Help Identifying Your Spark Plugs?
Still unsure about what you have? You can always text us a photo of your spark plugs. We’re happy to help identify them before you ship.
For current pricing and more details, visit our Spark Plug page.
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