how often do you have to change copper spark plugs?

[beejohn]

i was told "normal" spark plugs usually have to be changed between 20,000-30,000 miles.

but, copper plugs need to be changed every 5,000 miles with oil changes. is this correct?

[BarryT82]

I think the OEM platinums last longer than 20,000-30,000 I just changed mine for the first time about 6 months ago on my 2001.

[chunkyckn]

Actually, when I had NGK copper plugs, i changed them every 3500 miles.

[94jedi]

Originally posted by chunkyckn
Actually, when I had NGK copper plugs, i changed them every 3500 miles.

that sounds like a bit much. Did you read the plugs when you pulled them out? Did they look like the were shot? I'm curious to see what a plug looks like after only 3500 miles(Assuming good conditions)

[skene]

check the plugs every 3k for signs of wear.

[bitterchild]

I check w/ every oil change in addition to anytime I'm tuning. I find a lot of insulator jumping so I usually replace quite often. As a regular interval I'd say anywhere from 5-8k. They'll be fine for much longer than that and won't make that much of a difference on a k03. I guess at 1.0bar you might see a dense enough charge to show gap changes.

[beejohn]

what would be my 2nd choice of material to use for plugs then if i only want to switch them out every 30k?

every 5k miles for new plugs isn't something i want to spend my time/money on, especially for such little performance difference.

[mike-2ptzero]

Originally posted by beejohn
what would be my 2nd choice of material to use for plugs then if i only want to switch them out every 30k?

every 5k miles for new plugs isn't something i want to spend my time/money on, especially for such little performance difference.

Copper is the best plug to use on a turbo charged car. If the car is well tuned you can run them for more then 5k miles, just need to keep an eye on them.

[Hassmeister]

Audi recommended for my '98.5 is 30K for the stock plug.

I have a K04 and other mods and change my plugs every 5K.