Selection of Ngk iridium spark plugs by car

Author:

Maxim Markov

Timely and complete combustion of the working mixture in the cylinder determines the efficiency and full output of the car engine. In a gasoline power unit, only a working spark plug will ensure this process. In the ignition system, this part is one of the elements that are subject to maintenance as an independent operation. Before the next replacement, the selection of spark plugs for the car is carried out according to a number of criteria that will ensure stable and reliable operation of the engine.

Basic parameters and their meaning

When selecting spark plugs, the car owner does not assume the presence of a large number of technical parameters and more often relies on the choice of a car service center or seller. At the same time, it is not difficult to clarify the main characteristics of a candle of a certain model. Among the significant parameters are:

Number of electrodes. In most cases, specimens are offered with two electrodes - central and one side. In terms of the quality of spark formation, such samples are not inferior only at the initial stage. Spark plugs with several side electrodes retain their properties for a long time, provided they are of high quality.
Heat number. The indicator is taken into account taking into account the degree of boost of the power unit. Samples with a low heat index of 11-14 are suitable for lightly loaded engines. Motors with output from 100 hp. With. per liter they work with cold (more than 20) or medium (17-19) heat values.
Electrode material. The main material is alloy steel with the addition of nickel and manganese. The service life is increased by coating the electrodes with platinum. Fully platinum or iridium electrodes increase service life up to 100 thousand km, but increase the cost of the set.
Geometric dimensions represent several typical indicators.

The need to accurately select a spark plug in size is associated not only with the possibility of installation and good spark formation. For example, a sample with a short skirt will produce a spark off-center in the combustion chamber, which will directly affect the timing of ignition.

What does the marking tell you?

When choosing spark plugs, markings can provide additional information on the characteristics of an individual instance. For example, a Bosch product with the index WR17DDC9 is deciphered as follows:

letter “W” – the value of the metric thread on the body corresponds to 14×1.25;
designation “R” – the presence of a resistor to suppress interference;
index 17 – glow number of the candle;
consecutive letters “D” - the first indicates the thread length (19 mm), and the second indicates the presence of one side electrode;
the value “C” indicates the use of a copper electrode as the central electrode.

Before going to the store, we select the appropriate model based on the manufacturer’s table, taking into account the engine parameters. Specialized resources also offer a simplified search form, where the possibility of making a selection by car is considered.

Choosing a manufacturer

When choosing spark-forming elements, the choice is usually between the recommended elements for the engine or available analogues. Among the most famous brands with a wide range are:

Over a nearly 90-year history, Bosch spark plugs have been produced in more than 20 thousand models. Provided that original products are purchased, reliable engine operation will be ensured.
NGK, which has a history of almost 100 years, has a wide range of offers. While ensuring high quality, the cost for mass-produced car models is within 100 rubles per unit.
Denso spark plugs power the world's champion car manufacturer, Toyota. The number of cars produced in 2016 exceeded 9 million units, which only confirms the quality of Denso products.
The well-known manufacturer of spark plugs Champion is known for the production of parts, including for high-speed two-stroke engines.

When choosing the appropriate option, you should take into account not only individual technical characteristics, but also take into account the recommended replacement interval. At short intervals, there is no need to buy a spark plug with a service life of 120 thousand km. A high-quality product, for example, Finval or Brisk, will help ensure reliable sparking and optimal fuel consumption until the next service.

Competition that doesn't exist

There are currently a considerable number of manufacturers of spark plugs. Among them you can find two companies that produce decent products. These are Denso and NGK.

As numerous reviews note, Denso iridium spark plugs can be guaranteed to last up to 7 years. Manufacturers managed to reduce the diameter of the electrode to 0.4 mm. This means a soft engine start in any weather, shorter vehicle acceleration time, less noise at idle and significant fuel savings.

NGK candles are in no way inferior to their opponents in terms of their characteristics. Many leading manufacturers equip their vehicles with iridium products as standard.

The choice of the finished product is a matter of taste and preference for each of us. But regarding these two companies, we can definitely say the following - both competitors produce high-quality candles, and their products are identical in characteristics.

Replacement frequency

The regulations for replacing parts of the car ignition system provide for different frequencies of such operations. For the most common cars, this interval is set equal - Renault Logan (second generation), VAZ-2170 (Priora), Hyundai Solaris have a current indicator of 30 thousand km.

When planning the installation of new elements, it would be correct to change the entire set, without taking into account the actual condition of an individual spark plug. This will avoid engine trimming when running for a short time.

Among other signs of malfunction when a spark is formed, note:

noticeable increase in fuel consumption;
the appearance of vibrations in the operation of the power unit;
difficulty starting the engine;
failures when working in certain modes.

Tips for selecting candles

The operation of a modern car is designed primarily for service maintenance. Therefore, the manufacturer does not always provide initial characteristics that will help you choose an analogue spark plug for your car. Even if Bosch presents such parameters, it will be difficult to use them.

In such cases, it is more convenient to make a selection taking into account the modification of the car. Usually it is enough to know such initial data as the year of manufacture of the car, the type and size of the engine, and the year of manufacture. If you have difficulties in searching on your own, entrust the selection of spark plugs by car brand to professionals.

These could be specialists from the nearest spare parts store, a specialized online store or a highly specialized service.

After processing the initial information, all that remains is to select the desired option from among the available offers, taking into account the product labeling. For example, for a not very common model, the Ford Explorer 4.0 liter, Bosch, Denso and VAG were able to immediately offer spark plugs upon request.

By vehicle serial number

Searching for spare parts by VIN code is carried out in cases where complete identification of the vehicle is required. This is true for rare modifications of even well-known brands, relatively new models.

The principle of searching by VIN is similar to the operation of search engines on the World Wide Web. The encrypted information in the individual code is closely intertwined with similar codes for spare parts. Therefore, even without knowing the technical parameters, it becomes easy to recognize the desired candle.

For the search query by VIN code, some options are available:

specialized services for searching for spare parts with a unique number task;
search resources for comprehensive service online stores;
when contacting a service center using the catalog or search engines.

Before purchasing any set of candles, do not forget to visually check their condition.

Selection of NGK spark plugs for your vehicle

At the moment, the Japanese company NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. confidently holds the title of world leader in the production of spark plugs for almost all gasoline-powered equipment: from small-capacity lawnmower engines to multi-liter trucks. NGK spark plugs are a “strong middle ground”; they are guaranteed to be able to withstand the specified parameters at the required mileage, without emphasizing any one parameter to the detriment of overall functionality. Therefore, NGK maintains its leadership in supplies directly to car factories. What is important to them is that “original” (i.e., purchased from a third-party supplier under their own brand) spark plugs do not cause any problems during service runs throughout the entire warranty period.

NGK Technologies

The classic design of a spark plug seems to have remained unchanged for at least half a century. However, in modern conditions, when environmental requirements are constantly growing, such candles are of little use. The relatively large area of the electrodes on which the discharge occurs requires an increase in voltage; the spark itself, “floating” on the surface of the electrodes, does not guarantee strict maintenance of the torque and speed of propagation of the flame front.

The V-Line technology developed by the company has become a simple and effective solution to the problem for most internal combustion engines. The essence of the technology is to apply a V-shaped groove to the end of the central electrode, running parallel to the side electrode. Denso also uses essentially similar technology, but to circumvent NGK patents, they make a groove on the side electrode.

For spark plugs made using V-Line technology, while maintaining other parameters, the area of space in which sparking is possible is noticeably reduced. With the same ignition system, the electrostatic field strength between the electrodes increases, that is, the power and stability of the spark increases in comparison with traditionally designed spark plugs. In addition, the spark always jumps “from the edge”, where the spark gap is better ventilated - when operating on lean mixtures, this improves the stability of the engine, especially at idle.

NGK spark plugs with a semi-sliding surface discharge are interesting: unlike traditional multi-electrode designs, here the central electrode is completely recessed into the insulator.

The advantage of such products when working on rich mixtures or in worn-out engines: deposits of conductive carbon deposits here have little effect on the efficiency of the spark plug, and it becomes capable of working even with heavy contamination.

If we recall NGK or platinum iridium spark plugs, their advantages over classic ones are obvious: much more stable sparking due to the small diameter of the central electrode, and minimal erosion rates - and therefore the longest resource compared to other types. It is not for nothing that representatives of this line are installed in modern engines from the factory.

However, even here, NGK engineers found room for new experiments. The hybrid spark plugs they created have a central platinum electrode that works in tandem with a side electrode. The side electrode has a platinum solder and two additional electrodes that work on the same principle as is used in spark plugs with a semi-sliding surface discharge. When a spark plug becomes dirty, additional electrodes come into play, allowing the engine to operate stably until it warms up to the point where the carbon burns out.

Benefits of new candles

First, let's look at the advantages of iridium spark plugs, reviews of which allow us to judge the quality of the product, and then we will touch on the disadvantages. Testing shows that the new product has a number of advantages.

The key distinguishing feature of iridium spark plugs, which is also their main advantage, is the thickness of the electrode. For standard spark plugs, the diameter of the copper tip is 0.8 mm, while for the iridium electrode it is 0.4 mm. What does this give? First of all, due to this you can get a more powerful and high-quality spark. Thanks to the thin electrode, the discharge is concentrated in a small area and can occur even at a low voltage.

Another important parameter, confirmed by many tests and reviews, is fuel economy. In some cases it reaches 7%! And due to the complete, therefore high-quality combustion of the fuel mixture, the hydrocarbon content in the exhaust system is reduced to a minimum. And as many reviews show, iridium spark plugs really help reduce exhaust emissions.

Other equally important advantages include:

Long service life. According to the manufacturer, iridium spark plugs will last up to 150 thousand km. This figure is a little overestimated, since tests really confirm a long service life, only their resource is 110,000-120,000 km.
The engine can be started under any conditions, even at low temperatures.
When using these spark plugs, engine power increases by at least 6-8%. And numerous reviews from drivers confirm positive trends in the performance of their cars after installing such spark plugs.
Improved idle characteristics. Efficient ignition and combustion of fuel leads to an increase in the number of revolutions.

Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to invent a perpetual motion machine, a car that would never break down, or at least completely ideal spark plugs, completely devoid of flaws.

And no matter how positive the reviews may be, NGK or Denso iridium spark plugs have their drawbacks.

Decoding the NGK spark plug markings

installation thread diameter and hexagon size (A – 18/25.4 mm, B – 14/20.8 mm, C – 10/16 mm, D – 12/18 mm, E – 8/13 mm, AB – 18/ 20.8 mm, BC – 14/16 mm, BK – 14/16 mm, DC – 12/16 mm). That is, for the usual VAZ car spark plugs, the first symbol in the marking should be B, for example.
type of execution (P – protruding insulator, M – compact spark plug, U – with surface discharge).
type of noise suppression (R – resistor, Z – inductance). On spark plugs that do not have additional noise suppression, the third familiarity is skipped (for example, in BP6ES).
heat number. At NGK it is designated by numbers from 2 to 10, the direction of numbering is familiar to us according to the domestic standard (that is, “two” is the hottest, and “ten” is the coldest). The applicability of NGK in terms of heat rating and their compliance with the markings of other manufacturers can be described as follows:
length of fastening thread (E – 19 mm, EH – 19 mm with shank partially without thread, H – 12.7 mm, L – 11.2 mm). If NGK does not have an O-ring, but a conical fit, then the letter F is used, and the thread length is, depending on the first sign element, 10.9 mm (plugs A), 11.2 mm (plugs B), 17.5 mm (plugs B *EF). For example, on the NGK AR8F the marking indicates a thread length of 10.9 mm with a conical seal. For compact spark plugs, this familiarity is skipped, since their thread length is always 9.5 mm.
spark gap size. This familiar place is always separated by a hyphen, and if it is not in the marking, then a standard gap is set: for cars 0.8-0.9 mm, for motorcycles 0.7-0.8 mm. The gap is indicated in tenths of a millimeter as an integer, that is, 8 means a gap of 0.8 mm, and 15 means 1.5 mm.
design features of the candle. There are many options here:

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Marking of Denso spark plugs

Video: Spark plugs in Japanese cars: marking of Denso, NGK spark plugs

Each manufacturer uses its own coding scheme for spark plug parameters. Denso has adopted the following for new series:

Iridium TT candles have their own scheme:

Old marking system:

For example, let's find an analogue of our classic candle A17DVRM. Here the difficulty is only with the heat number (Denso does not provide comparisons with the domestic standard), but from the catalog of analogues we can conclude that Denso’s analogue of the Russian “17” will be “20”. Since we need a 14x19 threaded shank, and the spark plug wrench we use is 21, we need to look for spark plugs with the W20 prefix in the “old” series (since VAZ spark plugs have been replaced for decades) - for example, W20EPR-U, spark plugs with 19mm shank (E), center electrode protrusion (P), built-in resistor (R) and U-shaped groove on the side (U). If you want to install iridium spark plugs, then IW20TT will do.

NGK selection of spark plugs by car make, description and marking

Japanese enterprise NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Today it occupies a leading position in the global market in the production and sale of spark plugs. The main specialization of the company is gasoline engines - from small-displacement motor mowers to high-volume cargo units.

Click to enlarge.

NGK iridium spark plugs.

The NGK line of spark plugs is distinguished by standard characteristics and the ability to work at a given rhythm for a certain mileage without damage or failure. It is for this reason that many well-known car factories cooperate with NGK. The spark plugs of this brand fully justify the confidence of car manufacturers in terms of reliability and uninterrupted operation for the entire warranty period.

NGK spark plugs: characteristics and scope of application

Due to the fact that NGK has long been known in the world market as one of the reliable manufacturers, today many car models are produced equipped with its spark plugs. These are primarily such well-known brands as Volkswagen and BMW, as well as a number of Russian and Korean cars.

Important! Spark plugs are produced in Japan, from where they are supplied to the domestic market.

The purpose of the NGK line of spark plugs is standard - to initiate the flame in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. It is logical that the quality of their operation will directly depend on the nature of the operation of the engine itself. Each specific motor, in accordance with its technical parameters, needs to select appropriate spark plugs. As a rule, store clerks have such information. However, it would be nice for any driver to know what criteria are used to select spark plugs for internal combustion engines.

Note! The NGK product range includes not only spark plugs used on injection engines, but also glow plugs for diesel engines.

How the ignition system works

Before comparing regular and iridium spark plugs, you need to understand how the ignition system of a gasoline engine works.

Regardless of the type of power system (carburetor, multi-injection, distributed injection), all processes in the combustion chamber are the same. When the piston compresses the air-fuel mixture and almost reaches top dead center (TDC), the ignition system produces a spark. The power of a normal spark with a fully charged battery is enough to ignite a thoroughly mixed air-fuel mixture with a ratio of 14.7:1. When the engine is fully warmed up, the temperature of the mixture also increases, so the ratio at which the spark plug effectively ignites it can be increased to 15-16:1. When the battery produces less voltage (at negative temperatures), the ratio must be changed to 12-13:1. Otherwise, an ordinary candle will not be able to properly ignite the mixture. This explains the numerous problems of motorists who have difficulty starting their cars in the cold.

How to choose NGK spark plugs: decoding the markings

Each spark plug from the NGK manufacturer is individually marked. The alphanumeric combination characterizes its applicability for specific conditions and the motor, which is extremely important for the buyer to know. Unlike other companies, NGK products are strictly standardized.

Now let’s look at two illustrative examples of how to choose the right NGK spark plugs based on the combination of marking letters, depending on the location of which the method of reading it also changes.

Example No. 1: decoding of NGK spark plug markings with the first letters A, B, C, D, E, AB, BC, BK, DC

For example, let's take a spark plug from the NGK line marked BPR7ES-11:

The first one or two letters indicate the diameter of the thread/hexagon. The letter B is 14 mm / 20.8 mm. Size values vary depending on what specific letter or combination of letters is written.
The second letter reflects the structure. The letter P from the example is a modification with a protruding insulator.
The third letter is the type of resistor that suppresses interference. The letter R from the example means the presence of a resistor.
The number - an extremely important parameter in choosing a candle - means the heat number. Number 7 from the example characterizes the candle as medium, that is, neither cold nor hot.
The fourth letter in the marking is the length of the thread. The letter E from the example is equal to 19 mm.
The fifth letter characterizes the design features. S in the example means standard type.
The number located after the dash indicates the size of the gap between the electrodes. 11 – equal to 1.1 mm.

Example No. 2: decoding the marking of NGK spark plugs with the first letters D, I, L, P, S, Z

In this example, assume that you need to decipher the marking of a spark plug from the manufacturer NGK with the inscription SGR2P-10:

The first letter indicates the type of candle. The letter S means that the spark plug has increased ignition reliability; its design has a square-shaped platinum insert. It should be remembered here that several letters written in a row can be used to designate the type of candle.
The second letter is either the size of the thread itself, or the parameters of the hex key opening. The G in the example stands for 14mm thread or 19mm O-ring solution.
The third letter stands for noise suppression resistor. The letter R stands for resistor.
The number characterizes the heat value. So, number 2 from the example indicates that the candle is hot.
The fourth letter shows design features. From example P is a platinum electrode.
The number following the dash shows the size of the gap between the electrodes. In the example it is 1 mm.

Important! When choosing NGK brand spark plugs, rely solely on the official instructions given by the manufacturer itself.

NGK product marking

Due to the fact that the company is engaged in the production of spark plugs for various types of power units, it has developed an individual classification of its products, which can be found on the company’s official websites or printed catalogs.

The marking of NGK spark plugs consists of Latin letters, as well as digital designations, the interpretation of which is given in the attached table:

In order to understand such markings, let’s consider products that have the following digital and letter designations - bpr6es.

The first letter B means that the product has a thread diameter and a hexagon with a diameter of 14 millimeters/20.8 millimeters.

The second letter P indicates that the spark plug has a protruding insulator, and the designation R indicates that the product has an interference suppression resistor.

The number 6 refers to potassium indicators; according to the given markings, such a spark plug refers to moderately hot ignition elements. The Latin marking E indicates that the thread length is 19 millimeters, and S indicates that the candle has a standard design.

Here is a description of a specific product that has a specific marking.

Selection of NGK spark plugs based on the car model

On the search page (https://www.ngk.de/nc/ru/podbor-produkcii/) of the company’s official website, which is very popular in the world, a large assortment of auto components is presented. This is the largest catalog of NGK spark plugs online. To quickly find the information you need, you should go to the following product categories:

gasoline engines;
power units running on liquefied gas;
glow plugs;
coils and wires for ignition systems;
oxygen and temperature sensors.

By clicking on the appropriate section, you need to select the name of the car manufacturer and model. Next, after the table with modifications appears, you can select the required product. To make it easier to select a set of spark plugs, it presents the main characteristics of the engine.

NGK website: selection of spark plugs by car make.

NGK candle range

Knowledge alone about how to correctly decipher candle markings is not enough. The car owner should also know what models of spark plugs are on sale. Manufacturer NGK is constantly updating its product range, replacing old models with new ones that are more relevant for modern times:

NGK Racing – spark plugs for racing car models. Suitable for the ultra-high loads encountered in professional racing competitions.
NGK LaserLine – spark plug models for gas engines.
NGK Glow are glow plugs used in diesel engines. The design has a special heating coil.
NGK D-Power is a glow plug model for severe operating conditions. Designed to start a diesel engine at subzero temperatures. The assortment includes many modifications of this model, including ceramic ones.
NGK Standart is a standard series of spark plugs. The design includes a central electrode made of nickel. Characterized by durability and good performance.
NGK Platinum VX - spark plugs, unlike the normal modification, have platinum coating. The diameter of the central electrode reaches 0.8 mm. During operation it exhibits durability and reliability.
NGK Laser Platinum - platinum coated spark plugs with corrugated fins designed to resist combustion.
NGK Laser Iridium – NGK iridium spark plugs, spark plugs with an iridium electrode. They differ in service life of 100,000 km.
NGK V-Line is a model of spark plugs with a notch on the main electrode in the shape of the letter V. They provide better ignition.
NGK V-Power is a modification of spark plugs that has a copper core for maximum heat dissipation and a V-shaped notch.

The 10 series of spark plugs presented above are not the entire list of spark plugs from NGK, but only its most popular part. A more complete list is presented on the company website.

Varieties of candles

There is a wide range of candle models on sale, each with its own characteristics. They are grouped into the following NGK catalog classes:

Racing - spark plugs created for racing cars. They are designed for professionals and can withstand increased loads. The electrode located in the center is soldered with platinum. The product has good performance, suitable for gasoline engines.
Laser Line - models from the NGK spark plug catalog, used for cars running on gas fuel. The central electrode is made of iridium.
Glow - spark plugs for diesel engines. They are equipped with a special heating coil. The body is made of ceramic and metal. The products ensure smooth starting and operation of the motor.
D - Power - models designed to work in adverse conditions. With them, the diesel engine can be started at low air temperatures. The line contains a variety of candle options, including ceramic products.
Standard - products with a centered nickel electrode. NGK spark plugs in this series are standard and have a long service life. They work with cars running on gasoline.
Platinum VX - standard models with platinum coating. The electrode diameter reaches 0.8 mm. They have a good resource for long-term operation with gasoline engines.
Laser Platinum - candles with platinum soldering and corrugated ribs that protect against fire. The material of the models is not subject to erosion and corrosion. The products can operate without interruption for 60 thousand km.
Laser Iridium - products with an iridium-based electrode, 0.6 mm thick. The service life of the spark plug is approximately 100 thousand km.
V - Line - models with a V-shaped notch on the nickel electrode, which makes ignition more efficient.
V - Power - candles with a copper core that removes heat better. The product is also equipped with a V-shaped notch.

NGK Technologies

Invented more than half a century ago, the classic spark plug certainly still works today. However, due to the constant increase in environmental safety standards, it is simply no longer possible to use such models. With a large surface area of the electrode on which the discharge occurs, it is necessary to increase the discharge power. In this case, the emerging spark itself does not stand still, but seems to float, and therefore cannot maintain the severity of the moment and the speed of propagation of the flame front.

V-Line is a technology from NGK, with the help of which it was possible to find a compromise solution to overcome this situation. It consists of creating a V-shaped groove at the end of the main electrode, located parallel to the side electrode. Interestingly, Denso also uses a similar method with the difference that the groove is applied to the surface of the side electrode.

Spark plugs manufactured using V-Line technology are distinguished by a small surface area on which a spark is formed. By keeping the ignition system unchanged, this makes it possible to significantly increase the intensity of the interelectrode electrostatic field. In other words, the technology increases spark power and stability compared to previously used modifications. It should be noted that due to the fact that the spark jumps from the edge, in the place where maximum ventilation occurs, the smooth operation of the engine is improved. This is especially noticeable in lean mixtures, particularly at idle.

An interesting feature of NGK spark plugs with a semi-sliding surface discharge. Here, the main electrode is entirely contained in an insulator, compared to traditional multi-electrode designs.

This gives the advantage of running the engine on rich mixtures or in worn-out systems. The resulting carbon deposits on the conductors practically do not reduce the effectiveness of the spark plug, so that it is able to maintain functionality even with severe contamination.

The new platinum and iridium spark plugs from NGK feature advantages such as maximum spark stability due to the small diameter of the main electrode and minimal erosion. Equipping engines of modern cars coming off the assembly line with such spark plugs is one of the best indicators of their high service life.

It is interesting to note that NGK developers are constantly working to improve glow plugs. Thus, the new hybrid spark plugs they created, in addition to the main central platinum electrode, have an additional side electrode. The latter works in tandem with two additional electrodes and is soldered with platinum. Their operation is based on the principle of a semi-sliding surface discharge. As soon as carbon deposits form on the spark plug, the additional electrodes begin to work. As a result, engine stability is maintained at a high level. At the same time, the main spark plug heats up and the carbon burns out completely.

How to spot fake spark plugs?

The great popularity of NGK spark plugs has its bad downside - a huge number of fakes. Counterfeit is widespread in both real and virtual stores. Naturally, this could not but affect the reputation of the manufacturer’s original products.

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NGK spark plugs, how to spot a fake.

Therefore, in order not to fall into a false opinion and not buy a fake, you need to learn to distinguish the original from the counterfeit. First of all, you need to pay attention to the packaging. And the first thing that may catch your eye is the “crooked” printing. The quality of the image and all packaging details from the manufacturer is always at its best, unlike scammers.

Original NGK spark plugs and fakes.

The appearance and design of the product itself is no less important. Thus, the contact tip of an NGK spark plug looks like one piece with the spark plug body. It is simply impossible to unscrew it with all the strength of your hands. The marked inscription must be distinct, clear and uniform. The thread on the original spark plug, rolled on a high-precision machine, always looks perfectly even and smooth. If it has roughness and traces of the work of a cutter, then this clearly indicates a fake. The presence of crooked electrodes or their visible deviation from the central axis is another clear sign of counterfeit.

Pros and cons of NGK spark plugs

NGK products are mostly characterized by positive reviews. In addition to the highest quality and compliance with international standards, this was made possible thanks to the following advantages:

Iridium and platinum spark formers are made on the basis of alumina - a dielectric of increased strength and good conductivity.
Insurance against spark overlap is provided by a corrugated tip.
High thermal conductivity prevents the candle from overheating.
Protection of the spark plug from temperature changes and deformation is provided by a high-strength insulator.
Completely sealed spark plug housing.
The copper core provides a high heat rating and wear resistance. It is characterized by low resistance and high thermal conductivity.
Candles are not subject to soot formation.
Good performance characteristics for screwing in/out thanks to cold-rolled threads.

D-Racer67 Blog All about spark plugs. How do iridium spark plugs differ from regular spark plugs?

Features of Denso spark plugs

Denso iridium spark plugs have a number of features that can be used to determine their authenticity. For example, a U-shaped side electrode device. This allows you to “catch” the spark at its highest point and optimize the ignition as a whole. Such a spark plug can ignite a leaner fuel mixture, which leads to a reduction in fuel consumption. The use of iridium spark plugs prevents the formation of carbon deposits in the engine cylinders; in addition, Denso can even find iridium spark plugs on VAZs. The gas-tight coating of the electrodes allows you to keep the temperature of the spark plug in the optimal range to prevent late or premature ignition. There are spark plugs made from an alloy of iridium and platinum. They are the most expensive, but at the same time they have absorbed all the best qualities of modern spark plugs in general. Testing their use in practice confirms that the vehicle's service interval is significantly increased.

How to choose candles

Replacing conventional spark plugs with iridium spark plugs

When is it still necessary to change spark plugs?

The main reasons for spark plug failure

Undoubtedly, the operation and service life of spark plugs largely depend on the quality of the fuel, correct settings and adjustments of the power and ignition system. However, the main factor that influences the actual life of a spark plug is the quality of workmanship and the materials that were used in its production. Today you can find spark plugs whose electrodes are made of copper, silver, iridium alloys and alloys containing gold and even platinum. Despite the fact that the auto parts market is “teeming” with low-grade Chinese samples that look very much like the products of leading automotive manufacturers, you can always find good iridium or platinum spark plugs designed specifically for your car. However, it should be warned that one constant rule always applies in the auto parts market: a good quality product cannot be cheap. Which iridium spark plugs are better? Models from BOSCH, NGK, BRISK, DENSO, correctly selected in terms of heat rating and operating pressure, when using high-quality gasoline, are guaranteed to serve you for the period specified by the manufacturer. At the same time, all those who like to experiment should be told that any additives added to automobile fuel significantly reduce the service life of spark plugs, adding additional deposits to the soot that inevitably forms.

Diagnosing spark plugs

First, inspect the ceramic spark plug insulator. There should be no cracks or chips on it. Any defect in the insulator can contribute to parasitic current leakage and lead to a banal interelectrode short circuit. Check the reliability of fixation of the central electrode rod and the absence of gaps between it and the ceramic insulator of the spark plug. The contact nut must be intact and tightly screwed onto the thread. Next, proceed to inspect the working part of the spark plug, namely the area of sparking and ignition of the fuel mixture. On the electrodes and insulator of a working spark plug, carbon deposits should be minimal and have a specific red color. Otherwise, you should think about both changing the supplier or distributor of fuel, and the need to replace the spark plug as soon as possible. When carrying out diagnostics, do not forget to also check the size of the air gap between the electrodes. To check the condition of spark plugs, service stations often resort to the use of special instrumentation, which allows not only to measure insulation resistance and leakage currents, but also to observe the operation of the spark plug in real conditions. At home, we recommend not to discount the simplest and most reliable “old-fashioned” diagnostic method, which consists in replacing the spark plug being tested with a new one or a known good one. But what will show whether we need iridium spark plugs?

Automotive spark plugs and glow plugs: selection by car, motorcycle

The Auto-Candles online store is the largest and most convenient service for selecting spark plugs for any type of equipment: cars, motorcycles, and so on.

Our range includes spark plugs and glow plugs from industry leaders. You can be sure that you are buying only the best candles.

Thanks to our selection catalog, you can find out which spark plugs are suitable for your car or motorcycle. Guaranteed correct result - 100%. Our candles are manufactured at production facilities in Japan, Germany and China.

Our suppliers are Bosch, Denso and NGK. We try to keep prices affordable.

The range of candles includes a variety of models: iridium, platinum and standard nickel.

High quality spark plugs with precious metal electrodes are extremely durable. Here you can find modern models: Bosch Double Iridium, NGK Laser Platinum and Denso Iridium TT.

If you are looking for a spark plug for your car, then we can easily find replacements for your old spark plugs.

We guarantee quality

By purchasing candles in our online store you are protected from counterfeits.

We guarantee 100% originality of candles, as we work directly with representative offices and distributors of our brands.

It is convenient to work with our store: in addition to an accurate search in the catalog, we provide fast delivery throughout Russia. More details about delivery can be found on the delivery page.

Our store has a certified car service center where professional technicians can replace spark plugs on your car.

Bosch is a company founded by one of the creators of modern spark plugs and glow plugs. Bosch is a global manufacturer of automotive components with nearly 130 years of manufacturing experience.

Denso is one of the world's largest manufacturers of automotive components. Denso spark plugs are installed as standard in most Japanese cars. Famous quality from Japan.

NGK is the largest manufacturer of automotive spark plugs in the world. The company has been producing and improving candles for 80 years. Half of BMW, Fiat and VW cars leave the assembly line with NGK spark plugs installed.

New information has been added to individual spark plug packaging.

At the World Automotive Components 2017 award ceremony, Bosch was awarded a diploma.

Weak side of iridium spark plugs

Their significant drawback is the price. The cost of some products can be 500 rubles or more per unit! The same copper, platinum or chromium-nickel spark plugs are much cheaper. Only for a number of buyers this is a controversial point, since the high cost is compensated by the long service life of iridium spark plugs.

The second disadvantage can be considered the fact that installing modern spark plugs on old carburetor engines will not provide the car with all the advantages. A long period of operation is all that can be counted on in this case.

How and where to choose NGK spark plugs for your car

NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd from the Land of the Rising Sun is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality components for internal combustion engines.

NGK spark plugs are produced in a wide range of different sizes; they can be selected according to the vehicle. For these purposes, specially developed tables or online services that sell such products can be used.

NGK has extensive experience in the design and development of automotive components. Its history began in 1919 and during this period, the enterprise from a small workshop turned into a real transnational corporation. Much attention is paid to improving products and increasing their operational and technical characteristics.

NGK V-Line spark plugs are designed to ensure stable operation in modern engines with a lean air-fuel mixture. Such products provide reliable sparking and, accordingly, ignition in the cylinders of the power unit.

One of the features of components of this type is high reliability when operating in any mode, regardless of the quality of the fuel.

Gap adjustment

Some manufacturers recommend setting the spark plug gap according to the engine manufacturer's recommendations. This is indicated on the packaging. The large distance between the contacts allows for better ignition of the air-fuel mixture. All thanks to the increased gap, where more fuel penetrates. In some cases, it even explodes, as evidenced by popping sounds. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this issue, which is reflected in reviews of iridium spark plugs from NGK or another brand.

Due to the small gap, the length of the spark also decreases, but at the same time its power increases. In this case, there is a possibility that the spark plugs will flood and the engine will start to stall. As a result, the engine is unstable and often stalls.

Let’s omit all the individual characteristics of manufacturers of automotive power units and spark plugs, and designate only the value of the gap:

classic carburetor engines with a distributor - 0.5-0.6 mm;
classic carburetor engines with electronic ignition – 0.7-0.8 mm;
injection engines - approximately 1.2 mm.

Do not neglect such a parameter as the gap on the spark plugs. Since this is an important parameter that affects the efficiency of ignition and engine operation.

Production Features

The design of products of this kind has long been worked out and it is almost impossible to come up with anything fundamentally new. Improving the performance of spark plugs is only possible through the use of innovative materials, high quality processing and strict adherence to production technology. NGK fully meets these conditions and offers consumers products of the appropriate level of performance.

There are a total of seven types of spark plugs in the series with different characteristics, each of which has a number of features. A product with three side electrodes, which were created specifically for Volkswagen cars. The selection of spark plugs by car brand in the NGK catalog can be carried out using special tables and specialized Internet services.

The series includes time-tested designs with one electrode, modified by the company’s engineers. A slight modification of the spark plug allows you to achieve high stability in their operation. A V-shaped notch is made on the central electrode, ensuring redistribution of potentials to the periphery, where the concentration of gasoline vapors is higher. This ensures guaranteed ignition.

Video review of NGK spark plugs of various series:

NGK multi-electrode spark plugs are innovative solutions that use the redundancy principle to increase reliability. Such products provide stable sparking in any engine operating mode. The number of side electrodes varies from two to four, installed evenly in a circle. Such products are not prone to clogging and have a significant service life.

Spark plugs with a cone-shaped central electrode and soldering of rare earth and precious metals are very promising. The most commonly used solders are platinum and iridium, which significantly increase their service life. Soldering is done on the side electrode on its inner surface.

NGK spark plug markings

The company's products are supplied to the consumer in individual packaging, and coded symbols are applied to the cases for identification. The NGK spark plug marking system makes it much easier to select them for your vehicle. Let's look at the content of the inscriptions using a specific example:

NGK spark plug markings

PFR5A - 11

P
– type of spark plug (D – increased reliability, I – iridium, L – extended thread, P – platinum, S – platinum increased reliability, Z – with a spark ring protruding along the edge of the skirt). The designations listed above can be combined in different combinations.
F
– parameters of the thread and spark plug wrench used for installation.
R
– presence of an interference suppression resistor.
5
— heat number (the parameter varies from 2 to 13, from “hot” candles to “cold”)
A
- special characteristics;
11
– the size of the interelectrode gap (7 – 0.7 mm, 9 – 0.9 mm, 10 – 1.0 mm, 11 – 1.1 mm, 13 – 1.3 mm, 14 -1.4 mm, 15 -1 .5 mm).

To the above marking symbols, others may be added to characterize some of the features of the candle. Here are some of them: A - without a sealing washer, D - anti-corrosion coating of the body, G - additional side electrode made of copper, H - special thread and others.

Video - marking of Japanese spark plugs (NGK and DENSO):

Knowing the markings will simplify the selection of spark plugs by car brand from the NGK product range. Such information will help you easily identify the product and determine its parameters.