How to identify quality spark plugs?

Although at first glance it seems that spark plugs are one of the most insignificant components in a car, in practice this is not the case. It depends on them whether the necessary spark appears to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine and start the car.

Most motorists are well aware of the function of these elements and the importance of timely replacement. spark plugs.

And this raises a problem. The fact is that there are so many models and brands of these elements of the car’s ignition system that you can easily get confused: which ones to choose.

To make your choice easier, we tried to make a short list of the best candles tested in the work.

The best brands and models of spark plugs for 2020

Dense – IK20TT

The platinum spark plug is considered one of the best spark plugs currently available in the market. The size of the platinum central and side (titanium) electrodes Denso - PK20TT - 11 mm.

This Denso spark plug model has a long service life, affects fuel economy, provides faster engine starting and affects the dynamics of the car compared to other brands and models of platinum spark plugs.

For a more effective insulation, Denso uses refined aluminum powder, which provides the IK20TT with very good thermal conductivity and dielectric strength.

Pros:

• Durability;
• Double tip technology;
• Titanium ground electrode;
• Aluminum powder for better insulation.

The disadvantage of this model and the brand of candles is only one and this is a high price.

Denso SK20R11 iridium

Denso is undoubtedly one of the most sought after brands on the market, and this is due to the quality and exceptional effectiveness of the products they produce. As for the Denso SK20R11 Iridium spark plugs, they have found their place in our rating, because they have improved characteristics that positively affect the operation of the engine.

This Denso spark plug model utilizes the patented 360-degree welding process, which provides exceptional bonding quality and overall structural strength of the central iridium electrode. Denso Iridium is very durable. In their production are also used:

• Refined aluminum powder for greater strength and thermal conductivity;
• Machine-rolled yarns that prevent tangling;
• Copper-glass sealing joints in the central core.

Advantages of Denso SK20R11 Iridium:

• Excellent performance and stable engine performance;
• Stable burning idling;
• Iridium with a high melting point;
• Great resource;
• Great reliability.

Again, there is only one drawback and this is a rather high price.

ACDelco Professional Iridium

ACDelco is a very popular brand, better known for producing original parts for GM vehicles. However, when it comes to their best spark plug models, ACDelco Professional iridium spark plugs come to the fore.

This ACDelco spark plug model has an electrode construction of small diameter, which makes it very reliable for cold starts and fast acceleration. Iridium fine conductive electrode helps burn carbon deposits faster as soon as they form. In addition, ACDelco Professional has a gasket that helps block radio frequencies that can affect the performance of the car’s ignition system.

Benefits of ACDelco Professional Spark Plugs:

• Excellent stamina;
• Excellent engine stability;
• Доступная цена.

The only drawback is that they are quite difficult to install.

NGK BKR5EIX – 11 Iridium IX

Japanese brand spark plugs are suitable for all high performance cars. This model of candles is distinguished by an iridium tip 0,6 mm thick. This element is a guarantee of great durability and a stable spark.

An additional advantage of this model of candles is the longer nose of the insulator, which prevents pollution. NGK Iridium also has corrugated fins mounted on an insulator and a triple seal, which eliminates the risk of fuel gas leakage. This NGK product is very durable, making it a very good choice for high performance engines.

Plus NGK BKR5EIX – 11 Iridium IX:

• Very high endurance;
• Exceptionally good anti-corrosion properties;
• High flammability of the fuel-air mixture;
• Protection against fakes.

Cons: high price

NGK CR6EK Standard Spark Plug

This NGK model is one of the best standard general purpose spark plugs. The CR6EK is a generic copper spark plug with incredibly good features to keep your engine running smoothly. It features larger spark, better conductivity and greater thermal insulation.

It also has a longer nose and corrugated insulator fins. A longer nose prevents possible contamination, and grooved ribs guarantee better insulation. For durability and long-term use NGK CR6EK also has a zinc coating.

Pros of NGK CR6EK:

• Greater heat dissipation;
• Grounded electrodes provide the best spark;
• Good price.

Cons:

• Shorter life;
• A little more complicated installation.

Bosch 4417 Platinum

Bosch is without a doubt one of the most popular manufacturers of a wide range of automotive products. That is why it is not surprising that brand spark plugs find their place in each rating.

Especially for Bosch 4417 Platinum spark plugs, we can say that they differ from all other types and models of spark plugs in their unique design. The main focus of this Bosch model is factory clearance for easy installation. Bosch Platinum has four yttrium grounding electrodes and a central platinum electrode.

The insulator nose is grooved and the electrode gaps are set at the factory, which provides a very simple and quick installation. Like other models of brand spark plugs, Bosch 4417 is equipped with surface air gap technology that provides a very powerful spark for maximum engine performance. Yttrium alloy reduces wear and oxidation.

The benefits of Bosch 4417 spark plugs are:

• Easy installation
• Durability;
• Long warranty
• Provide optimal engine performance.

Cons:

• High price;
• Not suitable for all car brands.

Champion Copper Plus

Champion spark plugs are some of the most durable copper spark plugs that improve overall engine performance. Copper Plus is a Champion model with a copper central electrode. Copper spark plugs have a patented shell with an ultra-seal that helps prevent corrosion.

The model is designed for older engines to improve engine performance and power.

Benefits of Champion Candles:

• Reliable;
• Durable
• Доступная цена.

Minus - not suitable for modern cars.

Autolite APP5224 Double Platinum

This is a spark plug with much greater durability than copper, single platinum and even iridium spark plugs. Unlike single platinum spark plugs, the Autolite Double Platinum has a platinum core, a platinum electrode and a platinum wire.

Thanks to elements from this metal, the model provides faster ignition, stable engine operation and lower fuel consumption. The center electrode of the Autolite Double Platinum is closed at the bottom for faster response and sparks.

Advantages:

• Long life;
• Promotes fuel economy;
• A platinum tip protects the gap from erosion.

The downside is that it's harder to install.

Bosch 9652 Double Iridium

This Bosch spark plug model has dual iridium side electrodes that provide excellent flammability. The central electrode has iridium soldering, which in turn contributes to the durability of the spark plugs.

The Bosch 9652 is probably the best choice if you have a high-performance or sports car. Candles with a double iridium electrode give an excellent spark, improve dynamics and provide a smooth idling of the engine.

Benefits of Bosch Double Iridium:

• High stamina;
• Reliability;
• They are made of high quality materials.

Two minuses: they are designed for limited models of engines, and they are often faked.

What do experts advise?

There are three things to consider when choosing spark plugs.

Material

The material of the candles is important because it depends on whether the candle meets your needs or not. For example, copper is a suitable material if you have an older machine, and platinum and iridium are suitable for modern engines.

Heating range

Spark plugs are defined as “hot” if they are equipped with a better heat insulator, or as “cold” if they can remove more heat from above and cool quickly. Manufacturers usually indicate the heating range (heating number) by the number or increasing numbers for “hot” candles and decreasing numbers for “cold” candles.

Candle Well Size

Spark plugs have a spark gap, which can be adjusted using a special tool. The spark plug can be designed for different types of engines, but each engine requires its own clearance. Spark plugs usually have gaps in the range of 0,6 to 1,8 mm.

Do not forget to pay attention to the recommendations of manufacturers, buy spark plugs in famous stores. Thanks to these tips, you will find the most suitable spark plugs for your car.

Questions and answers:

Which spark plugs are the best in quality? Depending on the type of electrodes and the material from which they are made, high-quality candles are original for a particular engine, Denso, Beru, Bosch, NGK.

Which spark plugs are best for the winter? You need to pay attention to the incandescence number. For hot regions, it is better to purchase cold ones, and for northern latitudes - hot ones (a stable spark in a cold internal combustion engine).

Which spark plugs are better than Denso or NLC? First of all, you need to compare the materials of manufacture, compliance with a specific type of internal combustion engine, heat rating, etc. Japanese automakers install Denso plugs, although NGKs are Japanese too.

What are the best spark plugs for vaz? NGK B9Eg-3530, Denso PK20PR-P8, Brisk Extra Dr15Tc-1, Bosch Platinum WR7DP, Bosch WR7DPX, NGK BPR6 ES-11, Brisk LR15YCY-1, Denso W20EPR-U11.