Among the parts necessary for a car, many auto professionals call spark plugs, without which it is impossible to start a car or drive. Such parts are made with the expectation of working in difficult conditions, because they have to find themselves dozens of times per second either in poisonous gasoline vapors or in a hot gas mixture. Which spark plugs are best for your car's engine performance and how to choose the right one? To do this, let's look at the rating of the most best candles ignition.
First of all, reviews of buyers and experts, as well as quality and resource were taken into account. The quality has been checked by running the engine during starting, idling, detonation and vibration. The resource is the maximum operating time of the motor until at least one of the spark plugs from the kit is full.
Main parameters of spark plugs
When buying spark plugs, two main parameters are taken into account - geometric dimensions and glow number. With the dimensions, everything is clear - too small a candle will not screw into a too large compartment of the distributor. If the dimensions are larger than necessary, the electrodes can jump out of the distributor and collide with the piston, the result will be serious damage to the motor.
The heat number is an indicator of the thermal mode of operation of the candle. Which spark plugs are best for you? The higher the glow number, the higher the temperature of the working medium for the spark plug. A high heat rating should be chosen by car owners of countries in the northern region with severe frosts, low heat ratings, operated in countries with hot climates.
In order not to be mistaken with the heating number, it is advisable to check the manufacturer's recommendations in the instructions for your car. There should also be a table of interchangeable candles.
Design and main characteristics
In addition to the geometric dimensions and the glow number, it is taken into account, therefore they have different characteristics and types:
- Ordinary one-electron. At low cost and low recoil, the engines are very short-lived. To minimize disadvantages, such candles were subjected to sawing and other design tweaks.
- Multi-electrode. The central electrode is surrounded by 3-4 side electrodes like a flower. This approach improved spark formation, spark plug stability and engine performance with a slight increase in cost.
- From precious refractory metals (with parts made of silver, platinum, iridium, etc.). In many respects, we owe the appearance of these candles to athletes, participants in the rally. Spark plugs are innovations that maximize vehicle care. The high price point is justified by the unique characteristics, which can be used to maximize engine performance and long service life compared to conventional spark plugs.
The unquestioning leader of Bosch
As expected, the quality rating of the leaders is topped by the German concern Bosch. For many years of work on the modernization of auto parts, the company managed to create ideal car candles ignition. It is they who are allowed during assembly in factories such worldwide famous brands cars like Audi, Peugeot, Fiat, Ford, Toyota, Mitsubishi and others. Bosch spark plugs are manufactured in different series and differ in some characteristics:
- BOSCH Super. The copper center electrode is protected from electrocorrosion and corrosion by a special alloy of chromium and nickel. This combination of metals ensures a stable spark formation combined with resistance to wear and extreme temperature changes.
- Super Plus. Plugs of this series are produced with a nickel center electrode, so that it reliably protects them from corrosion and electrocorrosion due to alloying during production.
- Super Plus 4. Four mass electrodes and a central pointed one, the surface of which is treated with silver. The power, thanks to this innovation, has increased by 60%.
- The center electrode is made of platinum, which is insulated with ceramics. The unique design guarantees trouble-free starting of the engine even in extreme frosts.
This is why the best Bosch spark plugs are synonymous with unique and impeccable quality, recognized by experts and motorists around the world and received the highest rating.
The most popular selling NGK
NGK Spark Plug spark plugs are also considered high quality auto parts, so they also have a high rating and second place. This is evidenced by the enormous sales volume of almost $ 450 million. Candles ignition NGK used in cars of world famous brands, including Volvo, BMW, Ferrari, Audi. What is the reason for such popularity of NGK Spark Plug products? The preference is given to the production of high-quality ceramics, which is an important part of many auto parts that are exposed to constant and long-term exposure to high temperatures.
Brisk originality and quality
The highest quality rating also belongs to the products of the company BriskTabora.s., As, which supplies parts and spare parts for cars all over the world. The main products are spark plugs, which are produced in series with different characteristics:
- These are spark plugs ideally suited to the internal combustion engine of a car with a carburetor on which the system is installed. contact ignition... In this series, excellent quality is combined with an optimal price, which makes it a leader in Russian market automotive spare parts.
- Brisk Exstra is a series with 2-3 side electrodes ideal for use in VW, Audi, Opel, and BMW automotive systems.
- Brisk Premium. In this series, the unique spark plug design results in high spark power and good acceleration.
- The "Silver" series is designed specifically for consumer vehicles.
- In this series, the shape of the spark gap was modernized and the diameter of the central electrode was increased, and the housings were processed electroplated, which made it possible to significantly increase the service life.
Japanese unique DENSO
The average rating was given to the products of the Japanese world famous factory for the production of high-quality auto parts DENSO. All spark plugs manufactured by DENSO Corporation are designed with innovation, and their quality has been repeatedly confirmed by rigorous international certification to ISO 9000 and QS 9000 standards. DENSO offers several famous series of spark plugs:
- Standard. The series features integrated resistors that completely eliminate any radio interference during operation. U-Groove technology is used, so the U-groove increases the return of combustion products and allows you to achieve a direct effect on the smoothness of the vehicle. Fuel economy is a nice bonus.
- Thanks to the platinum central electrode, the working life of the products is dramatically increased. The exclusive minimum electrode thickness enables this series of spark plugs to operate at low voltage.
- Representatives of the new generation of spark plugs with a center electrode made of. Thanks to it, ideal wear resistance, unique ignition voltage under critical loads and maximum flammability were achieved.
Champion only
Champion is a trademark of the American Federal Mogul concern, as well as a partner of many world famous automobile concerns, including Suzuki, VW, GM, Jaguar, Volvo, Audi, Alfa Romeo. Champion products are readily used by sports brands such as Formula 1, NasCar and IndyCar, which allowed Champion products to be in the fifth place in the top leaders among manufacturers of the best automotive spark plugs and receive a high quality rating. The following series are produced:
- Copper Core OE. The most popular series, which is the leader in sales worldwide. The zinc-treated body is a reliable protection against corrosion of the spark plugs. The copper core of the central electrode makes it easy to achieve an increase in heat transfer and, as a result, a low probability of glow ignition.
- Double Copper OE. A series of innovative candles developed using exclusive technology. Exceptional heat dissipation is obtained thanks to the copper core of the electrode.
- Platinum OE. The pinnacle and exclusive of Champion's technological production. Reduced wear and maximized service life thanks to platinum overlay on center electrodes.
What are the best spark plugs to choose and how to do it right? When choosing spark plugs, you should take into account the make of the car and the brand of the part, then the operating conditions of the machine, and finally, the choice should be between the required characteristics of the spark plugs and your own preferences. It is important to take into account the geometric dimensions and heat rating, manufacturer's rating and product quality. It is advisable to purchase car spark plugs after careful self-selection using the instructions of the manufacturer's plant in the instructions for using the car, or on the advice of a master from a licensed service station or car service. The purchase should be made only in proven car dealerships and services. The preference should be given to the products of world famous factories. Incorrect selection of spark plugs will lead to interruptions in the sparking process, incomplete combustion of fuel and a decrease in engine power. Never buy spark plugs from the market or from a private seller, so as not to get a fake. Most often, products of the NGK company are falsified. Make the right choice and buy the right spark plug! Only then will the spark in your car always be perfect!
Car candles are usually given little attention by car owners. As a rule, only the question is of interest: what kind of spark plugs to choose if the car jams and there is a problem with ignition. Then it is the candles that become the main "accused".
Attempts to "clean" or "dry" them, naturally, do not lead to anything, and you still have to change the candles. In such a situation, the majority shows unforgivable negligence. Buying the first spark plugs offered by the seller in a store or in a car market, they install them and again, albeit after a while, face the same problems.
The best option is to get a competent opinion from an auto repair shop employee.
There are a great variety of spark plugs on the market today. They differ in size, heat rating, materials from which they are made, as well as principles of operation and, of course, in price.
Candle selection criteria
The two main indicators that significantly affect the choice of a candle are the glow number and the size (geometric).
- Candle size. Everything is clear here: a candle that is too small may simply not screw into the socket in the engine. As a result, its electrodes will be at an unacceptably large distance from the combustion chamber. In the case of the opposite situation, when the length of the plug is longer than the recommended one, the electrodes "stick out" too much from the socket, which leads to the possibility of the piston hitting them. In both cases, nothing good, as you know, has to wait.
- Heat number - shows the temperature mode of the candle. The higher it is, the more the candle is said to be "colder", therefore, it can work in a more aggressive, high-temperature environment. A low number means that the plug is "hot" and will often overheat, which will naturally have a detrimental effect on its lifespan.
Hence, a simple conclusion suggests itself: in order to choose the right candle, you need to find the car manual (operating manual) and in it a list of possible replaceable analogs. Knowing the exact size of the candle, you can experiment with different glow numbers.
Variety of candle designs
The usual design is spark plugs and there are no car enthusiasts who have never seen a classic-looking spark plug. At the top it has a ceramic body, and at the bottom - a metal "glass" equipped with a thread. The side and center electrodes with a diameter of about 2.5 mm produce a spark. The design is simple and therefore ingenious, over the decades since the beginning of their production, only the diameters of the electrodes have changed, and even the length of the candle.
Such a plug is inexpensive, in some cases it improves engine performance - for example, it reduces the increase or consumption of power. But such a candle also serves for a rather short time. at the same time it is unlikely to be revealed.
Multi-electrode plugs
The central electrode in such a candle is surrounded by several side electrodes (usually there are about 3-4 of them). Such a candle is immediately easily distinguished from a single-electrode one. A new principle of spark formation is used here. When the electrode is worn out and dirty, the spark “moves” to another, cleaner, serviceable electrode, which guarantees an increase in the service life and, as a consequence, a better and more stable spark.
Such plugs have another advantage: on a single-electrode plug, the side electrode slightly covers the igniting fuel, which leads to the fact that this fuel burns more slowly and worse. This problem does not arise when using a multi-electrode plug, since the torch ignites exactly in the center of the spark and nothing covers it. This results in a significant increase in engine power. In addition, and due to this, environmental performance is noticeably improved.
Platinum and iridium candles
Tests carried out on candles of different types show that thinner electrodes provide an increase in the spark power, and, therefore, the motor power also increases, sometimes even quite significantly.
The spark generated at the sharp edge of the electrode has a higher temperature.
However, another problem appears - not every metal can withstand such temperature loads. Platinum and iridium are best suited for this purpose. They have best performance resisting destruction. "Strong" spark, in addition to the power added to the engine, there is another big plus - the spark is formed on the side of the electrode, and not at its end. In this case, the power of the spark is such that it tears off all the formed carbon deposits and dirt from the electrode, a certain self-cleaning process is obtained.
Prechamber spark plugs
The electrodes of a candle of this design have the form of a rocket nozzle - a prechamber. During the application of a high-voltage pulse, a breakdown occurs in the gap between the electrodes, and the resulting plasma bunch is pushed with great force into the combustion chamber. At the same time, the fuel mixture is ignited in the spark plug prechamber.
Combustion products are injected at high speed through a nozzle into the cylinders of the internal combustion engine. In this case, a volumetric ignition of the main fuel mixture is formed, in contrast to a conventional spark plug, which has a point ignition. There is a significant increase in speed, fuel combustion efficiency, engine power increases, decreases.
A professional approach to choosing a candle
Based on your design, which spark plugs should you choose? It all depends on the type of car and how intensively it is used. There is no need to spend large sums on candles if the volume of the car's engine does not exceed 2-2.5 liters, if you drive it moderately, do not participate in races. Of course, track racing enthusiasts or should often opt for premium spark plugs.
Here, manufacturers use and mix different advanced technologies that have a positive effect on their performance. However, expensive metals and high technologies require payment, and a lot.
Terms of use
Candles can be classified into three main types. They have different prices, are designed for different periods of use, and you can choose them based on which quality seems preferable.
- Yttrium, are cheap, but they will have to be changed more often, on average it is recommended for every 25 thousand km. mileage. With the quality level of our gasoline and diesel fuel this figure can be safely divided by 2. So about once a year they should definitely be changed.
- Iridium. The price is already higher, but they will last a little longer - up to 50 thousand km.
- Platinum are the most expensive. The investment is justified by durability. It is believed that a car with them will run up to 100 thousand kilometers.
In how to choose spark plugs, it is important to remember that not only mileage distinguishes spark plugs from each other, but also the material from which they are made. Iridium, nickel and platinum are used in the manufacture of the main element of spark plugs - the center electrode. An electric discharge passes through it.
If you compare three candles made of different metals, you can see that the nickel center electrode is thicker, and from other materials it is thin, like the tip of a needle.
In winter, the spark plugs are flooded for those who have installed spark plugs with nickel electrodes.
A droplet of fuel on a thick central electrode is freely suspended, and in this case, there is no need to even think about any kind of ignition.
Iridium plugs have an intentionally smaller electrode for better and faster flammability. The droplet simply has nothing to hang on to. Experts recommend putting such a candle even to those who store their car in a warm garage at night. During the day, the operation of cars is still the same for most - on the street.
If finances permit, you can put platinum candles. They are ideal option for complex engines: GTI, D4, NEO DI and Subar boxer engines. Due to the constructive nature of some of them, cheap nickel plugs simply won't last long. And in Subaru, just replacing the spark plugs costs a significant amount of money. Therefore, platinum for such machines is the most expedient and, paradoxically, economical option. I put it and forget it.
Non-contact spark plugs
Such candles are designed to ignite the main combustible mixture in the cylinders of engines using a spark discharge between the electrodes. In BSZ, candles A-17DVR are used, having a gap of 0.7-0.8 mm.
Video tips for car enthusiasts on how to change candles
Conclusion!
The individual characteristics of the engines give their own characteristics in the choice of spark plugs for your vehicle. This is especially true during operation. Dear site visitors can tell about the whims of their motors, it will be interesting to many.
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Petrol engines internal combustion are completed with special devices for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. These devices are called spark plugs and work directly depends on their functioning. power unit... In automobile engines, spark-type devices are used, which, in turn, differ from each other in several ways.
There are a large number of brands of well-known Russian and foreign manufacturers on the auto parts market. The consumer often has a question, which spark plugs are better and how to choose the right one for a particular car brand? To get an answer to it, you need to understand the principles of the device, the main parameters and the differences between their main types.
Ignition of the air-fuel mixture occurs at the very end of the compression cycle, so that by the time the top dead center is passed, the process has reached its maximum development. The source of fire is the air gap between the electrodes of the candle, where sparking occurs. They are supplied with electric current with a voltage of thousands and even tens of thousands of volts.
A breakdown occurs between the electrodes and an arc arises for a short time, the appearance of which is accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature. As a result, the fuel mixture ignites, and the combustion front spreads from the center to the periphery. With correctly selected candle parameters, the process proceeds within a certain framework. At the same time, the engine provides optimal parameters.
The process described above occurs with every cycle of the power unit without gaps. Disruptions in the work of the candle cause malfunctions in its functioning.
Long-term neglect of the problem can lead to quite serious breakdowns and damage to engine parts and other systems. During the operation of the engine, the parts of this device age and their characteristics deteriorate, which again affects the operation of the engine.
Device and basic parameters
Reliable ignition of the mixture in the cylinder is only possible with the use of high quality components. Spark plugs are simple in design with three main parts:
- steel body;
- central electrode with a conductor;
- ceramic insulator.
In turn, each of the above elements consists of several parts.
The metal body has:
- Threaded base for screwing and holding the unit in the cylinder head.
- Side electrode providing a certain gap for sparking. There can be one or several such elements; in the prechamber candles of the device functioning, it provides a gap between the skirt and the central electrode.
- A hexagonal wrench for tightening and unscrewing the assembly is located in the upper part of the body
The center conductor has the following constituent elements:
- The central electrode is one of the parts that directly sparks.
- The conductor transfers voltage from high-voltage wires on the working part of the candle.
- The contact lead is a threaded rod to which a conductor from the ignition coil or from a distributor (distributor) is attached in various ways. At present, a tip of a special shape is twisted onto it, which provides a snap-in of the wire contact.
The best spark plugs on the outside of an insulator have multiple ribs located between the center conductor lugs and the body. They prevent the breakdown of an electric charge along the surface of the part. This element is able to withstand high temperatures up to 1000 ⁰C and high voltages up to 60 kV.
A sealing washer is put on the candle body, which protects the joint between it and the seat from the breakthrough of gases from the cylinder to the outside. The operating mode of the spark plugs depends on the features of the device.
Video - short review spark plugs BOSCH 503 WR 78 Super 4:
The most important characteristic of the device is the integrated indicator, which is usually called the incandescence number. It indicates the operating temperature of the part of the insulator and electrodes located in the engine cylinder.
A candle with a correctly selected glow number heats up to such an extent that it self-cleans during operation. If the temperature is not high enough, a discharge through the carbon deposits formed on the surface of the insulator without normal sparking is possible.
This results in cylinder skips, increased fuel consumption and power losses. At the other extreme, an excessively high temperature can provoke an uncontrollable glow ignition phenomenon.
Other important characteristics of this device are the diameter and length of the thread, as well as the parameters of the hexagon for a tubular wrench. It is used to twist and twist the spark plug into the engine head. There are various types of candles on sale, which must be taken into account when selecting a product for a specific engine.
Spark plug classification: main types
When designing a power unit, certain parameters of the operating cycle are laid in it. Spark plugs provided correct selection provide Better conditions for the operation of the engine in all modes. This device is usually classified according to the following criteria:
- By heat number: distinguish between "hot", "cold", "average", "optimal" and "unified".
- By standard size: thread diameter (from M8 to M18), thread pitch (1, 1.25 and 1.5 mm) and its length: short, long and elongated.
- By the size of the hex head: reduced, medium, normal and enlarged.
- By way of sealing: with a soft metal washer or conical mating.
- By the presence and number of electrodes; single- and multi-electrode, special, flare and plasma-prechamber.
Each of the types of spark plugs listed above is designed for use in certain types of engines. When it becomes necessary to replace these devices, there are a number of factors to consider, and errors can lead to malfunctions in the engine. A car enthusiast may have questions about how to choose spark plugs and do it right.
Which spark plugs are best for a car
The importance of this device for the normal functioning of the engine is extremely difficult to overestimate. For an exact answer to the question of how to choose spark plugs for a particular car, refer to the technical documentation. In the official instruction manual that is included in the package vehicle, there is a list of products recommended by the manufacturer.
If such a book is not found in the car, you can purchase a set of candles according to the sample installed on the engine. However, this method can not always be used, in the event that the car was bought from hands on it there may be devices unsuitable for use on this model of the power unit. If you do not have the necessary data, you can search for them on the Internet.
The selection of spark plugs can be made based on the results of studying the official website of the car manufacturer. Here you can find all the information you need to find the most suitable set of products. In addition, there are sites on the Internet largest manufacturers spark plugs, Denso and some others, where online you can carry out the selection of spark plugs by the brand of car, motorcycle or other equipment.
Terms, indications and replacement procedure
Vehicle maintenance involves a number of activities aimed at maintaining proper engine parameters.
Regular replacement of spark plugs is usually carried out every 30-60 thousand kilometers. The indicated indicator depends on several factors: the correct selection of the product, the optimal composition of the air-fuel mixture, driving conditions, etc.
Video - how you can check the operation of the spark plugs:
Long-term operation of an unheated engine on Idling Short trips during urban traffic jams will significantly shorten the life of the spark plugs.
Diagnostics of malfunctions associated with the failure of these devices can be made by the appearance of the product and by the operation of the engine in different operating modes. A serviceable candle has no carbon deposits, traces of overheating and, the color of the insulator is milky-coffee.
During the inspection, attention should be paid to the inadmissibility of any damage to the housing, insulator or center conductor. The indicated malfunctions of the spark plugs can lead to their failure, which will ultimately lead to interruptions in the operation of one or more engine cylinders. In such cases, there is only one way out - replacing the set of spark plugs with new devices recommended by specialists for installation on this type of engine.
To perform this operation on your own, you will need an appropriate tool: candle wrench... The most convenient is a device with a sufficiently long handle, a knob and cardan transmission... The procedure for replacing candles is as follows:
- We stop the car, turn off the engine and let it cool down.
- We remove the tips from the candles; do not grab the wires so as not to accidentally pull them out.
- Using a key, unscrewing the device one by one from the slots, pre-blowing the landing slot.
- In place of the faulty kit, we install a new one.
According to the manual, the candles should be tightened with a very specific torque. After completing this operation, install the cable lugs in place. We make a test run of the engine and check its operation in all operating modes. At the same time, failures and gaps in the functioning of the power unit should not be observed.
Iridium Spark Plugs: Benefits and Application Features
During operation sports cars it has been observed that a tapered center electrode produces more stable sparking. Iridium spark plugs have an increased service life compared to conventional spark plugs, the explanation for this is simple. This metal belongs to the group of precious metals and its melting point is 2454 ⁰C, in addition, it is distinguished by its high hardness and resistance to aggressive environments.
Iridium spark plugs, despite the fact that their appearance on the market happened quite recently, have earned the most flattering reviews from motorists. Statistics show that, in many respects, products of this type give a tangible improvement in engine performance. So, for an injector, the fuel economy is 6-8% of the consumption level of the same power unit with conventional spark plugs.
The use of noble metals in the design of products of this type will accordingly affect their cost. The high cost of iridium spark plugs is one of the main disadvantages of this type of auto parts. On the other hand, calculations show that with regular trips by car, the payback comes in six months.
Some of the best iridium spark plugs available Japanese company Denso. According to the data of the authoritative Russian automotive magazine, during the tests, it was the products of this brand that received the palm. The candles of this manufacturer have successfully passed the tests on the bench and in the conditions of the landfill.
The winter period creates a series of the most difficult tests for motorists. Poor traction and reduced visibility during snowfalls are accompanied by intermittent engine starting problems and key systems malfunctioning. Only a well-trained driver can challenge the elements and withstand their pressure with dignity. In this article, we will pay attention to spark plugs, consider in detail their varieties and select the best option for winter.
Hot candles are safer in winter
For a successful engine start at low temperatures, a high-quality fuel mixture and a good spark are required. Provided that the rest of the systems are in good working order, these two factors will ensure the stable operation of the motor in all weather conditions. Cold air has a much lower electrical conductivity, so it is better to put spark plugs hot for the winter. They are distinguished by a higher intensity and stability of the electric field in the area of the spark. An improvement in this indicator is achieved by changing the central electrode. For its manufacture, various materials are used, which, together with an optimal heat sink, stabilize spark formation in frost.
Types of candles by electrode material
The material from which the electrode is made is considered one of the key parameters affecting the quality of the spark. The design of modern candles uses electrodes made from the following raw materials:
- Nickel and copper- the most common budget option. Average resource 25 thousand km. In combination with a weak battery and carbon deposits on the surface in winter, nickel or copper plugs make starting the motor much more difficult. The problems lie in the large thickness of the electrodes, which cannot be reduced by the sensitivity of the material to thermal loads.
- Platinum- has a long operating period and reliability. The resource is about 50 thousand km. Resistance to temperature changes allows you to reduce the thickness of the rod, increasing the efficiency of platinum spark plugs in winter.
- Iridium creates perfect, uninterrupted sparking under all conditions. With minimum core thickness iridium candles ignition will last at least 100 thousand km. Among the favorites in the domestic market are DENSO TT series products.
What kind of candles to put on the winter?
On winter period it is better to put platinum or iridium models made using advanced sparking technology. An equally important parameter when choosing is the glow number (KCH) - a thermal characteristic that determines the moment of involuntary ignition of the mixture from a hot surface (glow ignition). Depending on its size, it is distinguished into 3 types of candles:
- hot: up to 14;
- average: 15-19;
- cold: from 20.
Why does it flood candles in winter?
The reason for flooding candles in winter lies in the low temperature, when cold fuel does not mix well with air. A sufficiently powerful spark is required to ignite the supercooled mixture. If for any reason little sparking occurs, the candles will flood. To resume the operation of the system, you need to dry them and correctly calibrate the gap. More details about why it floods candles in winter and how to cope with it on your own can be found in our next publications.
IXORA hypermarket presents big choice spark plugs from various manufacturers: DENSO, Bosch, NGK, etc. Call us and qualified experts will help you choose the best model for the winter, taking into account the modification and type of engine.
New Denso Iridium TT plugs available for order are presented in the table:
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An article about spark plugs for a car engine - varieties, selection criteria. At the end of the article - an interesting video on how to clean candles from carbon deposits.
The content of the article:
Engine operation is largely dependent on spark plugs, and the performance of the latter depends on the manufacturer and manufacturing technology. The rating of spark plugs is most often led by recognized market leaders like Bosch, Denso, Beru and some others. These companies supply their products to auto concerns, therefore they strictly monitor the quality and adherence to technology.
Spark plugs - varieties and features
The main importance when choosing is the material from which the electrodes are made, as well as their number.
According to the number of sparking devices, spark plugs are divided into two- and multi-electrode (plus plasma-prechamber, which is a novelty on the market).
Two-electrode
They have main (central) and side electrodes. Candles of this type are the classic variety. At start-up, a spark is formed between the electrodes, which ignites the fuel mixture.
Multi-electrode
In addition to the central one, they have two or more side sparking devices. The principle of operation is the same, but the design allows for the stabilization of the spark formation and the operation of the propulsion system.
Plasma-prechamber
Such candles appeared on the auto parts market around 2000 and still provoke controversy. Neither experts nor ordinary motorists have come to a consensus about what this new product is - either another step towards increasing efficiency, or a useless attempt at improvement.
Prechamber candles differ from traditional ones in that the role of the side electrode is played by the body of the product, equipped with a special heat-resistant nozzle. It is with its help that the spark is formed.
But despite this improvement, the best spark plugs, according to ratings and consumer reviews, are still traditional electrode.
Classification by material of manufacture of the electrode
Copper / Nickel
The main characteristics of spark plugs are quality and budget. Of course, in terms of operating parameters, the products are far from those that will be discussed below, but for their price segment they have decent readings. On average, a copper electrode spark plug is enough for 20-30 thousand kilometers, after which it needs to be replaced.
Platinum (sometimes made from other precious metals)
The electrodes of the products are platinum-coated, which increases their service life and improves their quality. Such a candle is designed for a mileage of 50 thousand km.
Iridium
The resource is up to 100 thousand km, and the quality indicators are many times better than those of the previous options. But the cost of the product is corresponding.
Ranking of the best spark plugs
The market leaders have been defined for a long time. The results of tests, consumer votes, expert opinions sometimes differ, but the top positions of the ratings are almost always occupied by the same brands.
1. Bosch
The company's products can be described in two words - German quality. It is not for nothing that the brand is confidently leading in all the top collections of spark plugs. Such cars as Fiat, Audi, Toyota, Mitsubishi and others are equipped with Bosch products. The firm provides a considerable choice, but some models are very popular.
Which spark plugs are better and what are their features?
Model Bosch WR7DP
Number of electrodes: 2.
Cover material: platinum.
Pros:
- stable operation even with a low battery charge;
- high indicator of environmental friendliness,
- long service life (about 60 thousand km of run);
- good performance when working with HBO;
- versatility (the model is compatible with most cars, including domestic production).
- high price.
Model Bosch FR7DC +
Coating material: yttrium.
Pros:
- the resource is higher than that of other budget options;
- low cost;
- increased resistance to spark damage.
- sensitivity to poor quality fuels.
2. Denso
Another undoubted market leader focusing on the latest technology.
Denso PK20PR-P8
Number of electrodes: 2.
Cover material: platinum.
Pros:
- low cost in comparison with other platinum products;
- long service life;
- versatility (candles are suitable for most cars, including models that have been discontinued);
- on high revs there is an effective self-cleaning process;
- structural elements have high quality characteristics.
- intense carbon deposits when idling;
- not the best way for installation on a car with LPG.
Model Denso K20TXR
Number of electrodes: more than 2.
Coating material: nickel.
Pros:
- stable functioning;
- resistance to spark damage;
- ideal value for money;
- increased resistance to oxidation.
- not the best option for installation on a car running on gas.
3. NGK
Global sales exceed 450 million and continue to grow. The company supplies its products to car factories such as Ferrari, Volvo, BMW, Volkswagen, etc.
Model NGK BKR6EIX
Number of electrodes: 2.
Coating material: iridium.
Pros:
- long service life (up to 50 thousand kilometers and more);
- stable operation even with a low battery charge;
- increased resistance of the central electrode insulator to damage.
- high price;
- increased sensitivity to fuel quality.
Model NGK BUR6ET
Number of electrodes: more than 2.
Coating material: nickel.
Pros:
- corrosion resistance;
- adequate cost;
- stable operation at both high and low rpm;
- profitability;
- a good percentage of power increase in comparison with analogues;
- resistance to low quality fuels.
- low environmental friendliness.
4. Brisk
The brand has several highly specialized lines. For example, the Classic range is designed to be combined with carburetor engines while Silver is ideally suited to gas vehicles.
Model Brisk Premium LOR15LGS
Number of electrodes: 5.
Pros:
- long service life (from 50 thousand km of run);
- profitability;
- stable operation in all conditions thanks to four side electrodes;
- high power indicator;
- resistance to low quality fuels.
- high cost (this is one of the most expensive spark plugs).
5. Champion
Completes such car brands as Suzuki, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo.
Model Champion RN9YCC4
Number of electrodes: 2.
The electrodes have a copper core.
Pros:
- more stable work in comparison with analogs;
- a good indicator of economy when working at high speeds,
- high level of environmental friendliness.
- overpriced;
- unstable operation at low speeds;
- compatibility with a limited number of vehicles.
6. Beru
The company's products are distinguished by quality and good performance characteristics, although in some points it loses to the "masters".
Model Beru Ultra-X79
Number of electrodes: 4.
Pros:
- The optimum ratio of price and quality;
- high level of environmental friendliness;
- stable operation in cars both on petrol fuel and on gas;
- high environmental friendliness;
- stable spark even with heavy soot.
- low percentage of power increase with an open throttle valve.
What spark plugs are best for a gas engine
The peculiarity of the gas is that its combustion temperature is slightly higher. This provokes intense formation of carbon deposits and the appearance of oxides on the electrodes. Therefore, for gas vehicles, it is recommended to install products with platinum or iridium sparking devices.
When used on machines with LPG, good results have been shown:
- Denso Iridium IW20;
- NGK LPG Laser LineN2;
- Bosch Platinum WR7DP.
Conclusion
The most important thing when choosing spark plugs for an engine is not to buy a fake. Handicraftsmen throw into the market a huge amount of counterfeit products of the lowest quality. Therefore, when buying candles, you should pay attention to the reputation of the outlet, as well as check the part and packaging for belonging to the original.
Video on how to clean spark plugs from carbon deposits:
