Spark plugs are the most important element of any gasoline engine. Their quality directly affects power, efficiency, ease of starting, stability of operation and toxicity of exhaust gases.
Today on the market you can find a fairly large selection of spark plugs from various manufacturers. Recognized leaders among this group of products are products from NGK and Denso.
We also recommend reading the article about what a spark plug is. From this article you will learn about the design features and basic components of this device.
NGK and Denso products are installed by leading automakers directly on the assembly line; car enthusiasts also give preference to these brands when there is a need to change these elements on the engine. At the same time, many have difficulty choosing, trying to purchase the best product.
Next, we will talk about which spark plugs are better, ngk or denso, we will touch on the topic of iridium spark plugs from these manufacturers, and also take a look at the glow plugs for diesel engines offered by the DENSO and NGK brands.
Denso spark plugs
It is officially reported that the country of manufacture of Denso products (by the way, is part of the Toyota Group) is Japan (Wikipedia). However, it is reliably known that they produce their products not only there, but also in some European countries (Turkey, Poland, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia), as well as in Asia (including China and Taiwan ).
Current and popular models
According to our research, the most popular Denso spark plugs are the k20tt (catalog number 4604), k16tt (catalog number 4603), ik20 (5304), W20EPR-U (3047) and their modification W20EPR-U11 (3049).
Current range of Denso spark plugs:
Name (electrode material/fuel/country of production | Minimum cost (for 1 piece) |
Denso Nickel TT (nickel, gasoline, Japan/Indonesia | From 170 rubles |
Denso Iridium TT (iridium, gasoline, Japan) | From 610 rubles |
Denso Standard (nickel, gasoline, Japan) | From 190 rubles |
Denso Iridium Power (iridium, gasoline, Japan) | From 550 rubles |
Denso Iridium (iridium, gasoline, Japan) | From 550 rubles |
Denso Platinum/Double Platinum Longlife (platinum, gasoline, Japan) | From 540 rubles |
Denso Iridium Tough (iridium and platinum, gasoline, Japan) | From 720 rubles |
Denso Iridium Racing (iridium and platinum, gasoline, Japan) | From 2400 rubles |
As a comparison, let's take ordinary nickel spark plugs (Denso Nickel TT) and iridium spark plugs (Denso Iridium Power) from the middle price category.
Voting for the best spark plugs
Which spark plugs would you choose or recommend?
Denso IT16
33.33 % ( 1 )
NGK CR8EIX 4218
33.33 % ( 1 )
NGK CR9EK (4548)
0.00 % ( 0 )
Bosch FR7DCX
0.00 % ( 0 )
Brisk Premium LOR15LGS
0.00 % ( 0 )
Bosch Platinum WR7DP
0.00 % ( 0 )
Beru Ultra-X 79
0.00 % ( 0 )
Finwhale F516
0.00 % ( 0 )
Brisk super forte LOR15YC-1-J
0.00 % ( 0 )
EZ AU17dvrm
0.00 % ( 0 )
Beru Z193
0.00 % ( 0 )
Denso Q20TT
0.00 % ( 0 )
NGK LZKR6B (1578) LZKR6B-10E
0.00 % ( 0 )
NGK spark plugs
The NGK company is also originally Japanese, but they also have factories around the world, about 15 of them (Italy, France, Germany, Canada), but not in Asian countries (of course, with the exception of Japan).
Current and popular models
The most popular model is NGK V-Line BCPR6E-11 (catalog number 5282) or in common parlance NGK 11. Also popular are NGK Standard BPR6ES (7822), NGK LZKR6B-10E (1578).
Current range of NGK spark plugs:
Name (electrode material/fuel/country of production | Minimum cost (for 1 piece) |
NGK Standard (nickel, gasoline, Japan/France) | From 170 rubles |
NGK Laser Iridium (iridium, gasoline, Japan) | From 630 rubles |
NGK Laser Platinum (platinum, gasoline, Japan) | From 600 rubles |
NGK V-Line (nickel, gasoline, Japan) | From 160 rubles |
NGK Iridium IX (iridium, gasoline, Japan) | From 530 rubles |
NGK Iridium MAX (iridium, gasoline, Japan) | From 630 rubles |
NGK V-Power (nickel, gasoline, Japan) | From 180 rubles |
NGK Iridium DF (iridium, gasoline, Japan) | From 900 rubles |
NGK Platinum VX (platinum, gasoline, Japan) | From 300 rubles |
NGK Racing (Platinum, Gasoline, Japan) | From 1200 rubles |
It is worth immediately noting that the NGK Iridium DF model is intended exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, which determines the price of these spark plugs. In turn, they have additional protection against carbon deposits, which no other model has.
For comparison, just like with Denso, let’s take nickel spark plugs (NGK V-Line) and iridium spark plugs (NGK Laser Iridium).
Why should you trust German quality?
For many decades, Bosch has been supplying spare parts and other specialized products to the automotive markets of different countries. Every year, more than 1,500,000 spark plugs roll off the assembly lines of this German manufacturer, which can be used on any type of equipment. The products of this brand have been able to confirm in practice all the characteristics declared by Bosch, thanks to which it rightfully occupies a leading position in the world market. The advantages of Bosch spark plugs include the following:
- reliable protection against corrosion (provided by coating them with a chromium-nickel alloy);
- longest service life;
- self-cleaning function;
- reliability and high productivity.
Comparison of characteristics of flagship models
First, let's compare nickel spark plugs - Denso Nickel TT (K16TT) and NGK V-Line 16 (BCP5E)
Comparison of Denso Nickel TT (K16TT) and NGK V-Line 16 (BCP5E) | ||
Denso Nickel TT (K16TT) | NGK V-Line 16 (BCP5E) | |
Cost (rubles) | 180 | 130 |
Center electrode material | Nickel | Nickel |
Country of Origin | Indonesia | Japan |
Gap (mm) | 1 | 0,8 |
Heat number | 16 | 5 |
Number of mass electrodes | 1 | 1 |
Center electrode diameter (mm) | 1,5 | 1,4 |
Thread | M14 | M14 |
Thread length(mm) | 14 | 14 |
Key opening (mm) | 16 | 16 |
According to these parameters, namely: smaller gap, smaller diameter of the central electrode, and the country of origin, at worst, nickel spark plugs from NGK should give the best performance and efficiency indicators. From personal experience we can say that yes, that’s how it is. With nickel from NGK, the car drives better, but the service life of these spark plugs is shorter, and they do not provide the same efficiency as Denso Nickel TT. But they cost 50 rubles (per piece) cheaper.
Now let's compare iridium spark plugs - from Denso are Iridium TT (IK16TT), from NGK - Laser Iridium (CR9EHI-9).
Comparison of Denso Iridium TT (IK16TT) and NGK Laser Iridium (CR9EHI-9) | ||
Denso Iridium TT (IK16TT) | NGK Laser Iridium (CR9EHI-9) | |
Cost (rubles) | 610 | 630 |
Center electrode material | Iridium* | Iridium* |
Country of Origin | Japan | Japan |
Gap (mm) | 1 | 1,1 |
Heat number | 16 | 6 |
Number of mass electrodes | 1 | 1 |
Center electrode diameter (mm) | 0,4 | 0,6 |
Thread | M14 | M10 |
Thread length(mm) | 14 | 14 |
Key opening (mm) | 16 | 16 |
*The side electrodes of both models are made of platinum.
As you can see, the characteristics of the candles are again almost identical. However, under such conditions, Denso products will already have a significant advantage in terms of service life over NGK - the former run up to 130 thousand km, and the latter – up to 100 thousand km. At the same time, both the efficiency and output power of Denso spark plugs will be significantly higher.
Rating of TOP 14 spark plugs
Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |||
Premium segment | ||||||
#1 | Denso IT16 | ⭐ 100 / 100 1 - voice | Find out the price | |||
#2 | NGK CR8EIX 4218 | ⭐ 100 / 100 1 - voice | Find out the price | |||
#3 | NGK CR9EK (4548) | ⭐ 99 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#4 | Bosch FR7DCX | ⭐ 97 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
Middle segment | ||||||
#1 | Brisk Premium LOR15LGS | ⭐ 99 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#2 | Bosch Platinum WR7DP | ⭐ 97 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#3 | Beru Ultra-X 79 | ⭐ 96 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#4 | Finwhale F516 | ⭐ 93 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#5 | Brisk super forte LOR15YC-1-J | ⭐ 92 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
Budget segment | ||||||
#1 | EZ AU17dvrm | ⭐ 97 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#2 | Beru Z193 | ⭐ 95 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#3 | Denso Q20TT | ⭐ 94 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#4 | NGK LZKR6B (1578) LZKR6B-10E | ⭐ 93 / 100 | Find out the price | |||
#5 | Denso W20EPR-U11 | ⭐ 90 / 100 1 - voice | Find out the price |
Which spark plugs would you choose or recommend?
Take the survey
Video - How to choose spark plugs for your car
Budget segment
No. 5. Denso W20EPR-U11
The W20EPR-U11 model uses proprietary technology, which increases the discharge area (the standard gap remains the same). The heat sink ensures constant spark plug operation and prevents the electrodes from becoming dirty.
Denso W20EPR-U11
The service life of the spark plugs reaches 20 thousand kilometers. Manufacturers have increased the spark area, which has led to easier interaction with lean fuel compositions. Candles burn fuel evenly and reduce the emission of toxic substances.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 19 mm;
- gap width: 1.1 mm;
- heat number: 20;
- side electrodes: 1;
- central electrode diameter: 2.5 mm;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- high build quality;
- reasonable price;
- long service life;
- high-quality insulator made of ceramic parts;
- prevention of glow ignition.
Minuses
- Insufficient spark power.
Price for Denso W20EPR-U11
Spark plug DENSO W20EPR-U11
No. 4. NGK LZKR6B (1578) LZKR6B-10E
The model is distinguished by the presence of a nickel electrode, which is responsible for constant operation and a long service life (up to 30 thousand kilometers). The spark plugs are suitable for most Russian and foreign passenger cars.
NGK LZKR6B (1578) LZKR6B-10E
Thanks to increased sparking, spark plugs quickly ignite combustible mixtures, which has a positive effect on the starting performance of the engine. Electrodes on the sides improve even wear distribution.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 12 mm;
- gap width: 5 mm;
- heat number: 6;
- side electrodes: 1;
- central electrode diameter: 6 mm;
- resistor: 10 kOhm.
pros
- versatility;
- independence from climatic conditions;
- reliable sparking;
- correspondence between price and quality;
- long period of operation.
Minuses
- the opportunity to purchase a fake at the price of the original.
Price for NGK LZKR6B (1578) LZKR6B-10E
Spark plug NGK 1578 LZKR6B-10E
No. 3. Denso Q20TT
The Q20TT is designed for vehicles equipped with sixteen valve engines. The spark plugs are optimally combined with the new LADA and Honda Civic models. The electrodes were created using Twin Tip technology and have a reduced diameter of 1.5 millimeters.
Denso Q20TT
For high-quality sparking, a minimum discharge is sufficient. The spark plug allows you to easily start the engine at any temperature without loading the ignition coil. High-quality combustion of the fuel-air mixture leads to an improvement in the composition of the exhaust.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 16 mm;
- gap width: 1 mm;
- heat number: 20;
- side electrodes: 1;
- central electrode diameter: 1.5 mm;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- savings in fuel mixture consumption up to 5%;
- resistance to low temperatures;
- improving the quality of engine operation;
- reliable sealing ring;
- versatility (candles are suitable for gasoline and diesel).
Minuses
- idling promotes the formation of carbon deposits;
- the need to adjust the standard gap before replacing the spark plugs.
Price for Denso Q20TT
Spark plug DENSO Q20TT
No. 2. Beru Z193
The Z193 model is characterized by stable operation at low and high engine speeds. Due to the single-electrode design of the candle, its “shelf life” is limited. The product is designed for average car owners who are not keen on driving fast.
Beru Z193
The small size of the spark blockage starts the engine even when working with a low battery. Due to the recessed central electrode, ventilation of the spark gap is difficult, which leads to carbon deposits.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 19 mm;
- gap width: 0.8 mm;
- heat number: 25;
- side electrodes: 1;
- central electrode diameter: 1.5 mm;
- resistor: -.
pros
- versatility;
- absence of counterfeits on the auto parts market;
- compatible with dead battery4
- optimal option for driving at medium speeds;
- low price.
Minuses
- with increasing mileage, idling performance deteriorates;
- low spark power;
- increased risk of carbon deposits.
Price for Beru Z193
Spark plug BERU Z193
No. 1. EZ AU17dvrm
The AU17dvrm model was developed for VAZ cars, which are equipped with engines with 16 valves. The electrodes contain copper cores, which are responsible for stable spark formation and wear resistance of the mechanism.
EZ AU17dvrm
The gap between adjacent electrodes is 1 millimeter. This distance is sufficient for high-quality combustion of fuel-air mixtures. A ceramic insulator prevents the spark plug from breaking down and prevents it from freezing at low temperatures.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 19 mm;
- gap width: 1 mm;
- heat number: 17;
- side electrodes: 1;
- diameter of the central electrode: -;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- noise suppression using a resistor;
- stabilization of radio transmitters;
- reduction of exhaust toxicity;
- reduction of gasoline and oil costs;
- reasonable price.
Minuses
- Some users note that the candles quickly fail.
Price for EZ AU17dvrm
Au17dvrm Spark plug
Middle segment
No. 5. Brisk super forte LOR15YC-1-J
The SUPER FORTE LOR15YC-1-J model is equipped with an electrode made of two materials - copper and nickel. It is responsible for spark stability and low electricity consumption. The average period of operation of spark plugs is 30 thousand kilometers.
Brisk super forte LOR15YC-1-J
The spark plug is designed for eight-valve engines, but is also compatible with injection engines. The special shape of the electrode provides a sparkling beam that copes with the combustion of all fuel mixtures.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 21 mm;
- gap width: 1.1 mm;
- heat number: 22;
- side electrodes: 1;
- central electrode diameter: 8 mm;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- effective work with gasoline with lead impurities;
- resistance to corrosion;
- high quality production;
- assistance in saving fuel;
- high-quality insulator, resistant to cracking.
Minuses
- susceptibility to soot formation;
- There is no coating of noble metals.
Price for Brisk super forte LOR15YC-1-J
Spark plug BRISK Super Forte LOR15YC-1
No. 4. Finwhale F516
The F516 model was developed for passenger vehicles, which are equipped with engines with sixteen valves. Due to the copper core on the central electrode, the spark plugs show an increased quality of spark formation.
Finwhale F516
The galvanic coating of the body prevents chemical destruction of the material. The ceramic insulator prevents the formation of internal breakdowns and increases the service life of the product. Low emissions of toxic compounds are achieved by the absence of misfires during operation.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 19 mm;
- gap width: 1.1 mm;
- heat number: 17;
- side electrodes: 4;
- diameter of the central electrode: -;
- resistor: 5 kOhm;
pros
- operational period up to 40 thousand kilometers;
- The self-cleaning function works well;
- resistance to corrosion;
- reliable insulator of the central electrode;
- high-quality work at any degree of contamination.
Minuses
- in winter it takes longer to start up;
- Sometimes the tips come loose.
Price for Finwhale F516
Spark plug Finwhale F516
No. 3. Beru Ultra-X 79
The Ultra-X 79 model is suitable for vehicles equipped with gasoline and diesel engines. They also work well with vehicles that use reduced gas (despite the fact that the manufacturer does not provide for such use).
Beru Ultra-X 79
Four electrodes are built into the spark plug with different distances from the core (1.2 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters). This feature ensures stable sparking under any operating conditions.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 19 mm;
- gap width: 1 mm;
- heat number: 13;
- side electrodes: 4;
- central electrode diameter: 1.5 mm;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- economical operation of the multi-electrode design;
- reduction of exhaust gas toxicity;
- reliable spark even when the electrode is very dirty;
- reduction of noise when the engine is running;
- versatility.
Minuses
- There is no provision for adjusting the gap for a specific car.
Price for Beru Ultra-X 79
Beru Ultra-X 79
No. 2. Bosch Platinum WR7DP
The WR7DP has a unique design that maintains a powerful spark regardless of voltage. The reason is the thin core, located flush with the ceramic insulator.
Bosch Platinum WR7DP
The spark plugs perform their functions for 60 thousand kilometers. Resistance to climatic conditions and soot is explained by platinum coating, which acts as a protective layer.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 19 mm;
- gap width: 0.8 mm;
- heat number: 7;
- side electrodes: 1;
- central electrode diameter: 0.3 mm;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- high quality assembly materials;
- original structure of the central electrode;
- no interruptions in operation at low voltage;
- a large number of modifications for different cars;
- long service life.
Minuses
- increased fuel consumption;
- numerous fakes.
Price for Bosch Platinum WR7DP
spark plug Bosch Platinum WR7DP
No. 1. Brisk Premium LOR15LGS
The LOR15LGS model stands out due to its unique electrode module structure. The electrodes on the sides are located below the cut of the median rod. This factor leads to increased ignition reliability.
Brisk Premium LOR15LGS
Due to the increased density of the spark, ignition occurs at the beginning of the supply of the fuel mixture. The technology helps to increase the service life of spark plugs (up to 500 thousand kilometers) and allows you to save on gasoline.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 14 mm;
- gap width: 11 mm;
- heat number: 15;
- side electrodes: 3;
- central electrode diameter: 0.4 mm;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- absolute combustion of the fuel mixture;
- high performance regardless of fuel quality;
- environmental friendliness - the exhaust contains fewer harmful impurities;
- increase in power at high speeds is more than 5%;
- long service life.
Minuses
- instability of the spark at low voltages;
- high cost (for products in its segment).
Price for Brisk Premium LOR15LGS
spark plug Brisk Premium LOR15LGS
Premium segment
No. 4. Bosch FR7DCX
The FR7DCX is made using a nickel and yttrium compound which makes the center electrode more reliable. Yttrium copes with two important tasks - increasing ignition efficiency and reducing the consumption of the combustible mixture.
Bosch FR7DCX
Spark plugs do not require frequent changes, so they are well suited for machines in which access to this part is difficult. The model is optimally suited for both the domestic automobile industry and foreign car brands. Spark plugs work best with a manual transmission.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 14 mm;
- gap width: 1.1 mm;
- heat number: 7;
- side electrodes: 4;
- central electrode diameter: 2.7 mm;
- resistor: 15 kOhm.
pros
- combustion of fuel in the cylinder without residue;
- high wear resistance;
- excellent build quality and materials;
- stable spark;
- The optimum ratio of price and quality.
Minuses
- deterioration of performance in an engine with an automatic transmission;
- the opportunity to purchase a fake at the price of the original.
Price for Bosch FR7DCX
spark plug Bosch FR7DCX
No. 3. NGK CR9EK (4548)
Model CR9EK (4548) provides powerful sparking that easily ignites lean fuel. Thanks to this factor, engine operation is stabilized in any mode.
NGK CR9EK (4548)
Grounded electrodes are responsible for the constant formation of sparks, regardless of the amount of carbon deposits formed, which allows them to be used even with cheap fuel. A built-in resistor prevents radio frequency interference from interfering with electronics.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 10mm;
- gap width: 0.7 mm;
- heat number: 9;
- side electrodes: 2;
- central electrode diameter: 2.5 mm;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- no sparks outside the working area of the electrodes;
- protection against corrosion and erosion;
- high-quality work with fuel of any quality;
- protection against radio frequency interference;
- good quality materials.
Minuses
- Some users find the price too high.
Price for NGK CR9EK (4548)
Spark plug NGK 4548 CR9EK
No. 2. NGK CR8EIX 4218
The CR8EIX 4218 model was developed by manufacturers specifically for motorcycles. It is compatible with American or Chinese-made motorcycles and ATVs. The service life of the spark plugs is increased due to tips made of an iridium-based alloy.
NGK CR8EIX 4218
The small diameter of the electrode (0.6 millimeters) promotes sparking and prevents soot from building up. The minimum size of the gap between the electrodes (less than 1 millimeter) increases the efficiency of fuel ignition.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 10mm;
- gap width: 0.7 mm;
- heat number: 8;
- side electrodes: 2;
- central electrode diameter: 2.5 mm;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- low energy consumption;
- low load on the combustion coil;
- long service life;
- improvement of engine performance;
- iridium coating on electrodes.
Minuses
- overpriced.
Price for NGK CR8EIX 4218
Spark plug NGK 4218 CR8EIX
No. 1. Denso IT16
The IT16 model is intended for use in passenger vehicles from Ford, Volvo, Renault, Citroen, Peugeot, Mazda, etc., which have an injection engine with sixteen valves. The operating period of spark plugs reaches 150 thousand kilometers.
Denso IT16
Reducing the size of the electrode made it possible to improve the quality of the produced spark and eliminate the possibility of rapid contamination. Thanks to uniform combustion of fuel, engine efficiency increases, as opposed to the content of toxic substances in the exhaust.
Characteristics:
- thread diameter: 14 mm;
- gap width: 1.1 mm;
- heat number: 16;
- side electrodes: 4;
- central electrode diameter: 0.4 mm;
- resistor: 5 kOhm.
pros
- reduction in gasoline costs up to 5%;
- resistance to soot contamination;
- independence from climatic conditions;
- protection against corrosion and erosion;
- high build quality.
Minuses
- restrictions on compatibility with a number of models;
- high price.
Price for Denso IT16
spark plug Denso IT16
Verdict
In fact, what matters here is not what kind of spark plugs you bought, but whether you selected them correctly for your car’s engine. As with motor oil or any other technical fluid, each manufacturer has its own tolerances and basic requirements that must be observed. One of the most important is the heat number. As you can see from the table, the numbers vary greatly.
The thing is that manufacturers do not have any standardized system for measuring the heat value, however, one system can be equated to another. As you can understand, the choice between Denso or NGK spark plugs is a simple matter of taste. The most important thing is not to fall for a fake.
Which is better - Denso or NGK glow plugs: comparison, reviews, ratings
Which glow plugs to choose - Denso or NGK?
If you choose glow plugs from a wide range of manufacturers, you can look at the rating of the spare part. But if the choice is narrowed down to two brands, then PartReview spare parts comparisons come to the rescue.
Comparison of glow plugs occurs in the following categories:
- PR assessment.
- Place in the ranking.
- Difference of votes.
- Average vote rating.
- Number of reviews.
- Property assessment.
- Choice of car owners.
Which glow plugs are better - NGK or Denso?
In December 2020, on PartReview, NGK glow plugs were roughly equal to Denso.
- Denso received a PR score of 87 out of 100, while NGK managed to score 86 points.
- Denso took 2nd place in the ranking of the best manufacturers, and NGK took 3rd place.
- The average review score for NGK (4.3) is higher than for NGK (4.3).
Which glow plugs are more popular - Denso or NGK?
In December 2020, on PartReview, NGK glow plugs were generally more popular than Denso.
In terms of votes, NGK glow plugs outperformed Denso:
- For Denso, the ratio of positive votes (56) to negative votes (8) was 48 votes.
- NGK had a ratio of positive votes (85) to negative votes (13) of 72 votes.
In terms of the number of reviews, NGK glow plugs surpassed Denso:
Which glow plugs do car owners choose - Denso or NGK?
In December 2020, according to PartReview, NGK glow plugs topped more auto ratings than Denso:
NGK is chosen by owners of such cars as: Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Hilux Surf, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Volkswagen Golf, and others.
Denso is chosen by owners of such cars as: Kia Cee'd, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Nissan Leaf, Toyota Corolla, and others.
Information about counterfeit
And here it’s not even entirely clear what’s worse: buying spark plugs that are not suitable for certain parameters for the engine, or running into a fake.
Often, it is not so easy to determine. For example, they have learned to counterfeit the factory packaging of spark plugs almost 1 in 1 - the difference may only be in the quality of the paper, but this cannot be a clear signal to sound the alarm. You need to look at the product itself.
One of the signs of fake spark plugs (either Denso or NGK) will be the quality of the casting of metal parts.
We begin inspecting the candles from the top - even here there is already a difference, and it lies in the quality of the tip ebb. Please note that the tip of the fake is clearly made of a material different from the original and has many defects (including shells).
Also, original candles have a depression on top, but this is now often found on fakes.
Denso tried to protect the product by applying the company logo to the body of the candle in a special way (speckled), but even this, today, is not a 100% guarantee that this is an original product.
Before installing spark plugs, you should ALWAYS check the gap between the side and center electrodes (using a feeler gauge). The author of this photo showed an excellent way to check the thickness of the central electrode “by eye” - using a regular drill. By the way, pay attention to the shagreen of the side electrode and compare it with the photo of the original (just below).
Another signal that this is a fake can be the aluminum O-ring.
At the factory, it is pressed against the body of the candle and it fits tightly, but with fakes it can even fly off on its own. Click to rate the author [Total ratings: 1 Average: 5]
Counterfeits of Denso and NGK spark plugs: a blow to the manufacturers’ reputation
The great popularity of Denso and NGK brand products, as well as the active demand for spark plugs of these brands, led to the fact that these products began to be counterfeited on a large scale.
If previously a fake could be relatively easily identified by the low quality of the workmanship itself, cheap packaging and tempting price, today non-original candles are becoming more and more common, which are difficult to distinguish from the real product during a quick inspection.
Moreover, unscrupulous sellers often sell such products at a cost that is either not at all different from the original candles, or is only 5-15% lower. Also, small sellers themselves may not know what goods the wholesale supplier delivers to them.
- For this reason, it is important to know that original products are distinguished by high quality printing in relation to packaging. Certain differences can be found on the candles themselves. First of all, you should inspect the electrodes.
- The electrode must be strictly cylindrical in shape and placed in the center. Minor defects, nicks, scratches, etc. are not allowed. Also, original products have a code with a batch number, which is applied to one of the faces.
- At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the contact nut and the quality of the thread. If the contact nut comes off easily, then this also indicates a fake element. Additionally, it is recommended to inspect the insulator.
- The presence of small inclusions, swelling and other defects will indicate that it would be better to refuse to purchase not only this set of candles, but also any other products of this kind from this seller.
Problems associated with installing fake Denso spark plugs
The use of fake Denso spark plugs initially leads to increased fuel consumption. This is primarily due to improper sparking, as well as misfires. Because of this, the fuel does not burn completely, which leads to severe carbon deposits on the spark plugs. In addition, engine starting is significantly impaired.
A fake Denso may have a core made of other non-ferrous metals rather than copper. This results in poor heat dissipation, leading to pre-ignition. As a result, engine power deteriorates. This is especially noticeable on uphill climbs.
Continued use of counterfeit Denso spark plugs may result in spark plug failure. At this point, you may overheat the engine. In addition, if part of the spark plug breaks off and falls into the cylinder, the engine will have to be overhauled.
How to distinguish fake Denso spark plugs - practical tips
To avoid running into fake Denso spark plugs, just follow a few simple rules. Firstly, you should not chase the price. No, I'm not saying that you should buy the most expensive option. You need to approach your choice wisely. If, for example, you are offered to buy original Denso candles for a price that is 2 times lower than the market price, then you should at least think about this offer.
Secondly, you should pay attention to the packaging. A fake Denso most often reveals itself as low-quality packaging, on which the least amount of work is done. There may be poor-quality printing, and the paint may rub off and remain on your hands. All this indicates a fake product.
Thirdly, a fake Denso is revealed by poor-quality manufacturing of the product, as mentioned above.
Marking of spark plugs from different manufacturers
Not many people know that each letter in the name of a candle has its own specific designation.
We have prepared a short note for anyone interested in this topic. Each letter has an explanation.
In each candle you can find a convenient decoding of each letter.
Bosch
For example, let's take a candle marked FR 6 KPP 33+.
- F - shape of the supporting surface, this letter denotes the thread and shape of the supporting surface.
- R - modification, various additional properties. In this case, an interference-suppressing resistor.
- 6 is the heat number. The lower the value, the “colder” the candle and vice versa. By the way, number 6 is the lowest on the scale.
- K - thread length.
- PP - electrode material and in this case two letters P means that a layer of platinum is applied to the nickel-yttrium tip (increases the durability of the spark plug)
- 33 - designation of the features of the side and central electrodes. In our case, this is a central electrode with platinum and a side nickel-yttrium electrode with an admixture of platinum.
- + - design using Super Plus technology.
All the necessary information can be taken from the detailed instructions -
In this way, you can “decipher” each Bosch spark plug.
Don't know which candle to choose? Call and we will help! Phone: 8 (495) 374-74-96
Denso
Consider a spark plug marked SK16PR-A11. The first letters are the size, thread length. The number indicates the heat value. Next comes information about the electrodes and the features of the candle itself. The letters may vary between Denso series.
- S - iridium central electrode with a diameter of 0.7 mm with a platinum pad on the side electrode.
- K - thread and hex size
- 16 is the heat number (see comparison with other brands).
- P - means that the spark plug has a protruding central electrode by 1.5 mm electrode.
- R - presence of a resistor.
- -A is a special characteristic of this particular candle.
- 11 - gap between electrodes.
All the necessary information can be found in the detailed instructions -
Now you can find out for yourself what the Denso article number means.
Don't know which candle to choose? Call and we will help! Phone: 8 (495) 374-74-96
NGK
Let's take a candle with the complex marking DILZKAR6A11. The first letters indicate the diameter of the thread and the design of the candle. The first number is the heat number. Then there is information about the features of the spark plug and the gap between the electrodes.
- D - increased ignition reliability, thin electrode.
- I - iridium spark plug.
- L - extended threaded part. In our case, instead of the standard 19 mm thread, there will be 28 mm.
- Z - the spark plug has a protruding spark gap.
- KA - the size of the candle is encrypted here.
- R - presence of a resistor.
- 6 is the heat number.
- A - denotes certain features of the candle. In this case, the absence of an o-ring.
- 11 - gap between electrodes.
All the necessary information can be found in the detailed instructions -
Now you know what the article number for NGK candles means.
Don't know which candle to choose? Call and we will help! Phone: 8 (495) 374-74-96
avto-svecha.ru
Product check
In the store, the spark plug can be checked on the spot; if there is special equipment and contact with a metal part, the spark is checked. It should only be in the working part, not penetrate into the body, and not dull. Lights up the first time and works every time. It is necessary to do at least 5 checks in a row and each time there should be a spark. The buyer can decide for himself what is better, save at his own risk or buy a really high-quality candle that will last for years.