Which Spark Plugs are the Best in 2018 (Rating)
Which spark plugs are best for your car ? Surely every car owner has asked this question at least once. After all, the choice is influenced by several factors - the size of the spark plug, the heat rating, its type, the size and type of engine (carburetor/injector), the fuel used (gas/gasoline) and so on. You should also take into account the car manufacturer's recommendations.
Currently, there are candles made using classical technology, as well as more modern options - platinum, iridium, plasma-prechamber. They are distinguished not only by a longer service life, but also by better and more stable spark performance. Therefore, the answer to the question of what kind of spark plugs should be consists of many components.
Content
When choosing a particular candle, you need to focus not on the popularity of the brand or its model, but on the actual data of the candles.
In particular, dimensions (length, height, type and pitch of thread), material of manufacture of electrodes, their type, heat rating, gap between electrodes.
And only on the basis of this data you need to choose between different brands of candles, since their choice is currently simply huge.
And only then focus on the most productive characteristics based on how many side electrodes there will be on the spark plug, what material these electrodes are made of, and what the gap is between them. And to understand how these characteristics influence, let’s briefly consider the features of each of these indicators.
Number and types of electrodes
First, let's touch on the side electrodes, since it is in this part that the spark plugs differ the most. They are made from different materials, have different sizes and designs.
Side electrodes
Spark plugs with multiple electrodes
Classic old-style spark plugs have one central and one side electrode. The latter is made of steel alloyed with manganese and nickel.
multiple side electrodes are now becoming increasingly popular . They provide a more powerful and stable spark, which is critical for a candle.
In addition, several side electrodes do not become dirty as quickly, require cleaning less often and last longer.
Spark plugs whose electrodes are coated with the following metals - platinum and iridium (the second is a transition metal of the platinum group) or their alloy have similar qualities. Such candles have a resource of up to 60...
100 thousand kilometers (in some cases even more, but this depends on many other factors - the operating conditions of the car, the fuel used, engine power, and so on).
In addition, such spark plugs require a lower sparking voltage.
Spark plugs based on platinum and iridium are never cleaned mechanically.
A distinctive feature of plasma-prechamber spark plugs is that the role of the side electrode is played by the spark plug body. Also, such a candle has greater burning power. And this, in turn, increases engine power and reduces the amount of toxic elements in the exhaust gases of the car.
Platinum, iridium and plasma-prechamber spark plugs are much more expensive than classic ones. However, given their high efficiency and service life, it makes sense to install them on middle- and expensive-class cars. This way you will save the resource not only of the spark plugs themselves, but also of other elements of your car’s engine.
Its tip is made of iron-nickel alloys with the addition of chromium and copper. On more expensive spark plugs, as in the case of side electrodes, the tip may be soldered with platinum, or a thin iridium electrode may be used instead.
Since the central electrode is the hottest part of the spark plug, the car owner periodically needs to clean it. However, in this case we are only talking about classic old-style candles.
If platinum, iridium or yttrium is applied to the electrode, then there is no need for cleaning , since virtually no carbon deposits are formed.
It is recommended to change classic spark plugs every 30 thousand kilometers. As for platinum and iridium spark plugs, they have a longer resource - from 60 to 100 thousand kilometers. You will find the exact information in the manual for your car.
The next factor to consider is the size of the gap between the center and side electrode(s).
The larger the gap between the electrodes of the spark plug, the greater the voltage required for a spark to appear.
Gap on spark plugs of different types
Let's briefly look at the factors that affect this:
- A large gap causes a large spark . In turn, a large spark, firstly, is more likely to ignite the air-fuel mixture, and secondly, it also increases the uniformity of engine operation.
- A very large air gap is more difficult to break through with a spark . In addition, if there is contamination, the electric discharge can find another path - through an insulator or high-voltage wires. This may lead to an emergency.
- The shape of the central electrode directly affects the electric field strength in the spark plug . The thinner their tips, the greater the tension value. The mentioned platinum and iridium spark plugs have thin electrodes themselves, so they provide a high-quality spark.
It is worth adding that the distance between the electrodes has a variable value.
Firstly, during the operation of the spark plug, the electrodes naturally burn out, so you need to either adjust the distance or buy new spark plugs.
Secondly, if you have installed gas equipment (gas equipment) on your car, then you also need to set the required gap between the electrodes for high-quality combustion of this type of fuel.
Heat number
The Russian industry produces candles with the following heat ratings - 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23 and 26. Other countries have their own standards, but there is no single unified rule for classifying candles in the world. On average, candles are conventionally divided into:
- “hot” (having a heat rating of 11...14);
Source: https://etlib.ru/blog/665-kakie-svechi-luchshe
Which spark plugs to choose?
Something without which no internal combustion engine can function is spark plugs.
These important parts serve to ignite the fuel-air mixture (FA) in the engine cylinder, and their coordinated work determines how effectively the engine will perform its main function - converting heat into mechanical energy, which sets the car's wheels in motion. In today's article we will talk about the types of spark plugs, the rules for their selection and operating features.
Gasoline spark plug design: seven important components
The structure of a spark plug is simple: base, contact terminal, insulator, insulator ribs, central and side electrodes, seal.
Spark plug design
The base is the body of the candle in which its main elements are located. Through the contact terminal, the spark plug is connected to high-voltage wires going to the ignition coil.
A spark plug insulator is necessary to protect against high temperatures, especially in the area of the central electrode. The insulator ribs protect the spark plug insulator from breakdowns that may occur on its surface.
The central and side electrodes serve to generate a spark, which ignites the fuel-air mixture, and the seal prevents high-temperature gases from penetrating from the combustion chamber of the cylinder to the outside.
There is a gap between the side central electrodes - an important value for each spark plug, meaning the smallest distance between the electrodes. This parameter determines how effectively the spark charge can ignite the fuel-air mixture.
In the design of plasma-prechamber spark plugs (a new generation of plugs that appeared on the market in 1999), there is a central electrode, but there is no side electrode - its function is performed by the spark plug base. The spark in such spark plugs is formed in a circle (the so-called annular gap), which allows you to effectively clean the surfaces between which the charge occurs and extend their service life.
Give a spark: how candles work
The spark plug installed in the engine works like this: when the ignition is turned on, the current from the coil flows through high-voltage wires to the contact terminal, then through the electrodes. A discharge of several thousand volts occurs between the side and central electrodes, which ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder.
An important parameter in the operation of a spark plug, as we said above, is the size of the gap between the side and central electrodes.
The greater the distance between these elements, the more powerful the spark charge, and, accordingly, the larger the ignition area of the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder.
With an optimal gap size, the fuel assembly burns more efficiently, the engine shows high efficiency and consumes fuel economically. The factory spark plug gap can be adjusted from smaller to larger and vice versa, but within the parameters specified by the manufacturer.
Types of candles
Another important characteristic of candles is the heat rating.
During operation, the electrodes and insulator of the spark plug heat up to several hundred degrees Celsius, and when their temperature exceeds the parameter specified by the manufacturer, glow ignition can occur - uncontrolled ignition of fuel assemblies from hot elements. The maximum load that the elements of the candle experience in this case is determined by the heat rating. According to the heat value, all candles are divided into four types:
- Hot (11-14) - candles that are characterized by low temperatures (more than 350-400°C) of glow ignition. Installed on low-power motors operating with low thermal loads.
- Medium (17-19) - candles in which glow ignition can occur when average temperatures are exceeded (450-600°C). Suitable for installation in medium power engines.
- Cold (20-31) - spark plugs whose electrodes and insulator can withstand high operating temperatures without allowing glow ignition (from 850 to 900°C and above). Such spark plugs are installed in forced power units.
- Unified (11-20) – spark plugs, which are characterized by a wide range of operating temperatures. Installed on most modern car engines.
We categorically do not recommend installing spark plugs that do not match the heat rating into the engine: “cold” spark plugs on a low-power engine will be less effectively cleared of carbon deposits, which will lead to interruptions in the operation of the power unit. “Hot” spark plugs in a high-power power unit will cause early glow ignition, which is fraught with increased fuel consumption, failure of spark plugs and burning out of the piston bottom in the cylinder.
Choosing spark plugs: important aspects
When selecting spark plugs, we advise you to listen to the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are indicated in the vehicle’s operating instructions. But if you want to achieve greater performance from the engine, we recommend choosing spark plugs based on the following aspects.
Aspect 1. According to the material of the electrodes
In the engines of most cars, spark plugs are installed from the factory with electrodes made of an alloy of nickel or iron with copper (the most common alloy), chromium and other metals. Such spark plugs are relatively cheap and have a short service life (on average up to 50,000 km).
Spark plugs with platinum electrodes have a greater safety margin than copper-nickel electrodes. They withstand high operating temperatures, as a result of which their electrodes and insulators do not deteriorate as quickly as those of copper-nickel. Another positive aspect is stable sparking in rich or lean fuel assemblies. The service life of platinum spark plugs is up to 90,000 km.
Platinum spark plug
Spark plugs with iridium electrodes have performance characteristics similar to platinum spark plugs.
They are characterized by increased corrosion resistance compared to platinum electrodes, withstand higher operating temperatures, and promote faster spark formation.
Their only disadvantage is their high cost. The service life of iridium spark plugs is up to 100,000 km.
Iridium spark plug
Aspect 2. By the number of electrodes
All spark plugs, according to their design, are divided into two types: with two electrodes (side and central) and three or four electrodes (one central and several side).
The advantages of two-electrode spark plugs include their affordable cost. The disadvantages are a short service life, since the formation of carbon deposits on the side electrode prevents normal sparking, as a result of which the ignition process of the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder deteriorates.
The advantage of multi-electrode spark plugs is their extended service life and guaranteed spark formation: a spark can form between the central and one of the “clean” side electrodes, when the others are already contaminated with incandescent products and cannot perform their functions.
The arrangement of the side electrodes around the central one in the shape of a flower has another significant advantage - the side electrodes do not block the torch formed during the ignition of the fuel assembly, which contributes to the rapid ignition of the mixture.
Thanks to this, the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder burns more efficiently, which leads to increased engine power and economical fuel consumption.
The disadvantage of this type of candles is their high cost compared to dielectrode candles.
Aspect 3. By heat rating.
Everything is simple here: if your car has a low-power engine, “hot” spark plugs with a low heat rating are suitable for it. If you have a sports car, then for its engine it is better to choose “cold” spark plugs with a high heat rating. A universal choice would be to purchase standardized candles, the heat rating of which has a wide range.
Aspect 4. Dimensions.
Spark plugs with different dimensions are available for different engines. The selection of candles is carried out depending on parameters such as diameter and thread length.
For spark plugs that are equipped with car engines, the thread diameter is the same - M14x1.25.
For rare cars (mainly American-made and domestic - GAZ) spark plugs with a thread diameter of M18x1.5 were used.
According to the thread length, candles are divided into three types: short (12 mm), long (19 mm) and elongated (25 mm).
Candles with different thread lengths
Spark plugs with short threads are installed in engines of Soviet and Russian-made cars - GAZ, PAZ, UAZ, ZAZ).
Spark plugs with long threads - for power plants of VAZ, IZH, AZLK cars and foreign-made cars.
Candles with extended threads are used to ignite fuel assemblies in forced power plants of foreign-made cars.
Problems with spark plugs
Common types of spark plug failures:
- Microcracks and stains on the insulator
- Black carbon deposits on the electrodes
- Rust and melting of electrodes
- Oil and fuel on threads and electrodes
- Light or white coating on the electrodes
New and old spark plug
Reasons for spark plug failure:
- Using low quality fuel
- Incorrectly set gap between the central and side electrodes
- Incorrectly selected spark plug heat rating
- Incorrectly installed spark plug
- Exceeding the spark plug service life specified by the manufacturer
- The ignition timing is set incorrectly
- Failure of engine components and parts: (wear of valve guides, valve stem seals, burnout of pistons and their rings)
You can find out that candles are not performing their functions by several signs:
- detonation in engine cylinders
- Difficulty starting the engine when cold
- sharp increase in fuel consumption
- increase in emissions of fuel combustion products
- drop in engine power when operating at high speeds.
Read also the instructions: How to replace candles with your own hands
Source: https://avtoexperts.ru/article/kakie-svechi-zazhiganiya/
How to choose the right spark plugs
Humanity has not yet managed to invent a perpetual motion machine and a car that does not break down. Even after purchasing a new car, a car enthusiast may encounter engine interruptions. In the forefront of the refuseniks are spark plugs.
Even a novice motorist can replace faulty fuel mixture igniters. However, some parts installed in the motor last significantly less.
Many car enthusiasts face this problem, which is why a reasonable question arises, which spark plugs are best suited for replacement. I would like to choose an option so that new products do not create hassle when driving, and also do not empty the pocket of their owner.
Should I buy original spark plugs or give preference to other manufacturers? To find the answer to this question, you should get a little acquainted with the structure of this small part and its most important technical parameters.
Design and technical parameters of candles
In gasoline and gas engines, spark plugs are installed to ignite the fuel mixture. The main task of this element is to create a spark of sufficient power when a dose of fuel and air enters the cylinder of the power unit.
To form an electric arc, high voltage is applied to the igniter electrodes. A minus charge is applied to the side electrode, and a positive charge passes through the central rod.
When the current parameters correspond to the technical specifications, a spark is formed between the electrodes.
Which spark plugs are best to choose in order to forget about interruptions in the engine for a long time? On average, the lifetime of the igniter directly depends on the distance traveled by the car.
Typically, the service life of spark plugs is limited to 30 thousand kilometers. However, after 15 thousand km. The first signs of carbon deposits may appear on the electrodes.
This includes a decrease in engine power, difficult starting, and the appearance of extraneous sounds in a running engine.
If at least one spark plug fails completely, the following problems occur in the car:
- power is lost;
- there is a risk of damage to the ignition coil, catalyst and other components;
- fuel consumption increases;
- Vibration appears when the power unit operates at idle speed.
The choice of candles is influenced by two main factors.
- First of all, special attention is paid to the overall dimensions. If the mounting diameter of the hole in the cylinder block differs from the size of the threaded part of the spark plug, then it cannot be installed in place. An attempt to insert it into the motor socket in any way can result in serious damage.
- One of the main parameters of the igniter is the heat value. Before choosing spark plugs for a car, you should find out this indicator for a specific car. Igniters with a lower rating are usually installed on passenger cars in the family segment. They are designed for quiet driving and low speeds. Plugs with a high heat rating are mounted on racing and sports cars; such igniters are used in the engines of premium cars.
Many car enthusiasts believe that the use of spark plugs with a different heat rating does not impair the performance of the engine, and sometimes even has a positive effect on its performance. However, this may only be true in the first days or weeks after such an installation. In the future, such a replacement can result in serious problems.
Types of spark plugs
Car owners today have the opportunity to choose spark plugs for their car. In the store you can find single-pin models familiar to many, as well as products with rare metals, for example, iridium spark plugs. In this diversity, it is necessary to navigate and know the distinctive features of igniters.
Spark plugs vary in the number of side electrodes. The igniter can be made from common, precious or rare materials.
Single contact spark plugs
Due to their low cost, spark plugs with one side contact are the best sellers. A spark is formed between two electrodes, between which there is a certain gap (0.7-1.0 mm).
Champion is considered the best manufacturer of such products. The company's designers found the optimal solution by developing a special copper alloy for the side electrode.
Thanks to such innovations, Champion candles last twice as long compared to analogues from other brands.
The original design of the central rod distinguishes the candles under the NGK brand. These products can withstand loads excellently and work for a long time without breakdowns.
Unfortunately, the majority of single-electrode spark plugs have such disadvantages as:
- instability of operation;
- fragility;
- engine power limitation.
Multi-electrode designs
In the budget segment of spark plugs there are many multi-electrode models. In designs with 2-4 side electrodes, multipoint sparking occurs.
These models are considered more durable due to the presence of multiple contacts.
When carbon deposits form, individual electrodes may be inactive, but a spark plug will form between the central rod and one of the active side contacts.
Multielectrode models have such important advantages as:
- stability of work;
- maximum engine speed;
- complete combustion of the fuel mixture, which improves the environmental friendliness of exhaust gases.
Among the manufacturers of multielectrode products, the leading positions are occupied by:
- Champion Spark Plugs;
- Bosch spark plugs;
- NGK spark plugs;
- Ultra spark plugs;
- Brisk spark plugs.
Top developments
When car enthusiasts start an argument about which spark plugs are better, many wealthy citizens remember luxury products. They counter complaints about the high price with the proverb that the miser pays twice or something like that. So maybe, in fact, it’s better to spend money once, so as not to regret the purchase later?
Candles from the premium segment are practically no different in appearance from cheap competitors. The high cost is determined by the precious metal used in the manufacture of the conductor. Iridium spark plugs, platinum electrodes, silver igniters - these are not toys for rich people. These products can pay for their cost even when installed in inexpensive cars.
Experts conducted a series of tests aimed at comparing the technical parameters of ordinary and luxury candles. On average, there was a three or fourfold difference in cost.
But when using igniters with electrodes based on precious metals, fuel savings of 7-8% were revealed. When calculating, it turns out that the minimum time for the payback of elite candles will be 3-4 months.
But the service life of expensive models is 2 times longer than that of products with chromium-nickel electrodes.
Among premium igniters, companies such as NGK and Denso are considered leaders. The innovative developments of these companies based on platinum, silver and iridium exceed the 1000 ruble mark. For any car you can choose a “precious igniter”, especially since in recent years manufacturers have been actively trying to reduce prices.
The main advantages of elite candles will be:
- self-cleaning ability from carbon deposits;
- perfect sparking;
- easier starting of a cold engine;
- reduction of harmful substances in exhaust gases;
- stable and uninterrupted operation of the engine in different modes.
Marking the spark plugs will help you avoid buying a fake after paying a decent amount of money. In the designation of some foreign manufacturers, the last letter indicates the material of the electrodes. Copper is designated by the letter C, platinum must have the letter P, and the presence of silver is indicated by the letter S.
Now many motorists have a better idea of how to choose spark plugs for their iron horse. For those who have enough money, it is best to take a closer look at the “precious” products from NGK or Denso. But if financial possibilities are limited, then it is better to choose multi-electrode spark plugs from Champion based on a copper alloy.
Source: https://VybratAuto.ru/poleznoe/kakie-svechi-zazhiganiya-luchshe.html
Which spark plugs are best to choose?
Gasoline engines are not able to operate without external sources of ignition of the fuel mixture. Their function in all modern cars is performed by automobile spark plugs. Many factors influence which spark plugs are best suited for specific operating conditions.
Manufacturers strive to maximally satisfy the demand from automakers to provide diverse products. As a result, even specimens using precious metals in their construction appear on the market.
Parameters of automobile spark plugs
The only role played by the spark plugs is to create a spark of the required power at the right time to ignite the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The formation of an electric arc is ensured by high voltage supplied to the built-in electrodes.
The central rod is in contact with a positive charge, and a negative charge passes through the side rod. At a given position of the crankshaft, current is supplied to the contacts, which respond with a spark.
Even the best spark plugs fail sooner or later, since they work in an aggressive environment at high temperatures, with flammable gases. The average service life of spark plugs is usually limited to 20-30 thousand kilometers. However, the driver may notice some difficulties in operation even after half this period.
Indirect signs indicating problems with candles include:
- noticeable loss of vehicle power,
- increased gasoline consumption during operation,
- When idling, engine vibration becomes noticeable,
- the risk of failure of the ignition coil or catalyst increases significantly.
In such situations, it is necessary to diagnose the operation of the gas distribution mechanism, as well as replace failed elements.
Before choosing automotive spark plugs, you need to know the basic selection parameters. These include heat rating and overall size.
- Heat number. This parameter is associated with thermal operating modes. A higher value indicates that the igniter can be used in areas with high temperatures. This is especially true for forced engines or sports cars. If you install candles with a low value there, they will soon burn out. For “cold” candles, numbers above 20 are used, for medium ones the preferred range of values is 17…19, for hot ones – 11…14.
- Overall size. Most spark plugs have different parameters for connecting to the combustion chamber. If the external thread does not match the one cut in the body, then you should not use force. It is also important that the length of the spark plug does not exceed the required norm, since it will collide with the upper edge of the piston, which will lead to serious damage to the crank mechanism.
You need to know that when choosing spark plugs based on their heat rating and overall parameters, you should take into account the recommendations of automakers.
Variety of spark plugs
The design of spark plugs has undergone various transformations during their production. Users of modern cars are offered various manufacturing options:
- with two electrodes,
- with several electrodes,
- flare design,
- plasma-torch design.
The option with a pair of electrodes is the most common for these products. It is used on most cars. A spark occurs between the central mounted electrode and its side pair, igniting a mixture of gasoline and air.
As a modification of this design, technological grooves are used on the inside of the electrode in the form of the letters V or U. This solution provides a larger flame size, which allows the engine to operate more stable at idle.
Another variation of the two-electrode design has a slightly elongated central electrode. In some combustion chamber models, this feature improves sparking.
Multi-electrode spark plugs use one central electrode surrounded by two or more side electrodes. Due to the multiple sparking points, greater stability of the process is ensured. This layout option, unlike a monoelectrode one, extends the service life of not only the motor, but also the spark plugs themselves.
For torch and plasma igniters, manufacturers did not provide side electrodes in the classic design. The spark is formed using a cone resonator. The fuel ignites quite stably and evenly. This design is considered one of the best according to manufacturer reviews. However, the practice of using them does not always confirm this thesis.
Metals used
Differentiation between car spark plugs also occurs by the amount of metals used to make the electrodes. There are these types:
- monometallic . one metal is used in the design of the electrodes,
- bimetallic . electrodes are made of different metals or alloys.
In the first case, the base is copper . having good conductive properties. For the second option, the manufacturer uses copper in the support zone, and for the working zones more expensive metals with improved characteristics are used: iridium, silver, gold, platinum, etc.
Spark plugs with copper electrodes are the cheapest for consumers and last an average of 25-30 thousand kilometers. For motorists who do not use their car frequently, their service life lasts for several years.
Gold or platinum electrodes extend the service life of the product as a whole. If they comply with the manufacturing and operating parameters, such spark plugs operate for about 50 thousand km without complaints. This design creates less carbon deposits on the working elements, revealing the service life.
Iridium on the electrodes increases the range to 100 km. It provides almost perfect sparking in the engine cylinder. The disadvantage is the high cost of the product.
Selection of candles by brands and manufacturers
World leaders in the production of candles are conquering the market by improving product quality, as well as through the introduction of innovations. Selecting fuel mixture igniters for your car is not so easy. It is necessary to test products in practice, based on their performance characteristics.
One of the leaders in this industry is the German concern BOSCH. By conducting research in their own laboratories, the company's engineers achieve maximum results from their own products. Such successes ensured that the company's spark plugs are installed on cars produced off the assembly line in many countries. These include:
Products are produced in certain series: BOSCH Super, Super Plus, Super Plus 4 and others. The electrodes are reliably protected from operational corrosion and behave steadily during sparking. Most models, for example Super Plus 4, have working areas coated with precious metals.
Domestic motorists note the high quality of spark plugs from NGK Spark Plug. One of the sales leaders provides a market worth $450 million with its products. NGK, like BOSCH, is a supplier of products to auto giants:
One of the advantages of the product is high-quality ceramics used for reliable insulation. It withstands stable operation in aggressive conditions of elevated temperatures.
The Czech manufacturer provides motorists not only in Eastern Europe with high-quality spare parts, but is also known outside the continent. His spark plugs are installed on SKODA and VOLVO cars.
The products are produced in certain series, such as Brisk Exstra, Brisk Premium, “Silver” and others. Due to galvanizing of the body, the service life of the product is significantly increased.
Products from the Japanese company DENSO are also known to domestic motorists. All products meet the strictest requirements established by ISO 9000 and QS 9000 certificates.
Special U-shaped grooves are used on the electrodes, which ensures fuel savings. High-quality spark plugs with platinum or iridium coating are also produced.
Interesting on the topic:
car spark plugs
How to choose spark plugs for a foreign car
Description :
We select spark plugs for a foreign car using catalogs from the Internet that are freely available on manufacturers’ websites. We also use the Exist.ru catalog. To use this catalog, just register and voila!
Source: http://qrx.com.ua/obzori_avtomobiley/kakie-svechi-zazhiganija-luchshe-vybrat.html
6 best spark plugs
Place |
Name |
Characteristics in the rating |
The best spark plugs with one side electrode |
The best multi-electrode spark plugs |
The modern auto parts market offers car owners a wide range of products from various manufacturers that are not directly related to well-known automakers.
Even such an ordinary thing as a spark plug, designed to ignite the fuel-air mixture, is produced under the auspices of special companies. This is due, first of all, to the high cost of branded products. The presence of the automaker's logo on the candle automatically adds from 20 to 50% to its final cost.
Therefore, users are faced with a logical question: is it possible to buy high-quality candles at a low price, produced under the auspices of “unpromoted” companies?
Of course you can! And in order to confirm the statement made, we selected worthy options and ranked the six best spark plugs in two main categories. The distribution of goods to locations was based on the following criteria:
- reviews from car enthusiasts about their experience of use;
- opinion of authoritative publications, professionals and experts;
- comparison of performance characteristics;
- ratio of price and quality of products.
The control group was taken to be a line of domestically produced VAZ cars and products of the Renault-Nissan concern with a similar platform.
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3 NGK BKR6EIX
Iridium spark plug with a long service life. According to numerous users, one set is enough for an average of 50 thousand kilometers, however, when using high-quality high-octane fuel, this figure can increase to 60-65 thousand kilometers.
In terms of fuel economy, there is no significant difference with inexpensive spark plugs, but the economic factor is expressed by working out the entire period of the declared operation. The cost is high, which is due to the iridium coating applied to the central and single side electrode.
The best option for drivers who are interested in consistently good engine operation.
Advantages:
- widespread;
- long service life (about 50 thousand kilometers);
- iridium coating;
- stable spark;
- high nominal quality.
Flaws:
- high cost compensated by quality and durability.
Very common spark plugs among owners of Nissan B platform cars. They liked them for their high service life (about 40 thousand kilometers on not the highest class fuel) and for the corresponding low cost.
In terms of quality, the Denso PK20PR-P8 is also fine: the Japanese manufacturers, as they say, did a great job on the platinum coating and the geometry of the electrodes. The only problem during operation may be the small interelectrode gap, made so for the sake of supplying a spark even at low mains voltage.
Nevertheless, car enthusiasts are not at all embarrassed to purchase these spark plugs, fortunately, the purchase in the vast majority of cases becomes completely justified.
Advantages:
- acceptable work resource;
- good quality electrode coating;
- the presence of standard iridium analogues (more expensive, but more durable).
Flaws:
- Insufficient, based on regulatory requirements, the interelectrode gap for Renault cars and similar ones (0.8 millimeters).
A unique candle in terms of the design of the central electrode. The thin core is made almost flush with the ceramic insulator, due to which the spark takes on the appearance of a plasma discharge. This discharge is stable even at low voltage in the vehicle's on-board network.
When running on high-quality fuel, the resource of one spark plug is almost 55-60 thousand kilometers - this figure is achieved due to platinum coating. However, domestic roads do not recognize precious metals. In Russian realities, Bosch WR7DP spark plugs burn out much faster.
The price is above average, but iridium analogues are much more expensive.
Advantages:
- innovative design of the central electrode;
- plasma arc type spark;
- attractive price;
- stable operation at low battery voltage;
- availability of modifications for VAZ, Renault, Chevrolet, etc. cars.
Flaws:
- Fuel consumption is slightly higher than when using standard (saving) spark plugs.
Two-electrode spark plugs from the Japanese manufacturer are one of the most successful options for equipping engines of the Nissan B platform. There are no “jambs” in the work (if these are original spark plugs and not fakes): no stamping defects, no distortions when soldering the electrodes.
It is the high quality of manufacturing that ensures the service life (up to 40 thousand kilometers - the resource is highly dependent on the fuel) and the stability of the spark supply.
Traditional and less expensive (compared to iridium and platinum) nickel coating of electrodes gives the latter resistance to the combined effects of negative factors (carbon deposits, high temperatures and a general aggressive environment). Fuel consumption is not much different from that when using standard branded spark plugs.
Advantages:
- Nickel coating increases the resistance of electrodes to aggressive environments;
- stable spark (performs ignition cycles without weakening the arc);
- standard, millimeter, gap between the side and central electrodes;
- quality production.
Flaws:
- They are a little more expensive than branded Renault spark plugs.
A spark plug with an asymmetrical arrangement of side electrodes: two of the four are located at a distance of 0.8 millimeters from the rod, the others are 1.2 millimeters away.
This is done specifically to maintain a spark under any operating conditions and avoid potentially unfavorable situations that arise, such as heavy “smoking” of insulators.
In other words, such a problem as the quality of gasoline does not in any way affect the performance of the spark plug, the resource of which lasts for 60 thousand kilometers (if it is not a fake). An additional “bonus” of Beru Ultra-X 79 is its compatibility with natural gas sources, where the greatest efficiency is noted.
Advantages:
- support for operation on liquefied natural gas;
- high fuel efficiency;
- stable spark even with heavy contamination;
- acceptable price.
Flaws:
- setting the required gap between the electrodes, in accordance with the requirements of the car, is difficult;
- an open throttle valve has virtually no effect on the increase in power.
Despite the general recognition of Brisk spark plugs as one of the most inexpensive auto parts on the market, Brisk Premium LOR15LGS, unfortunately, cannot boast of such an achievement. However, the high cost is more than compensated by the brilliant performance and originality of the developers.
The fact is that the premium candle has an unusual shape for the side electrodes - they are lowered relative to the cut of the rod. This leads to the fact that the generated sparks “entangle” the central electrode along the entire length of the open part, which leads to ignition of the fuel-air mixture at the initial stages of supply to the combustion chamber.
Such a “minor detail” has the function of saving fuel, and a good one at that.
Advantages:
- unusual geometry of four side electrodes;
- absolute spark density (if the spark plug is in good condition) 360°;
- duration of operation;
- Effective fuel saving function due to rapid ignition.
Flaws:
Attention! The information presented above is not a purchasing guide. For any advice you should contact specialists!
Source: http://markakachestva.ru/rating-of/1144-luchshie-svechi-zazhiganiya.html