Top Spark Plug Brands

There are hundreds of spark plug brands, but only a few offer the best ones. So, how do you know the top spark plug brands to patronize for reliability and smooth engine performance? Don’t stop here, keep reading.

Bosch

• In 1982 Robert Bosch was the first to patent a fully functioning spark plug.
• The manufacturer is known for producing quality OE quality parts.
• Bosch produces a diverse range of platinum, double-platinum, iridium, double-iridium, and silver parts to suit all types of engines.
• The laser welding technique for Bosch spark plug is employed for longevity and better performance.
• Features high performance range which is influenced by excellent durability.
• Their expected service life is 4x stronger compared to standard copper parts.

NGK

• Founded since 1936.
• Became popular because of its vast understanding of enhancing engine performance.
• NGK spark plug brand have the ability to improve longevity and performance.
• The wide insulator nose of the trivalent metal plating prevents fouling and offers excellent corrosion protection.
• Features iridium range to increase fuel efficiency and durability.
• Some of the company’s most cutting-edge spark plugs, which is the Ruthenium HX line include models that are optimized for maximum ignitability and low fuel usage.
• They give a longer service life because of their ability to withstand harsh temperatures and environments.
• One primary disadvantage of NGK’s high-tech offerings is their premium pricing, which often falls between £5 and £83.

Champion

• This brand has been a frontrunner in the production of original equipment (OE) spark plugs for more than a century.
• It has developed OEM and aftermarket parts for use in power sports, industry, automotive, and high-performance applications. 
• Champion copper plus components perform better, resist corrosion better, and have higher thermal conductivity.
• The brand’s higher-performing platinum and iridium products can direct the spark more precisely because of their v-trimmed ground electrode design.
• The ones with higher quality are often more costly, although you can purchase after-market types which cost about £3 each.

Denso

• Denso is a Japanese brand with a high rank among spark plug producers in the world because of the highly reliable, long-lasting product they manufacture.
• Its platinum longlife spark plug for example comes with a 60,000 km expected service life.
• DENSO offers “twin-tip” components, which can supply increased spark energy to the cylinders, enhancing the ignition performance and combustion efficiency.
• With a center electrode size of only 0.4 mm, the iridium TT variant dramatically improves performance while using less energy.
• Some people believe that NGK, its main rival, outperforms DENSO when it comes to performance because of its sophisticated R&D, while DENSO focuses more on endurance.

AC Delco

• This spark plug manufacturer has been in existence for 96 years.
• They manufacture OE parts for general motors.
• They don’t just produce GM brands like Chevrolet and GMC, they make use of other makes and models.
• Compact and efficient electrodes in the AC Delco professional range of iridium spark plugs enhance cold starts and reduce voltage demand on the ignition system.
• They are shielded from radio frequency interference, which can harm vehicle electronics, by a built-in suppressor.
• They allow stable idling and are long-lasting and efficient.

Factors To Consider When Buying Spark Plugs From The Best Brand

Type

Five types of spark plugs differ by material and are commonly available in the market:

• Iridium Spark Plugs: Iridium spark plugs are the most suitable for high-performance autos due to their exceptional longevity, dependability, and performance. These plugs also increase fuel efficiency, although the cost of these products may be high due to the high-quality material used to produce the iridium plugs.
• Platinum Spark Plugs: They cost less compared to iridium spark plugs and still give higher performance, fuel efficiency level, and lifespan than copper plugs. Platinum spark plug is one of the most popular because of its excellent combination of affordability and superior performance.
• Double Platinum Spark Plugs: These are the fortified version of the normal platinum plugs, allowing improved efficiency and performance in these products. One disadvantage of the double platinum spark plug is that it costs more than standard platinum plugs.
• Copper Spark Plugs: Among all spark plugs, copper spark is the least expensive, but they are not reliable. However, older vehicles need copper spark plugs to operate optimally. Verify the type of spark plug your engine requires before you purchase replacements.
• Double Iridium Spark Plugs:  They are suitable for high-performance vehicles. Double iridium spark plugs are the costliest in the market, but they improve significantly over other options. Plus their lifespan lasts 4X more than copper spark plugs.

Heat range

Every spark plug operates on a particular heat range, although the way it’s communicated differs. This is because the product specifications are not the same because of the manufacturer. Buying a plug that quickly gets up to the operating temperature as soon as possible to suspend soot from forming on the plug is a wise move. However, don’t drive your car above the spark plug heat range to avoid the plugs from overheating. You’re looking for plugs that run at a cold enough temperature to prevent overheating yet still heat up quickly. You can find appropriate parts by looking through the manufacturer’s literature and the spark plugs that are currently in place.

Hex size

Always find products that suit your vehicle anytime you want to buy a new set of spark plugs for your car. This means that there’s a need to check your vehicle manual’s guide or thoroughly go through the manufacturer’s website to determine the hex size compatible with your car, van, or truck. Alternatively, removing and taking the existing plug to a local automotive store to find the exact replacement is also a good option. The hex size is very important in finding the right replacement parts. Its measurement is always in inches, and sometimes in millimeters. You’ll find this information on the product package, but if you cannot, rigorously check the product specification before you purchase a replacement for it.

Gap 

The gapper spark plug tool can help you alter the spark plug gap the manufacturers calculate in the process of manufacturing. But many plugs come with a pre-set gap, so you might be able to replace the current plugs without a gapper tool if you discover a product with the appropriate gap size.

Spark plug spacing for cars and other vehicles typically falls between 0.024 and 0.071 inches. These values can be in millimeters, with 0.6mm to 1.8mm being the possible range. Make sure you verify that the gap fits within the engine’s specified range before buying new plugs for the car. A gapper tool can help you adjust the gap for proper fit if it’s a little off. However,  consider leaving it for a professional mechanic and do-it-yourselves.

Conclusion

Buying a spark plug from one of the best brands is important for the longer service life and performance of your engine. Plus it ensures smoother engine operation, reduced emission, and better fuel economy.