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Spark plugs in a car are a device for igniting the fuel-air mixture in heat engines. In simple words, candles give a spark to the engine. Many auto mechanics advise changing spark plugs every 20 km, but some spark plugs can go 000 with you – everything is individual here. The condition of the candles says a lot – is everything in order with the engine. To do this, you just need to unscrew the candle and look at the carbon deposits on the electrodes. If it is uneven in color, then it is better to contact the service – by soot, the master will quickly diagnose your engine. Candles can be changed independently or in a car service, but first they need to be selected.
The range of auto products is always growing, and it is difficult for a simple driver to decide what to choose. In the ranking of the top 10 best spark plugs, we publish a selection of experts, the pros and cons of products.
Rating of the top 10 best spark plugs for a car according to KP
In this rating, we will tell you about each candle in more detail – with pluses and minuses. Let’s start from the 10th position.
10. Brisk Silver LR17YS
These candles have a high thermal conductivity of silver, an excellent shape of the electrodes and a small distance between them (0,55 mm 0,7 mm and 0,9 mm). Candles guarantee perfect burning of the mixture, so candles are used even for powerful racing cars – this indicates the high quality and wear resistance of the candles. The stated replacement interval is 45 km.
9. DENSO 4702 IK20TT
These are candles that have many features. They are made of iridium, suitable for gasoline engines.
The manufacturer notes that the service life of the candles has been significantly increased – the car can drive up to 120 km before replacing the candles. The “Japanese” have improved sparking to the maximum, candles contribute to fuel economy and reduce harmful emissions.
8. Bosch SUPER 4 WR78
The next model from Bosch is the SUPER 4 WR78. This is one of the popular models on the market. The candle has four side electrodes, the central one is silver plated. The manufacturer claims that the candles are self-cleaning from soot. The engine starts quickly and confidently even in cold weather, works flawlessly, is able to drive over 50 km. The electrodes are made of chromium-nickel alloy with a copper core. The long service life of the candles is explained by the fact that the candles wear out evenly – with the Bosch SUPER 000 WR4 there will be no such situations that one of the candles fails while the others work.
7. NGK 6899 CPR6EA-9
The manufacturer highlights several features of the NGK 6899 CPR6EA-9 candles. They have nickel side and center electrodes – this ensures uninterrupted operation and stable sparking. Also, this mixture will provide improved ignition of the fuel-air mixture and efficient combustion. Motorists have noticed a slight improvement in fuel economy. Buying candles of this brand, you get high quality for a low cost.
6. NGK 4339 DCPR8E
This candle has a trivalent metal coating – it gives reliable protection against corrosion. There is also a corrugated ceramic insulator that provides good heat dissipation. Thanks to it, a spark will also not form outside the electrode zone. The core of the candles is copper, it perfectly removes heat, the manufacturer claims. Motorists will get high quality for low cost.
5. BRISK DR15YC-1
Another popular brand in the candle market is BRISK. The central electrode of the DR15YC-1 spark plugs is made of a nickel alloy with a copper core. Candles behave well both in city slow driving, and on the highway, at higher speeds and in other driving modes. They are suitable for almost all cars – however, there are always exceptions, it is better to check with a consultant if they are suitable for you. The stated replacement interval is 30 km.
4. DENSO 5303 IK16
The DENSO brand is quite popular in the auto parts market. The center electrode of these spark plugs is made of iridium and is suitable for gasoline engines. The manufacturer refers to the advantages of a thin electrode – only 0,4 mm, improved flammability and improved acceleration. Users noted that in winter the car starts better and faster. Others have noticed a reduction in consumption.
3. Bosch Super Plus FR8HDC
Bosch again, this time with Super Plus FR8HDC spark plugs. These spark plugs are also suitable for gasoline engines. The central electrode of the spark plug is made of yttrium and nickel – thanks to this, the service life of the plugs is increased (the alloy of these elements is highly wear resistant and also guarantees reliable ignition). Candles, according to the manufacturer, protect the catalyst and save fuel in the car. Drivers note that candles radically change the operation of the engine for the better, the engine runs cleaner. Cars can travel up to 50 kilometers on these spark plugs.
2. NGK 4559 TR5B-13
These French spark plugs from NGK guarantee fast engine start, increased engine power and high quality. Despite the low price, these spark plugs are of very high quality and are suitable for all gasoline engines. The manufacturer notes that the candles are special in that they provide stable sparking, the fuel-air mixture will ignite better and burn efficiently.
Expert selection
Bosch ZR5SI332 Platinum Iridium
And at the top of our rating is the spark plug from Bosch – ZR5SI332 Platinum Iridium. Its central electrodes are treated with platinum-iridium alloys. Due to this, it has a very high wear resistance and resistance to various influences, including chemical ones. The central electrode of the spark plug is only 0,6 mm in diameter – this guarantees good flammability.
How to choose spark plugs
As mentioned above, candles are an important element in any car, so their choice must be approached responsibly. Starting the engine, speed and even fuel consumption depend on them. You need to choose based on these points:
- the more electrodes, the better, the candle will last a long time;
- pay attention to the gap. It must be minimal. When the candles wear out, the gap becomes wider, the load on the ignition coil appears, and it may fail;
- focus on price. If you have an inexpensive old domestic car, it makes no sense to overpay and choose expensive candles. All of the above brands also have budget candles;
- do not run into a fake. Buy candles only in trusted places and auto shops or gas stations. There may be fakes in online stores or hypermarkets;
- if the candle cannot be chosen by yourself, contact the specialists for help.
Popular questions and answers
Our expert answered questions of interest to KP readers about replacing candles, Nikolai Voronin, owner of the AutoLiga 161 auto parts store in Rostov-on-Don.