How do spark plugs work?

There are lots of reasons why it is so important to match the right spark plug with the engine that you intend to use. Our range of Denso spark plugs, Bosch spark plugs, Champion spark plugs and NGK spark plugs is huge and will cover most of the bases. A little understanding of how a spark plug works ought to help clarify why different plugs suit different engine types. A spark plug is essentially an electrical device that fits into an engine. It is quite simple in theory in that it forces electricity to arc across a gap, like a bolt of lightning. The electricity must be at a very high voltage in order to travel across the gap and create a good spark, and can be anywhere between 40,000 to 100,000 volts. The plug also has to withstand the extreme heat and pressure inside the cylinder, and must be designed so that deposits from fuel additives do not build up on the plug. There are both hot spark plugs and cold ones, depending on the nature of the vehicle. Whether the spark plugs run hot or cold is determined by the design and fitting of the piece of insulating ceramic insert that surrounds part of the plug which, with different designs, will allow varying rates of heat transfer from the ceramic.

What materials are used?

A piece of technology of this kind clearly needs to be made out of the correct materials in order to withstand the immense heat and other processes that it has to go through. Ceramic, copper, platinum, palladium, tungsten, high nickel steel, copper and iridium are also used in various ways, depending on the nature of the spark plug. Improvements in some of the metals and materials used in spark plugs have meant that some good quality plugs can last much longer. You can be sure that all of our NGK spark plugs, Denso spark plugs, Champion spark plugs and Bosch spark plugs will be made out of the highest quality materials designed for their purpose.

Signs of car spark plug wear and tear and how to spot it

As a spark plug can be easily removed for inspection. It is possible to examine the condition of the plug, how well it is aging, and also to tell certain things about how the vehicle engine is running. A light brown discolouration of the tip of the spark plug block indicates proper operation, whilst other conditions such as a heavy, sooty deposit or glazing may indicate engine malfunction. Engine and spark plug manufacturers generally publish spark plug reading charts relating to their product, which will help you determine the condition of your plugs and (to a degree) the efficiency of your engine. Other signs to watch for are deposits, or a deficiency of certain kinds of deposits – again a spark plug chart will help you interpret the information. Some information regarding the running of your engine can be ascertained by running the engine at a high level immediately prior to spark plug inspection.

Spark plug gaps must be set correctly

The gap through which the electrical charge passes must be set correctly to ensure the correct working of the plug. The gap can be set slightly differently to maximize either efficiency of length of life. If you are unsure about this, it is important to check the instruction specifications or get a qualified mechanic to help you.

Why is it important to match the right spark plug to your vehicle and engine size?

The car or engine maker will select the right temperature plug for each car. Some cars with high performance engines naturally generate more heat, so they need colder plugs. If too much heat is generated the fuel could be ignited before the spark fires. In general, fitting the wrong plug for your car could mean the engine would malfunction or just not work as efficiently as it should. Our range of Denso spark plugs, Bosch spark plugs, Champion spark plugs and NGK spark plugs will cover most needs in this respect.

How to find the right spark plug for your vehicle and engine size?

Look on our website and use our handy spark plug finding system to find which spark plugs are perfectly matched to your car and engine size. For most vehicle models and engine types and sizes, there will be a choice of spark plugs ranging in quality and price. You could use NGK spark plugs, Denso spark plugs, Champion spark plugs or Bosch spark plugs in your vehicle; the best thing would be to have a look through the various qualities and specifications that each spark plug has to help you make your decision.

New innovations

Over the years, new innovations in spark plug design have attempted to provide either better ignition or greater longevity, or both. Most of the leading brand name providers such as Champion spark plugs, Bosch spark plugs. Denso spark plugs and NGK spark plugs have made improvements to their products. One variation is the addition and use of two, three or four equally spaced ground electrodes surrounding the centre electrode. There have also been refinements in the use of the metals and materials to increase the efficiency of sparkplugs.

Our range of plugs

At carsparkplugs.com, we provide Champion spark plugs, Denso spark plugs, Bosch spark plugs and NGK spark plugs as well as other leading brands.

Champion spark plugs

We sell a wide range of Champion spark plugs, including packs of four Champion spark plugs, which are on special offer. Our range of Champion spark plugs is huge and covers many vehicle types; telephone us or look on the website to see if Champion spark plugs are the right choice for your vehicle. Prices for Champion spark plugs range from under £2 to over £20; your vehicle will determine which set of champion spark plugs you may need.

Denso spark plugs

We stock a huge range of Denso spark plugs, including Denso spark plugs made from copper, platinum and iridium. Whilst all our Denso spark plugs are of the highest quality, iridium Denso spark plugs are amongst the best on the market. Iridium Denso spark plugs can provide improved ignition, improved power and improved output and improved fuel making iridium Denso spark plugs an excellent choice for some kinds of vehicle. Iridium Denso spark plugs cost a little more than some of the others, but you may decide that they are worth the investment for some of the other savings you will make or for the improvements in vehicle performance.

Bosch spark plugs

Bosch spark plugs come in various incarnations including the Bosch Super range of Bosch spark plugs and the Bosch Super4 range of Bosch spark plugs. Bosch spark plugs range in price from under £2 to around the £10 mark, depending on the model, making Bosch spark plugs a good value choice. Bosch spark plugs are known for their reliability, and at carsparksplugs.com we know Bosch spark plugs do their job well.

NGK spark plugs

Our NGK spark plugs come in copper, platinum and iridium, meaning that NGK spark plugs can satisfy a number of vehicle requirements. NGK spark plugs are guaranteed to be of high quality whatever they are made from but the iridium IX spark plug made by NGK spark plugs is considered to be one of the best new innovations available. NGK spark plugs iridium IX plugs offer high fuel efficiency, high acceleration and long life, making it the leading spark plug that NGK spark plugs produce. NGK spark plugs iridium IX range is for serious enthusiasts who want one of the most technologically advanced spark plugs available.

So, whether you need NGK spark plugs, Denso spark plugs, Champion spark plugs or Bosch spark plugs, at carsparkplugs.com we will be able to supply what you need, whether it is a small engine or a high performance vehicle. So find your ideal spark plug on the website, or give us a call and we will help you to get the right product for your needs.

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