Are you looking for a new spark plug set and wondering if NGK plugs are good? This post has all the information you should know before buying these spark plugs.
Notably, efficient spark plugs enhance engine performance and improve service life. You can have the best fuel economy if you install the appropriate spark plugs on your car to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
Are NGK spark plugs up to the task? Read on to find out!
Are NGK Spark Plugs Good?
NGK spark plugs are good and have proved high quality since the 1960s. That was when they were commonly used in Japanese cars, SUVs, and motorcycles. They have delivered a high performance that stood the test of time.
These spark plugs are generally the best choice if you are looking for standard electrode and noble metal wire-tipped spark plugs for your application.
NGK is an OEM supplier that complies with all industry standards. Its products are very predictable and reliable in performance with excellent value and durability. But how do they differ from popular spark plug brands such as Autolite?
Durability
NGK has a trademark feature of a coat of trivalent metal on the spark plugs. Additionally, the NGK spark plugs are dustproof. These design features give NGK spark plugs superior quality and durability, the reason it is a highly reputable brand in a competitive industry.
Fuel Economy
NGK spark plugs operation principle uses fewer fuel emissions. This can be viewed by many motorists as a disadvantage but is a blessing in disguise. You will get more mileage per gallon after installing these plugs in your car. They generally make your ride more economical, as you can travel longer distances for less money.
Grounding Point
NGK spark plugs use nickel to disperse the power from the ground electrodes and keep your vehicle safe from electrical hazards. You don’t have to worry about electrifying the car as the spark plugs fire to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
Performance Under Pressure and High Temperature
NGK spark plugs can maintain stable performance regardless of temperature conditions. Compared to the other brands, these plugs check all the boxes for high performance under combustion and during engine operations. They deliver as promised in different driving conditions.
How Long Should NGK Spark Plugs Last?
The NGK spark plug lifespan depends on the driving conditions and the specific product you buy. We will compare the service life of two different NGK spark plugs to get insight into the longevity of these products.
The first is the NGK Iridium IX spark plugs, which feature an iridium center electrode and a traditional nickel-construction ground electrode. This design gives them a relatively short lifespan since the ground electrode is prone to wear. You can expect it to last 40-50K miles, depending on the driving conditions and other factors, such as engine modifications.
The next NGK spark plug to consider here is the NGK Laser Iridium. This type has iridium center and ground electrodes. They last much longer than the previous product if installed on a regular engine. Unfortunately, they are designed for OE applications. You can expect 60K-80K miles from these spark plugs if used appropriately. Remember, they are designed and manufactured according to specific OE requirements.
Do NGK Spark Plugs Add Horsepower?
The NGK spark plugs can potentially increase the horsepower of your engine. They offer more spark at the tip needed to fire the engine and combust more fuel, thereby providing more power.
It is easy to notice more horsepower provided by NGK spark plugs if you are an experienced driver. You will achieve better acceleration speeds with these plugs. This can be useful when you want to get to highway speed faster.
The extra power you get from the engine is due to the high build quality of NGK spark plugs. That makes them the preferred choice for off-road vehicles that need to do extra work, such as pulling a trailer. It makes towing much easier because of the higher engine power.
Do You Need to Gap NGK Spark Plugs?
NGK spark plugs are pre-gapped during the manufacturing process. However, the gaps are standard and may not be appropriate for all applications. You may occasionally need to gap NGK spark plugs.
You should be careful when gapping NGK spark plugs or any other because they are fragile. Fine-wire spark plugs are prone to bending or breaking. That ruins them or reduces their performance.
The manufacturer recommends using a round-wire style or a pin gauge gap tool to measure the gap. And if you have to adjust it, use the tool that only moves the ground electrode and not the center electrode. Also, you should not alter the gap to more than +/- 0.008 inches from the factory preset gap.
Do NGK Spark Plugs Need Dielectric Grease?
The short answer is no. Dielectric grease is essential for some spark plugs but not NGK spark plugs. Generally, dielectric grease helps prevent corrosion, sparks from arcing, and bonding of the plug’s rubber and the ceramic part.
However, you should never apply dielectric grease on NGK spark plugs. Applying anti-seize or any lubricant on these plugs is unnecessary and may be detrimental. It can result in an unwanted pre-ignition that can damage your engine. You can read our guide to find out more about spark plugs lubing.
Who Makes NGK Spark Plugs?
NGK spark plugs are manufactured by the NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. NGK (Nihon Gaishi Kabushikigaisha) is a Japanese company established in 1936 that manufactures spark plugs and other products for internal combustion engines.
NGK has many production plants, technical centers, and venture labs in different countries. A subsidiary was established in the United States in 1966. So, there is a high chance that all NGK spark plugs sold in the United States are manufactured within the country.
NGK Spark Plug Co, Ltd supplies ignition and sensor products for 4-wheel, 2-wheel, ATV/SSV, and other automobiles for different applications. Under the ignition category, the company manufactures spark plugs, glow plugs, ignition coils, and ignition leads.
Final Thoughts
NGK is the go-to brand for spark plugs and glow plugs for most drivers. Their products stood the test of time and offer one of the best price-to-quality ratio. They might cost a little more than Autolite spark plugs, but sometimes the extra price is well worth it.
It all comes down to how much you are willing to spend on maintaining your car. At the end of the day, most spark plugs will do the job as long as they are installed correctly.
Brian is an auto technician who writes DIY repair articles and creates how-to videos for MechanicAsk. He focuses on common repairs like brakes, oil changes, and lighting. Brian draws on his 5 years of dealership experience to explain repairs in an easy-to-follow manner, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. His technical articles always include detailed tool lists, supply checklists, and visual guides.
