When it comes to choosing the right spark plugs for your vehicle, two brands often come to mind: Denso and NGK. Both are well-respected and offer high-quality products, but which one is the best for your needs? In this article, we will compare Denso and NGK spark plugs based on their history, products, and performance.
Denso: A Brief History
Denso is a Japanese company that was founded in 1949. It started as a parts supplier for Toyota and has since grown to become one of the largest automotive parts manufacturers in the world. Denso’s products include spark plugs, filters, direct ignition coils, and sensors. The company has over 200 subsidiaries worldwide and employs more than 170,000 people.
Denso Spark Plugs
Denso’s spark plugs are known for their high performance and durability. They use iridium and platinum materials to create plugs that last longer and deliver better ignition. Denso’s Iridium TT plugs, for example, use Twin-Tip technology to create an omnidirectional explosion that ensures complete combustion. This results in more power and fuel efficiency.
NGK: A Brief History
NGK is also a Japanese company that was founded in 1936. It specializes in the production of spark plugs, ignition coils, and other ignition-related products. NGK has over 60 companies and 35 production plants worldwide, employing more than 16,000 people.
NGK Spark Plugs
NGK’s spark plugs are known for their advanced technology and high performance. They use iridium and platinum materials to create plugs that are durable and long-lasting. NGK’s Iridium IX plugs, for example, use a trivalent metal plating to protect against corrosion and a fine wire electrode design for better ignitability.
Denso vs. NGK: Differences
When it comes to choosing between Denso and NGK spark plugs, there are a few key differences to consider.
Products: Both Denso and NGK offer a wide range of spark plugs, but NGK has a slight advantage in terms of product diversity. They offer ruthenium spark plugs, which use the latest technology for efficiency and power. Denso, on the other hand, offers U-groove plugs, which are designed for fuel economy.
Functionality: Denso’s spark plugs use Twin Tip technology for complete combustion and reduced quenching. NGK’s spark plugs use projected square platinum electrodes and double fine wire electrode tip designs for high ignitability and better cold starts.
Heat Range: Denso’s spark plugs have a heat range variance of 9-37, with 9 being the hottest and 37 being the coldest. NGK’s spark plugs have a heat range variance of 2-12, with 2 being the hottest and 12 being the coldest.
Product Availability: Denso has a larger market share and produces around 6 billion spark plugs yearly. NGK has a decent market share and produces roughly 1 billion spark plugs annually. Denso products are easier to find.
Price: NGK spark plugs are slightly cheaper than Denso plugs, but the cost also depends on where you buy them.
