DENSO VS NGK: Which is Better?

Denso vs. NGK has always been a running online battle between automobile users on which is the best spark plug. Well, we are here to solve this mystery. First off, both are iridium spark plugs that offer almost similar characteristics.

Iridium plugs signify a major milestone in automotive spark plug manufacturing technology that by far, surpass platinum plugs.
Both Denso and NGK also work well with all types of vehicles ranging from heavy trucks to light vehicles.

However one can outdo the other when it comes to performance, longevity, and stability. To answer our forgoing question on which is better between Denso and NGK, it is better to comb through each of their features and performance capabilities in order to find one that fits your need.

It’s also important to note that getting the best spark will have a major influence in the proper performance of your engine guaranteeing minimal misfires.

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Denso is an industrial leader in spark plug technology since 1959. It has carved its niche as an auto parts supplier and we are more impressed by the Denso Spark Iridium plug made from the revolutionary 360̊ laser-welding process.

First off, iridium power guarantees improved ignitability, improved output (combination of low voltage requirement plus high ignitability thereby improving combustion) and improved acceleration thereby limiting misfires.

Iridium’s voltage requirements reduce as the firing performance improves and the seal is wear-resistant even in the worst of conditions.

This Iridium tough strength from Denso ensures that the user gets longer lifetime from the spark plug, say up to 100,000km and offers up to 5% better fuel economy as compared to other standard spark plugs.

Are you looking for the perfect spark plug for your race car? Then you will be happy to know that the Denso spark plug is well crafted with F1 technology in mind for boosted performance, ultimate acceleration, and high reliability.

Key Features

Full Description

The Denso Spark Iridium Long Life spark plug delivers awe-inspiring firing potential for speedy flame growth and minimizes heat loss. It boasts of a small electrode diameter and thus producing a dramatic improvement in spark plug life and ignitability.

Being a DENSO custom product, you can expect unmatched structural integrity and a quality bond.

So it’s technically an economy option if you need to replace multiple plugs in 6-month alternatives, that is, the average lifespan of a spark plug before it wears out. Plus, the spark plugs don’t rot so you can tuck them away for future use.

The Denso Iridium Long Life spark plug is premium equipment that can be found in the hood of a number of automakers such as Toyota, GM, Mitsubishi, and Honda pre-installed just after they leave the factories. That just tells you how good they are.

My Experience

The Denso Spark Plug has a legion of following by almost every Japan manufactured automobile.

However, this feature will make it better at producing powerful sparks that you will need for a smoother ride. In addition, it is thrice the price of other spark plug alternatives so you know that you are getting one heck of a good plug.

For that reason, we will give this product 4.5 out of 5 stars rating.

What are the customers saying?

The argument that settled in is that Denso packaging is superb and great things do come in special packages. Pricewise, they are fairly priced and wear very well compared to NGK.

The fact that Denso has a gap of .047 which is relatively close to the factory gap of .043 is also a winner.

NGK stands at .054 which is a bit large and we know that the larger the gap, the more energy the spark takes to jump between two points of contact which may affect the performance depending on your location (weather and terrain).

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NGK is a leading OE supplier and manufacturer of oxygen sensors, A/F sensors and spark plugs for domestic and imported vehicles in North America.

With over 50 years of experience dedicated to innovation and improved performance, you can bet the NGK IX Iridium spark plug is one of their best works tailored from the best technology to fit the modern vehicle and that of the future.

If you are a performance enthusiast, then NGK spark plugs are definitely worth your time and money.

The NGK Iridium IX spark plug offers the user top-notch ignitability, superb anti-fouling and improved throttle performance.

This is all thanks to its superior iridium alloy built that has an astoundingly high melting point that is perfect for the new age high tech and high-performance engines.

Key Features

Full Description

The NGK iridium spark plug is a top-notch performance upgrade over V-Power, OEM, G-power and Standard grade plugs. These plugs are for every consumer, street racer, professional race teams and all automotive enthusiasts around the world.

This spark plug is also fitted with a longer insulator nose so as to prevent fouling. In addition, the corrugated ribs fitted on the insulator also prevent flashover.

What you can expect from this baby is high fuel efficiency, outstanding acceleration, and durability. All key ingredients in maximizing energy power and maintaining ultimate performance ride after ride.

With such great features, your engine will experience no misfiring and optimal performance which are enough reasons to choose this spark plug over other alternatives in the market.

My Experience

NGK spark plugs are the ultimate replacements for their platinum alternatives. They also require less maintenance and provide better performance as compared to Denso. For this reason, the NGK gets the ultimate 5-star rating.

What are the customers saying?

A common rule of thumb is that if the engine is Japanese then you should definitely go for NGK. Another market hype is that since NGK are more expensive and decent than other spark plug alternatives in the industry, then they are definitely hotter and better.

The winning argument however of why they are a favorite among many is that NGK spark plugs are easily available and shops stock a huge selection of NGK products.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Contents:

Does Denso spark plugs need to be gapped?

Denso iridium spark plugs readily come with a pre-set gap done by the manufacturer. You, therefore, do not need to change the gap as you may end up damaging the fine electrodes.

Should you decide to DIY the re-gap, ensure you follow through the proper steps in increasing or decreasing the gap size to limit any damage to the electrode.

Are Denso Spark Plugs Good?

A living mantra for Denso products is that they offer quality, reliability, and value. Same goes for their iridium spark plugs. The spark plugs leave the factory having been designed with utmost precision, manufactured to OE standards and put through the toughest safety and performance tests.

Try getting the Denso Spark Iridium ZXU20HCR spark plug. You will definitely get value for your money.

Are NGK Spark Plugs pre-gapped?

Yes, they indeed are traditionally pre-gapped by the manufacturer. You are however allowed to adjust the gapping according to your engine’s specification in order to prevent detonation, pre-ignition, poor fuel economy and fouling.

What are the symptoms of bad spark plugs?

You know a spark plug is functioning at its utmost capability when it can transmit an electric signal from the ignition coil and create a spark at a predetermined time that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

Since you may not always know when a spark plug is failing, here are some few pointers to look out for:

• • Poor Fuel Economy

A spark plug won’t work efficiently if the gap in the electrodes is either too far apart or too close together. When this happens, the spark plug won’t burn fuel efficiently in the combustion cycle and this will increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption.

• • Engine Misfires

Ever had your vehicle stop for a second and then it rocketed back to life? Well, that’s an engine misfire and an indication that one of the cylinders isn’t firing properly as a result of a faulty spark plug.

• • Engine Surging

Worn out spark plugs can cause a vehicle to suck in more air than necessary in the combustion process and cause the vehicle to continually start and stop. That is a sign that the engine isn’t working efficiently and can also be a dangerous situation when your vehicle jerks and stops in traffic.

• • Slow acceleration

A worn out spark plug may not produce a spark that’s hot enough to ignite the air-fuel mixture and that may reduce the acceleration of your vehicle.
However, modern vehicles are fitted with sensors that let the onboard computer and ignition system know when to fire the spark plug. So the issue may sometimes be with the faulty sensors and not a bad spark plug so it’s better to get that checked out first before you buy a new spark plug.

• An engine having a rough idle

Does your vehicle give out a rough sound and vibrate when sitting idle? Well, that is what we refer to as a rough idle and it’s an indicator of a spark plug problem that causes the cylinder to misfire even when the vehicle is stationary.

Trouble starting your vehicle?

While having a flat battery or being out of fuel are obvious reasons why your car won’t start, sometimes the issue may be due to a faulty spark plug. The engine’s ignition system needs all its parts to work cohesively in order to function efficiently and start up your car.

If the spark plug isn’t giving the hit required to ignite the engine, then your vehicle isn’t going to move. You can also expect your battery to be drained by the faulty spark plugs.

To avoid all these problems, you need to ensure that your spark plugs are regularly serviced, cleaned and changed if necessary. Most of the times, your mechanic won’t replace the spark plug but re-adjust the electrode gapping to its factory settings.

How does spark plug gap affect performance?

Simply put, the wider the spark gap, the harder it gets for a spark to jump across it. You will notice this problem at high revs as you will experience fewer sparks at that point. On the other hand, too narrow of a gap may lead to insufficient spark and thereby reducing the engine’s power.

A higher spark voltage leads to the erosion of the electrode leading to faster spark plug wear. You, therefore, need to go for a spark plug with a smaller gap to factor in spark plug wear that happens with time.

Can a misfire ruin an engine?

Misfires can be quite a headache as you can never be too sure if it is a temporary or ongoing problem and if you are lucky, you may get a check engine code. When it comes to the effect on the engine, first you need to understand that the engine needs fuel to ignite, oxygen to burn the fuel and a spark to ignite the mixture.

If any of these components are missing, then the cylinder won’t produce a bang and you will have a misfire. If you don’t fix the problem, misfires can lead to increased emissions, reduced gas mileage and yes, damage to the engine.

On a side note, other issues like valve spring wear, incorrect ignition timing, and vacuum leaks can also cause misfires.

It’s therefore prudent to check with a professional in order to get a better diagnosis of the cause of the misfire and get the problem fixed in good time.

How long will spark plugs last?

A spark plug is just as good as its manufacturer. A spark plug that is tailored to meet the efficiency of the new age automobiles will definitely last longer.

Denso and NKG are products of great manufacturing giants that address the need for fuel efficiency, tolerating leaner fuel mixtures and improving combustion processes brought on by the increasingly complex automobiles coming up every day.

Furthermore, they are both iridium plugs which boast of a lifespan of 40,000 to 60,000 miles, unlike a copper plug which can only give you 20,000 miles. Nothing matches up to the longevity of Denso and NGK iridium plugs.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, both Denso and NGK iridium spark plugs are stable and unrivaled when it comes to longevity. Iridium is less conductive than copper spark plugs but it works well at low temperatures and lasts way longer.

These iridium spark plugs may also cost 4 times more than platinum plugs but their specific features make them perfect for all types of vehicles and they require less maintenance.

Pulling out a winner will, therefore, depend on what you are looking for. If you are more concerned about the horsepower of your vehicle, then Denso is a good pick. However, if you want something long-lasting, stable and coming at a lower cost, then NGK is your partner in crime.