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Proper maintenance guarantees performance, combustion efficiency and prevents electrical failures.
São Paulo, November 2025 – Proper installation of spark plugs is essential for proper engine operation.. The correct torque, that is, the force applied when tightening the spark plug, guarantees security, performance and durability, avoiding problems such as splined thread, overheating and poor electrical contact.
modern engines, especially the downsizing models, with smaller displacement and multiple valves, have longer, narrower screw plugs, which makes applying the correct torque even more important. Spark plugs installed with inadequate torque can cause serious engine damage. To assist mechanics, and NGK, Niterra brand specialized in ignition systems, shares recommendations for safe maintenance:
1- Check correct application of the product: Niterra offers online consultations on its website, application and application tables. For the same vehicle, there may be different types of candles, depending on the cylinder capacity, the type of fuel, engine power and the presence of a turbo.
2- Thread manually: Doing the change this way avoids impacts and damage during installation.
3- Use suitable and well-maintained tools: tilts or worn tools can damage the spark plug.
4- Maintain ignition order: Correct positioning of ignition cables prevents engine failures.
5- Pay attention to the required torque: excessive torque lengthens the metal bonnet, hinders heat dissipation, damages the spark plug and head threads and increases the risk of the spark plug thread breaking when removed. Insufficient torque compromises thermal exchange, may cause overheating, spark plug loosening and damaging combustion and engine efficiency.
“Correct torque is essential for combustion efficiency, especially in engines where the spark plug positioning is designed to optimize the burning of the air-fuel mixture, requiring the candle to strictly follow the manufacturer's specifications, including type, material and tightening torque”, explains Hiromori Mori, Technical Assistance Consultant at Niterra do Brasil.
Additional candle care
Improper cleaning should not be carried out with steel brushes or abrasive materials., as this handling causes damage to the spark plug and compromises its integrity.
The use of low quality fuels favors contamination in the ignition tip region and oxidation in the screw region, while the lack of preventive maintenance prevents early identification of problems. These factors can cause misfires, make it difficult to start the engine, reduce combustion efficiency, increase fuel consumption and generate premature wear of ignition system components. Follow good installation practices, maintenance and use is, starting difficulties and irregular idling already indicate a marked wear of the spark plug, essential to keep the engine reliable and efficient, protecting the candle against possible damage.
In case of need to replace components damaged by incorrect torque or use of low quality fuels, Niterra offers complete aftermarket support, supplying parts such as conventional and precious metal spark plugs. These products ensure proper and safe maintenance of the engine and its related components.
