Get to know the main challenges of cold starting in winter, com a NGK

Specialist recommends special ignition candles, that avoid failures and facilitate engine operation on cold days.

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São Paulo, June 2025 – With falling temperatures, challenges for good engine performance increase, especially at cold start. In this scenario, There are several factors that make ignition difficult., requiring extra attention to essential vehicle components, such as the delay to reach the ideal operating temperature or the highest rate of fuel condensation, which makes it difficult to burn.

To ensure the proper functioning of the car's systems and, starting difficulties and irregular idling already indicate a marked wear of the spark plug, safer driving during winter, and NGK, Niterra brand specialized in ignition systems, highlights the main components that deserve special care at this time of year.

1 – Coolant temperature sensor: It is essential that this sensor correctly indicates the engine temperature, as it activates several systems responsible for cold starting the engine on days with lower ambient temperatures.

2 – System with fuel tank: must be clean, unobstructed, free from leaks and residue. Furthermore, It is essential that it is filled with good quality gasoline, which guarantees the proper functioning of the cold starting system.

3 – Fuel heating system: must operate correctly to ensure adequate fuel heating, favoring efficient burning, facilitating fuel vaporization and reducing the effects of condensation at low temperatures.

4 – Battery: must be in good condition, as starting time tends to be longer with a cold engine, especially at low temperatures. It is also necessary to have enough charge to power the auxiliary systems that come into operation at that moment..

5 – Spark plugs: are responsible for generating the electrical spark that starts the burning of the fuel. As this is a critical moment for engine operation, It is essential that the spark plugs are in good condition. Worn or deposited spark plugs make it difficult to start the engine when cold..

Advantages of special candles in winter

High performance candles, made with noble metals, like platinum and iridium, stand out in low temperature environments as they offer a spark with greater energy and constant, even in extreme conditions. In this way, demonstrate a greater ability to burn the air/fuel mixture more efficiently, ensuring superior performance when starting the engine cold.

“Noble metal candles are resistant to residue formation and carbonization, problems that intensify in cold weather and impair ignition. With thinner electrodes and longer-lasting materials, These spark plugs make it easier to start the engine quickly, reducing the effort required from the battery and starter motor, which already operate with greater difficulty in low temperatures”, explains Hiromori Mori, Technical Assistance Consultant at Niterra do Brasil.

When choosing platinum or iridium candles, the driver ensures more reliable ignition and system protection, especially on cold days. NGK offers the G-Power line, with central electrode with platinum tip and trapezoidal side electrode for better flame propagation, e a Iridium IX, with central electrode with iridium tip and side electrode with beveled tip that optimizes combustion and reduces energy loss. These lines are offered to the automotive aftermarket, being an excellent option for modernizing the ignition system of vehicles that use conventional nickel spark plugs.

For more modern or high-end vehicles, NGK has the Laser Platinum and Laser Iridium lines that are used as original equipment in many vehicles.