Quick Reference

Special candles: check out the benefits for turbo engines

20 Jul 2022
2 min reading

NGK explains how high-performance spark plugs work
and what care should be taken for maintenance

Sao Paulo, June 2022 – One of the great developments observed in the automotive market is the popularization of turbocharged engines. Previously restricted to higher cost vehicles or sports, they are now present in many new cars with the aim of offering higher levels of efficiency, performance and fuel economy. In this context, ignition systems have advanced, according to NGK, a Japanese multinational specialist in spark plugs, to meet more stringent demands of this technology.

Hiromori Mori, consultor de Assistência Técnica da NGK do Brasil, aponta que os motores turbo alimentados oferecem ganhos de performance que, por sua vez, geram pressões mais altas na câmara de combustão e também exigem mais desempenho das velas de ignição. “Cada vez mais as novas gerações de motores turbo têm utilizado as chamadas velas especiais porque elas proporcionam uma melhor condutividade elétrica e uma centelha mais intensa, o que resulta na queima da mistura ar-combustível com mais eficiência", explica o especialista.

Manufactured from noble materials such as platinum and iridium, the special spark plugs generate a series of advantages for engines, from easier starts, through faster accelerations and more stable idle speeds, to constant rotations with greater fuel economy. “When the turbine is generating greater pressure, there is a natural difficulty in generating the spark, which is mitigated with the actuation of the platinum or iridium spark plugs”, says Mori. By having central electrodes with reduced diameters, the special candles facilitate the formation of the spark - the spark that will burn the air-fuel mixture.

Maintenance

As the working conditions of high performance spark plugs are more critical in turbocharged engines, NGK reinforces to the driver that it is essential to carry out component maintenance according to the specifications of each automaker, which makes available on the official website the vehicle manuals with the respective maintenance plans. The durability of the special spark plug is defined according to tests established by the automaker, and can vary from 40 thousand to 100 thousand kilometers.

According to the Technical Assistance consultant at NGK do Brasil, the lifespan of the special spark plug also depends on the working conditions inside the combustion chamber, such as temperature, pressure and mixture. “In engines with a high compression ratio or the use of turbochargers, there is a tendency for greater wear. From the analysis of the electrode's condition regarding wear, which is not easily visible to the naked eye, the mechanic can identify the need for replacement”, concludes Mori.

most read

follow up our social networks

sign our newsletter and stay on top of the latest news, offers and courses.

We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on the portal. For more information about what types of cookies you may find on this website, please visit “Cookie Settings”. By clicking on “Accept all cookies”, you accept the use of cookies on this website
Cookie Settings