Why Stock DENSO Spark Plugs?

As well as being an original equipment (OE) spark plug manufacturer, supplying many major vehicle makers globally, DENSO is also a technical partner of Toyota Gazoo Racing, and several other motorsport teams, so has unparalleled specialist knowledge and experience. This puts the company in the prime position to identify and supply distributors with a spark plug solution to suit every application and motoring need.

If any extra evidence is needed to understand what sets DENSO spark plugs apart, the following additional facts will further endorse its market leading products.

Precious metals and special materials

Materials used in DENSO spark plugs (such as the high quality special ceramic insulators and the precious metals used in the iridium and platinum alloys for electrodes) can withstand the very high temperatures in the engine and combustion chamber making them one of the most durable spark plugs on the market.

Reducing ignition lag inconsistencies

The delay time for the ignition lag period can be inconsistent and can vary from one combustion cycle to the next. These inconsistencies will then shorten or lengthen the whole combustion process, which will advance or retard the exact time that the maximum cylinder pressure occurs. Engine manufacturers must therefore provide a safety margin for the ignition timing calculations to ensure that ignition timing and combustion do not occur too early.

DENSO spark plug technologies include the use of fine electrodes that help to reduce the inconsistencies of ignition lag, and this then allows engine manufacturers to build in smaller safety margins for the ignition timing so that it can be closer to the optimum setting, which improves combustion and engine efficiency.

Electrode shape

DENSO produces a range of spark plugs with different electrode shapes and sizes that help to reduce the quenching effect for different engine applications. 

Bigger electrodes block more of the flame growth, whilst the smallest electrodes will enable improved 3D growth. With DENSO’s patented 0.4 mm centre electrode and the Twin Tip (TT) technology, smaller electrodes actively improve ignition, and subsequently engine performance.

Zero defects

DENSO has been setting the standard for spark plug technology since 1959. All spark plug ranges are developed in house, and manufactured in its own IATF 16949 certified factories worldwide – with ‘zero defects’ as standard. Crucially, it ensures the same outstanding quality to both OE and aftermarket channels, guaranteeing optimum engine performance for all.

The DENSO solution

To help overcome the problems of increasingly higher voltages being required to create a spark, DENSO produces a range of spark plugs with smaller electrodes that are manufactured using precious metals such as iridium. The smaller electrodes reduce the voltage requirement, and the iridium provides a high temperature resistant and hard wearing surface for the electrodes.

The DENSO range of spark plugs allows the standard specification spark plugs fitted to many vehicles to be upgraded, which reduces the required ignition voltage and provides an easier life for the ignition system and even improves the engines performance.

In addition, DENSO produces a range of spark plugs with electrodes manufactured using precious metals that significantly help to reduce electrode wear. Applying advanced technologies like the DENSO TT, results in better performance over a longer period, and its iridium long life spark plugs can even provide lifetimes of up to 120,000 km.

DENSO Iridium spark plugs have the highest concentration of iridium on the market, with around 90% iridium and 10% rhodium. Other spark plug manufacturers often market their spark plugs as being ‘iridium’, but are actually an alloy of mainly platinum, with only a small percentage of iridium. This mix does not allow for the same small electrodes and may result in a shorter lifetime.

Would you like to learn more about DENSO Spark Plugs and their technology?
Visit our technical e-learning platform and gain practical know-how through expert-led Spark Plug training.

For accurate part selection and optimal engine performance, visit the DENSO e‑catalogue to find the right spark plug for your car or motorcycle.