NGK advises on spark plug replacement
NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd is advising independent garages to routinely replace spark plugs as part of a car’s service.
The company says that it is more important than ever that they fit original equipment (OE) replacement parts, particularly as we enter the cold winter months.
Tim Ward, Deputy General Manager – Sales & Marketing, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said spark plug replacement is vital for the well-being of the vehicle and also makes good business sense for the garage.
He said: “There is a tendency for some garages not to replace spark plugs to keep the price of a service down, but their replacement should be part of the service as they play an integral role in a vehicle’s economy and emissions’ performance. A misfire of a spark plug can allow unburned fuel to enter the catalytic converter which in some cases can shorten its life or cause severe damage.
“There is a great opportunity for garages to increase their spark plug sales by educating consumers. It is also important for distributors to educate garages on the importance of maximising plug sales by advising that instead of changing one faulty plug, they should ‘upsell’ by replacing all of them.
“Garages should not look for a quick fix; they should explain to their customers that fitting the correct plug is vital for the well-being of their vehicle.”
NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd is an original equipment supplier to most of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers with whom it works hand-in-hand to produce spark plugs – and glow plugs and NTK sensors – that are manufactured to meet their specific requirements with that same part being available in the aftermarket to guarantee consumers get the ‘bespoke’ spark plug for their vehicle.
VMs are becoming ever more demanding as they look to enhance engine performance and fuel economy while achieving reduced emissions.
They would not ask the company to supply specific individual spark plugs if they thought that a shorter range would work as efficiently.
Tim Ward added: “With NGK, consumers can be sure they are getting the correct-fit part to meet the vehicle manufacturers’ performance criteria for their particular model as the same original equipment quality parts are sold in the aftermarket.
“For example, VMs would not ask NGK to supply specific individual spark plugs if they thought that a shorter range would work as efficiently so it is important that garages fit the correct ‘bespoke’ spark plug every time at the designated service interval to ensure optimum performance.
“When it comes to fitting parts, it pays to fit those that can be trusted and components from OE suppliers should always be insisted upon. There may be cheaper alternatives on the market, but will they have the quality and reliability of the original?”
This year has seen the Hemel Hempstead-based company announce a host of new OE contracts with such well-known marques as Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford, Jaguar, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.
NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd also recently introduced a wide-ranging selection of ignition coils into the automotive aftermarket.
Comprising more than 300 part numbers, it gives NGK one of the most comprehensive ignition coils ranges available and includes a variety of coil types, from the classic cylinder coils, distributor coils and block ignition coils, to connector ignition coils and ignition coil systems.
For more information about NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, its products and services, please visit the website at www.ngkntk.co.uk