What brand of spark plugs are the best?

For most modern engines, NGK and Denso are widely regarded as the top all-around choices for reliability and performance, with the best fit ultimately determined by your vehicle’s OEM specification and your driving needs. In practice, the right brand depends on factors like heat range, electrode material, and the engine’s design, so start with the manufacturer’s recommendation and consider your goals ( longevity, performance, or budget).

What determines the best spark plug brand?

There isn’t a universal “best” brand for every car. Engine designers tune heat range, electrode geometry, and materials to specific firing conditions, so choosing a plug means matching those specifications and your maintenance plan. The next sections break down how brands align with those factors.

OEM specifications and heat range

Always start with the owner’s manual or the service bulletin for your vehicle. The heat range and electrode design are chosen to prevent fouling or pre-ignition in that engine. If you replace with an aftermarket option, ensure it’s listed as an equivalent or explicitly approved by the manufacturer.

Electrode materials and design

Plug designs use copper, platinum, or iridium electrodes. Copper cores are common and affordable but wear faster; platinum and iridium plugs last longer and can improve cold starts and overall durability. The choice affects longevity, price, and performance characteristics.

Brand options and their typical strengths

The following overview highlights brands commonly chosen by drivers and technicians and what they tend to excel at in everyday use.

• NGK — broad model coverage, strong performance in iridium and platinum designs, and a strong track record with OEM applications; often a first choice for many imports and domestics.


• Denso — close competitor to NGK with high-quality iridium and platinum lines; respected for efficient ignition and longevity across a variety of engines.


• Bosch — popular in European vehicles; offers a broad range including copper, platinum, and iridium options; solid aftermarket support.


• Autolite — value-oriented option with broad compatibility for many U.S. and Asian engines; reliable for everyday driving.


• ACDelco — GM’s preferred aftermarket brand; reliable for GM engines and common in North American service outlets.


• Champion — long-running brand with budget-friendly choices; widely available for older and high-mileage vehicles.

Bottom line: the best brand is the one that aligns with your vehicle’s OEM specs, your budget, and your maintenance plans, and that is installed with the correct heat range and gap.

Brand choices by use case

Different driving scenarios can tilt the choice toward certain brands or plug types. The following list offers typical alignments by use case.

• Everyday reliability and broad compatibility: NGK or Denso are commonly recommended for most daily drivers, offering dependable ignition and longevity.


• Budget-conscious replacements: Autolite or Champion provide economical options that fit many older or low-cost vehicles.


• GM and certain domestics: ACDelco plugs are frequently specified or approved for GM platforms and are a familiar choice for service shops.


• European makes and performance-focused setups: Bosch plugs are often used in European cars; always verify OEM compatibility since some models prefer NGK or Denso alternatives.


• High-performance or iridium-focused setups: Premium lines such as NGK Iridium IX or Denso Iridium Power deliver longer life and consistent performance under aggressive driving.

In practice, always verify the exact OEM specification for your engine, including heat range, gap, and thread reach, before purchasing. If in doubt, consult a mechanic or the dealership service department.

Summary

There is no single “best” spark plug brand for every car. For most drivers, NGK and Denso are the safest, highest-performing bets because they align with OEM designs and offer strong longevity. The right choice depends on your engine’s specifications, driving conditions, and budget. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure correct heat range, gap, and torque during installation.

Which spark plug is better, NGK or Champion?

Neither brand is universally "better"; the choice depends on your specific needs, as NGK is often seen as the premium option for durability and high performance, while Champion provides a more budget-friendly, reliable alternative. Many users report better longevity and smoother performance with NGK, especially in demanding applications, but Champion can be a solid choice for general use or if cost is a primary concern. 
NGK

• Best for: High-performance, demanding conditions, and long-term use. 
• Pros:
  • Generally considered to have superior durability and longevity. 
  • Known for consistent firing and reliable performance. 
  • Often the preferred choice for racing or performance-oriented engines. 
• Cons:
  • Typically more expensive than Champion plugs. 

Champion

• Best for: Budget-conscious applications where top-tier performance isn't the priority.
• Pros:
  • More affordable option. 
  • Known for being a durable and reliable plug for many standard applications. 
  • Some users find them easier to clean and reuse if they get fouled. 
• Cons:
  • May have a shorter service life compared to NGK. 
  • Some users have reported performance issues with Champion plugs in certain engines, particularly high-performance or foreign engines where they may not be the OEM choice. 

How to choose

• For a high-performance engine or if longevity is a top priority: Choose NGK. 
• Champion: For a standard engine or a budget-friendly option: is a reliable and cost-effective choice.
• When in doubt: Check your vehicle's owner's manual or consult a mechanic to see which brand and specific plug is recommended for your engine. 

What brand of spark plug is best?

There is no single "best" spark plug brand, as the ideal choice depends on your vehicle and performance needs. Top brands include NGK, Bosch, Denso, Champion, and ACDelco, with premium options often using iridium or platinum for better durability and efficiency. For the best results, use the brand and type specified by your car's manufacturer, or choose an aftermarket plug that meets or exceeds those specifications.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the difference between spark plug types: 51sThe Engineers PostYouTube · Aug 15, 2024
Top brands to consider

• NGK: Known for high-performance plugs, especially their iridium and ruthenium options for durability and efficiency. 
• Bosch: Offers a wide range of plugs, including high-performance iridium models with a focus on durability. 
• Denso: A leading brand, often favored for efficiency and smoothness in daily driving, with strong iridium and platinum options. 
• Champion: A well-known brand with options ranging from standard copper to premium double platinum and iridium. 
• ACDelco: A popular original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brand for GM vehicles. 
• Motorcraft: The OEM brand for Ford and Lincoln vehicles. 

You can watch this video to learn about the best spark plugs for 2025: 56sTechMirrorYouTube · Jan 19, 2025
How to choose the right spark plug

• Check your owner's manual: The manufacturer's recommendation is the best starting point, as they have engineered the plug for your specific engine. 
• Match your vehicle's specifications: Ensure the thread size, heat range, and type are correct for your car. 
• Consider your driving habits:
  • For general driving: Platinum or double platinum plugs offer a good balance of performance and longevity. 
  • For performance or fuel economy: Iridium plugs are often a better choice due to their finer electrodes, which can improve ignition and combustion. 
• Don't automatically choose the cheapest: While copper plugs are cheaper, most modern cars require the durability and efficiency of platinum or iridium plugs from the factory. 

Is Bosch or NGK spark plugs better?

NGK is often preferred for Japanese vehicles, while Bosch is a go-to for European models. Which brand offers better durability, NGK or Bosch? Both brands offer long-life plugs, but NGK iridium plugs are often rated slightly higher for durability due to design and material quality.

What is the number one spark plug?

The "number one spark plug" is the spark plug for the #1 cylinder, which is the cylinder closest to the front of the engine, near the timing cover. To identify it, remove the spark plug from the #1 cylinder, turn the engine by hand until the piston is at top dead center, and check where the distributor rotor is pointing. In most inline and V-type engines, the number one cylinder is located at the front. 
You can watch this video to learn how to identify the number one cylinder in a Chevy 350 V8 engine: 26sWirelesSHackYouTube · Sep 30, 2024
How to find the #1 spark plug

1. Locate the #1 cylinder: In most engines, this is the cylinder closest to the front of the engine, near the timing cover. 
2. Remove the spark plug: Take the spark plug out of the #1 cylinder. 
3. Turn the engine: Use a wrench on the crankshaft pulley to turn the engine by hand until the #1 cylinder is at top dead center (TDC). 
4. Check the distributor: With the distributor cap removed, observe the position of the rotor (the part that spins). 
5. Confirm the position: The rotor will be pointing directly at the wire that leads to the #1 spark plug.