Recommendations of Bosch specialists on the operation of spark plugs

How often should be changed the auto-component and how to find a suitable replacement

The replacement interval for spark plugs is determined by the engine manufacturer. Of course, the life of the spark plug is also affected by external factors, which can not always be foreseen. Therefore, at the discretion of the car owner or on the advice of the service center, the candles can be changed and more often than recommended by the manufacturer.

For the correct selection of Bosch spark plugs, you must use only the original Bosch spark plug catalog or the Bosch auto parts catalog at http://www.bosch-automotive-catalog.com/ru/product-search. Never base your choice of spark plugs on the comparison of technical parameters of products or on the basis of information specified in non-original sources, even if it is catalogs of online stores or other manufacturers. It is necessary to obtain reliable information from the original Bosch catalog by brand, model, year of manufacture and type of engine. It is important to know that only with the correct selection and correct installation of spark plugs is guaranteed the maximum performance of the engine, its economy and safety of operation.

Advantages of Bosch components

For more than 115 years, Bosch has been the world leader in the production of spark plugs. Since the invention of the first spark plug for high voltage magneto in 1902, and to this day, the company is constantly improving and developing new technologies for the production of spark plugs.

The Bosch laboratories annually develop and test hundreds of new types of candles using innovative technologies for both mass production and leading racing series - begining at semi-professional competitions to technically perfect formula series. Exactly on the track are tested the best  theengineering solutions then to be entered to the serial production. Therefore, when choosing Bosch spark plugs, the consumer can be assured of the high quality and reliability of the product, which has passed numerous tests both in laboratories and on race tracks.

It does not matter in which Bosch plant was produced the spark plug. The company produces spark plugs on production sites in different parts of the world, but the highest quality standards for Bosch spark plugs are the same everywhere.

Modern technologies

Despite of the seeming simplicity, spark plugs are a technically complex product. The general trend of the market is aimed at reducing the size of auto components and simultaneously increasing their service life. In Bosch spark plugs, the metal of housing is nickel-plated, which prevents corrosion. The technologies used make it possible to use Bosch spark plugs even in cars that run on gas. To increase the dielectric properties and increase the strength of the product, Bosch uses KM41 ceramics, the most advanced spark plugs on the market today. The technology of circular laser welding (360o) allows reliable fixing of electrodes from precious metals and considerably increasing the service life of spark plugs.

Recommendations of Bosch Service specialists for the replacment of spark plugs

There are several typical signs on which it is possible to determine the malfunctions in the operation of spark plugs:

• Increased vibration during engine operation;
• Loss of power and poor traction;
• Problems with starting the engine, especially in cold weather;
• Misfiring and a burning light bulb check engine on the dashboard.

​But all the above signs can be associated not only with the malfunctions of the candles. The cause will be precisely determin only by the professional diagnostic.

Experts adhere to a certain order of actions when replacing spark plugs. At first, is made a thorough inspection of the engine compartment and the engine of the car  for general malfunctions.Then, the employee of the SRT checks whether the ignition wiring is intact, disconnects the connectors and evaluates the condition of the contacts and wires.  Then the specialist removes coarse dirt in the area of ​​the spark plug placement and cleans with compressed air the deposits and contamination in the well of the spark plug. Only after this, you can proceed directly to the dismantling of the spark plug itself and to unscrew the old component. After removing the part, inspect it for signs of malfunctions in the engine.

Accuracy should be taken when unpacking and installing new spark plugs. It is important to remember that if a spark plug accidentally falls on a hard surface, it can no longer be used because of possible damage to the insulator. The new spark plug is first screwed in manually, and then tightened with a torque wrench. It is need previously on the key to set the correct tightening torque indicated on the candle box or in special service instructions.

When replacing spark plugs by unqualified specialists, common mistakes are often observed, which lead to unpleasant consequences. For example, in inaccurate installation, when the candles are thrown into the candle wells, the gap between the electrodes may be disturbed. When twisting without a torque wrench because of the constriction, internal damage to the insulator of the candle often occurs. In this case, it is possible to drop particles of ceramics into the combustion chamber, resulting in seizures in the cylinders, burnout of valves, etc. In some modern engines, non-observance of the tightening torque can lead to an incorrect positioning of the candle in the combustion chamber and a decrease in the efficiency of the engine.

The main danger when installing a candle is damage to the thread of the head of the block. In this case, the car owner faces a complex and expensive repair. And in modern engines with direct injection such repairs will often be impossible - you will have to buy a new block head!

When connecting high-voltage wires to candles, their order is sometimes confused - it can damage engine parts, burn components and even lead to a fire! Due to the ingress of unburned fuel into the exhaust system, there is a risk of failure of an expensive catalyst.

Replacing the spark plugs is by no means such a simple procedure as it seems to many car owners. Therefore, if you are not sure of your skills or the qualifications of service specialists, you should apply for professional replacement of spark plugs in Bosch Auto Service.

Source:  www.bosch-automotive.com