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Spark Plug Heat Ranges Explained

& Cross Reference Table
Learn What A Spark Plugs Heat Range
Means & Use Our Cross Reference Table

Using a spark plug with the correct heat range is critical

for engine compatibility. To make things easier we've
made this page to explain a few things, here you will find
an explanation of heat ranges and how it can effect your
engine, plus a cross reference table for heat ranges of
some of the most common brands

What Is A Spark Plug Heat Range?

Spark plugs heat ranges can vary massively from plug to

plug, and (rather frustratingly) can be recorded in a
number of different ways, making comparison between
brands rather hard. Generally, if a plug has a hotter heat
rating it's simply not as thermally resistant as a cooler
graded plug. Low powered engines don't normally
produce as much combustion warmth so won't heat up a
plug as much or as rapidly as a high BHP vehicle,
therefore the plugs have to be designed accordingly so
they can reach and not exceed optimum operating
temperatures. Commonly, you can spot a low heat range
(or hot) spark plug as it typically has a long thin insulator
nose which can heat up quickly / easily and will not
dissipate warmth to the metal shell as rapidly, where as a
high heat range (or cold) spark plug has a short thick
insulator nose which will transfer heat much easier.

As a rule of thumb

Low power engines - low heat range (or hot) spark

plug
High power engines - high heat range (or cold)
spark plug

Heat Rating Too High

Although not as damaging as having a too low rated

plug, the effects can still be detrimental to your engine. If
a spark plugs temperature remains too low it can cause
loss of ignition spark due to deposit build up on the firing
end, which in turn will leave your engine struggling /
down on power.

Heat Rating Too Low

This can be very damaging to your vehicles engine as

the plug will overheat causing abnormal ignition firing
(pre-ignition), that can lead to melting of the spark plug
electrodes as well as piston seizure and erosion.

Heat Range Cross Reference Chart:

Ever wonder how spark plug heat ranges convert across

brands? It can be a pain when you need a new spark
plug but you don't know how your current heat range
translate to a new brand. Well, below you will find a “heat
range cross reference chart” that shows comparisons
between 5 major brands of spark plugs.

NGK DENSO Pulstar Champion Bosch Heat

2 9 - 18,19 10 Hotter

4 14 1 14,16 9 ↑

5 16 1 11,12 8 ↑

6 20 1 9,10 6,7 ↑

7 22 1 7,8 5 ↑

8 24 2 6,61,63 4 ↑

9 27 2 4,59 3 -

9.5 29 - 57 - ↓

10 31 - 55 2 ↓

10.5 32 - 53 - ↓

11 34 - - - ↓

11.5 35 - - - ↓

12 37 - - - Colder

If you need to know which spark plugs are suitable for

your vehicle, simply use our handy spark & glow plug
product lookup. Just enter your vehicle details to get
started! Got a modified or track car? Not a problem, just
give us a call on 01209 202 949 or use our custom
recommendation form and we'll be happy to look into the
best possible choice for you.

Looking For The Right Spark Plugs?

Opie Oils has a simple lookup that can find the correct
spark plugs for your vehicle in seconds

Spark Plug Lookup

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