Glow Plugs

Reliable Start-up for Diesel Engines

For the past few decades, NGK SPARK PLUG’s glow plug expertise has been valued and appreciated by diesel car drivers and automobile manufacturers around the world. After all, NGK glow plugs are made for the worst of conditions.

Many years of glow plug experience

> 260 part numbers available for European markets

86% coverage of vehicles in operation in Europe (source: TecDoc)

80 D-Power* part numbers for faster stock rotation *available in some markets only

Glow Plug Technologies

NGK SPARK PLUG is constantly expanding its expertise, setting new standards in glow plug technology. Glow plugs are mandatory to ensure a perfect engine start, especially in cold conditions. Under a certain temperature, the engine will not start without well-performing glow plugs.

Diesel engine glow plugs are basically differentiated between metal rod glow plugs and ceramic glow plugs. The two technologies have special characteristics in regard to thermal behavior. As many car manufacturers are not prepared to compromise on the quality and performance of their diesel glow plugs, they choose the proven NGK technology.

Safe start-up from low ambient temperatures
Low emissions during warm-up phase
Stable idling running before engine reaches operating temperature
High-quality coating on shell for high resistance to corrosion
Unique shell design for excellent heat transfer, perfect gas-tight sealing, high shear torque and high resistance to deformation and security of the heating coils

Glow Plug Requirements

In order to guarantee that the temperature necessary for self-ignition is reached even in harsh conditions, such as frost or cold-starting, additional heat must be introduced to the combustion chamber. Known as pre-glowing, this process is mastered perfectly by a glow plug. In that sense, the glow plug functions like an immersion heater, introducing electrical energy and heating it up to extremely high temperatures of up to 1350°C.