Top tips to maximise spark plug sales

DENSO explains how good service can increase sales even on winter's exit

Top tips to maximise spark plug sales
Igniting the fuel inside the engine chambers, spark plugs are an essential element of petrol-powered internal combustion engines and have to work particularly hard in the cold winter months.

Extreme winter conditions during the winter period can present workshops and distributors with sales opportunities for replacement spark plugs as well as offering improved service and an increased chance of customer retention, DENSO say.

Degraded spark plugs are a leading cause of hard starting, which can have a negative impact on fuel consumption and emissions.

Nick Thomas, product manager, DENSO Sales UK and Eire and product manager DENSO Europe, explains that for workshops to maximise peak sales for spark plugs, it is vital for them to recognise and diagnose faults early, then replace degraded plugs with high quality, reliable spark plugs.

Major causes of spark plug failure include an incorrect air/fuel mixture and worn out plugs, as well as incorrect installation which can lead to failed spark plugs, or even serious engine damage.

“Signs of needing to replace spark plugs could be misfires, increased fuel consumption and bad starting,” says Thomas.

“Spark plugs are generally replaced at service intervals, before signs are noticeable.

“However the use of alternative or bad fuels can shorten the lifetime of spark plugs.

“Cheap replacements are a risky short-term solution, and workshops can earn satisfied customers and an upsell by recommending higher quality products to customers.”

Fitting new spark plugs
  • Use the correct wrench for the hex on the plug, and be careful not to damage the insulator.
  • When changing, make sure that the oil on the outside of the plug does not enter the engine interior.
  • When putting the plugs in, clean the engine side of the flange and put in the plugs after making sure the gasket is in the flange.
  • Make sure the plugs are vertical and tighten them by hand until they cannot be tightened any further (A+B).
  • Then, use a plug wrench to tighten them accurately to the torque or rotation angle.

Thomas explains that DENSO’s expertise as an OEM directly benefits aftermarket customers, bringing trusted manufacturing techniques, design and quality to replacement parts.

The spark plugs offered by DENSO cover a range including standard, nickel, platinum and iridium, which all support optimum engine performance for the end customer.

Thomas added: “The small electrodes in our Iridium TT spark plugs allow for optimal flame growth in the early stage of ignition, whilst reducing the required voltage.

“Despite a small price increase compared to nickel spark plugs for example, these high quality spark plugs provide added customer value, leading to increased upselling benefits for all parties.”

‘Added value’

DENSO’s Iridium TT spark plugs allow for a more effective spark and improved performance across the spectrum, particularly on cold starts during the winter months.

The spark plugs improve the combustion process, enhancing vehicle performance and ensuring reduced emissions.

Depending on plug type, engine type and driving style, DENSO’s Iridium TT spark plugs can also provide improvements compared with standard spark plugs.

“We have measured that this could amount to fuel efficiency improvements of up to 2.4 per cent just by using DENSO spark plugs,” says Thomas.

“These improvements ensure the customer is always receiving the highest possible quality and fuel efficiency in the winter and all year round.”

For more information about DENSO’s range of aftermarket products and to find your nearest DENSO distributor or stockist, click ‘more details’ below.

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