Stay ahead of the competition by keeping up to speed with the latest products that are selling well within the aftermarket. This month, NGK highlights a selection of products that could make a difference.
Spark Plugs
NGK is an original equipment (OE) supplier of spark plugs, and invests heavily in quality, research and development – pushing technology forward to meet the vehicle manufacturers’ (VM) requirements. The company works closely with its motor factor partners to make sure they stock an up-to-date range of components to deal with the requirements of their garage customers. NGK suggests that spark plugs should be changed at the VMs’ recommended intervals and always with the bespoke OE plugs that the VM has specified. Failure to do so means garages run the risk of vehicles suffering from reduced performance and economy, and poorer emissions.
Glow Plugs
The winter months are the key selling period for glow plugs. The range comprises metal glow plugs, as well as the latest New High Temperature Ceramic technology – which can reach temperatures of 1,350°C and hit 1,000°C in one second! The vast amount of R&D carried out in conjunction with vehicle manufacturers constantly ensures NGK meets new challenges head on and its focus is firmly on quality, from the design stage through to distribution.
Lambda Sensors
NGK says it can offer exactly the right sensor for every vehicle application. The company says distributors should encourage garages to always go with a bespoke OE-quality Lambda sensor and steer well clear of ‘universal sensors’. A universal Lambda sensor is designed to cover as many applications as possible by splicing in the connector from the unit being replaced. In theory, this sounds like a good idea; in practice, the potential for a mismatch with the vehicle’s system or subsequent premature failure is very high.
MAF and MAP Sensors
Full details of the range and applications of 87 MAF sensors and 69 MAP are featured in the company’s 2018/2019 catalogue. For maximum efficiency in engine operation and to ensure effective exhaust gas treatment, the engine control unit (ECU) needs to precisely regulate the air-fuel ratio. MAF and MAP sensors are essential elements in this process. Both provide the ECU with a signal needed to calculate the amount of air aspirated by the engine. In 2014, it introduced a range of NTK exhaust gas temperature sensors (EGTS) to support the ever-increasing complexity of exhaust gas management technology.
Camshaft and Crankshaft Sensors
NGK is to launch its new NTK camshaft and crankshaft sensors in the UK in 2019. The recently launched European programme comprises 567 part numbers covering 88% of the car parc, equivalent to 270 million cars. UK-specific part numbers and vehicle parc coverage will be confirmed over the coming months. Camshaft and crankshaft sensors provide the engine control unit (ECU) with the most essential information needed to run the engine by sending it signals about the rotational speed and relative positions of the crankshaft and camshaft.
