A GLOWING REPORT
NGK discusses current market trends for diesel
vehicles and how quality glow plugs still present
an important opportunity over the colder months.
Legislators and environmentalists are undoubtedly influencing the
sale of diesel-powered vehicles this year. Diesel vehicles reported
a 21.7% drop in sales during September 2017 in comparison to the
corresponding month in 2016. The months of January to September
2017 saw a marked decrease in sales of 13.7% in comparison with the
same period last year.
Whilst the recent downward trajectory for new diesel vehicles may seem
concerning, there are still good opportunities in the aftermarket. Glow
plug sales actually increase by up to 60% in winter months. Thus, it
would be prudent of motor factors to approach their stocking strategy
carefully.
THE CURRENT CLIMATE
Glow plug technology has developed
quite significantly in recent years.
However, the function remains the
same – to raise the temperature within
the combustion chamber so that stable
combustion can be achieved.
Replacement data for glow plugs
are not available as they are not
service replacement items. They are
predominantly changed when starting
the engine becomes an issue or the
engine management light illuminates and is traced to a failed glow plug.
GLOWING THROUGH THE WINTER
Ignition specialist, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, advises motor factors
to stock with glow plugs that are manufactured to OE specifications
and to avoid ‘budget’ alternatives that may not uphold the stringent
OE standards.
Budget alternatives that are not manufactured in accordance to OE
specifications can be problematic because the engine management
system is likely to quickly identify that it is incompatible with the engine
management and on-board diagnostic system (OBD). The OBD system
will find fault with the item if it is not compliant with the specifications.
As a result, the vehicle performance will suffer.
14 GLOW PLUGS
It is important for motor factors to be mindful that it is virtually impossible to
offer an alternative glow plug that is not in accordance to the specifications set
by the vehicle manufacturer – even from within the NGK range.
KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGY
Technology evolves in response to demand. Currently, temperatures
in the combustion chamber are expected to rise very quickly so that
there is no discernible delay between putting the key in the ignition
and starting the engine with little or no smoke, even at extremely low
temperatures.
Therefore, there are several technologies available today. These include
standard metal glow plugs to the latest, new high temperature ceramic
(NHTC) types and advanced quick glow system (AQGC) plugs.
With extremely short pre-heating and long post-heating ability, ceramic
glow plugs are becoming very popular with vehicle manufacturers.
Their performance is matched with good service lifespan despite the
particularly high-duty cycle requirement.
NGK’S GLOWING QUALITY
All NGK glow plugs are manufactured to meet or exceed OE
specifications. Their ‘Fit & Forget’ philosophy means that NGK only
test parts against specific applications when they are absolutely certain
that the parts are entirely suitable for the vehicle.
Unlike spark plugs, there are no glow plug
upgrade options to upsell on. All
glow plugs must match the OE
specification. NGK continually
delivers this standard by ensuring that
all glow plugs in their range meet the
ever advancing performance criteria
that they set.
NGK glow plugs are available form
FPS via same/next-day delivery. For
more information, please speak with
your local FPS representative.
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 49