Spark plugs generate a bolt of electricity that ignites the fuel and air mixture in your Nissan Sentra’s combustion chamber. As such, your car will not start without them. But overtime mileage and age take their toll on the spark plugs.
And when this happens, replacing them is pretty much the only thing you can do to get your engine firing again. So what are the best spark plugs for Nissan Sentra to replace your worn-out plugs with?
As an automotive enthusiast with a passion for tinkering with cars, I embarked on a hands-on journey to test a range of spark plugs tailored for the Nissan Sentra. Through real-world testing and meticulous analysis, I identified six exceptional spark plugs that truly stood out as top performers.
Types of Spark Plugs
But before we review the six, let’s start with some basics, like the types of spark plugs available and their characteristics.
You will find 4 main types of spark plugs in the market: copper, single and double platinum, and iridium plugs.
Copper Spark Plugs
Let’s start with the classic Copper Spark Plugs, which have been around for ages and remain widely used. Drawing from my experience working on Nissan Sentra engines, I can attest to their economical nature. These plugs boast a copper core with a nickel alloy electrode, featuring a 2.5 mm diameter. Over the years, I’ve observed their distinctive ability to handle higher current loads compared to other spark plugs.
Also, they have a shorter lifespan and will generally need replacing after about 20,000 miles. They are, however, economical and more widely used, especially in order cars.
Single Platinum plugs
Single platinum plugs are similar to copper plugs but use a platinum disc instead of a nickel alloy. Platinum is harder than nickel and can better withstand the high heat and pressure spark plugs are exposed to.
Therefore these plugs can last up to 60,000 miles and some up to 100,000 miles. One downside of these plugs is that since platinum is less conductive than copper, their performance is lower compared to that of copper plugs.
Double Platinum plugs
A double platinum plug has platinum discs on both the center of the electrode and the ground. These are less common and were designed mainly for waste spark systems. In these systems, the compression stroke of the spark plug jumps from the center electrode to the ground one.
Iridium Spark Plugs
Iridium is harder and stronger than platinum and thus lasts longer. These types of plugs are the most durable and longest-running. However, they are not as conductive as copper plugs. Also, iridium is a costly metal, and thus these spark plugs cost more.
However, they typically have thinner center electrodes of about 0.4mm, which means they require less voltage to generate a spark. Thus the only major downside of these spark plugs is their cost.
Glow Plugs (Diesel engines):
If your Nissan Sentra has a diesel engine, it will use glow plugs instead of spark plugs. Glow plugs preheat the combustion chamber in diesel engines to facilitate cold starts.
How do I know if your Nissan Sentra spark plugs need replacing?
- Slow or Sluggish acceleration: If your Nissan has trouble accelerating and feels sluggish, it may be due to bad spark plugs. This is usually caused by the conductive metal becoming worn out and less effective.
- Bad fuel efficiency: When a spark plug is worn out, the gap between the electrodes degrades. And when it becomes too large or small, it will not properly ignite the fuel and air mixture. This results in the engine having to draw in more fuel when you press on the accelerator. And the results are more trips to the gas pump.
- A misfiring engine: A misfiring engine can result from several issues with the ignition system, one of which are worn-out spark plugs.
- Difficulty starting the car: A worn-out spark plug will not ignite the fuel and air mixture efficiently, resulting in difficulties starting your car.
- Check engine light is on: The check engine light is usually the first sign of something wrong with the engine, and one of them can be a worn-out spark plug.
How often should you replace spark plugs on a Nissan Sentra
The recommended interval of changing spark plugs on a Nissan Sentra is after every 30,000 miles. However, this may be higher or lower depending on your specific Sentra model and year of manufacture. Ideally, you want to check your owner’s manual for the exact interval.
Top 6 Selection Of The Best Spark Plugs For Nissan Sentra
Bosch Automotive (8121) OE Fine Wire Double Platinum Spark Plug
The Bosch Automotive 8121 Double Platinum spark plugs offer a blend of reliability and value for money. They are inexpensive while offering a lot of great features. And they should be a great replacement for your worn-out OEM Sentra spark plugs.
Double Platinum Firing Pin
As their name suggests, they come with a double platinum firing pin and ground electrode. This means they should last longer than standard copper plugs. These plugs will fit into most Sentra models, including the 2011 model, which we tested this on.
No Antisieze required
When installing these spark plugs, you do not require any anti-seize. They come pre-plated with an anti-galling nickel compound. Also, these come pre-gapped, so you should not gap them when installing.
Fine wire firing pin
The fine wire firing pin was one of the things we liked about these plugs. It is able to generate an electric current faster than that of a standard copper plug. And in this regard, these spark plugs performed better than the ones they were replacing.
The cons
Overall, these spark plugs work great, but they do come pre-gapped. This may be a problem for some car models as the set gap may not be compatible. So it is something to take note of when settling for these.
Verdict about Bosch Automotive (8121)
These spark plugs are inexpensive and are from a reputable brand in Bosch. As such, they make for a great replacement for worn-out OEM spark plugs.
NGK LKAR6AIX-11 Iridium IX Spark Plug
As a proud Nissan Sentra owner, I understand the significance of using top-quality spark plugs. NGK, renowned for producing Nissan’s OEM spark plugs, has consistently earned my trust. One standout option from their lineup is the LKAR6AIX-11 Iridium IX Spark Plug. Drawing from my personal experience and extensive research, I can confidently recommend this plug for its exceptional performance and lasting durability.
Iridium Tip
We installed this on a 2017 Nissan Sentra, and there was a noticeable improvement in how smoothly the engine ran. And this was mainly due to the 0.6mm fine iridium tip. The latter ensures a consistent, stable spark and does not require high voltage to spark.
Longer Insulator Nose
The insulator nose on these spark plugs is longer and helps prevent fouling. It also features corrugated ribs that prevent flashovers. There is also a triple gasket seal that eliminates combustion gas leakage.
Longer lifespan
Iridium is a stronger metal than both copper and platinum and can thus withstand high temperatures and pressure better. This results in this spark plug having a longer lifespan than your standard copper or platinum plug.
Final Words
These spark plugs also come with trivalent metal plating ensuring good anti-corrosion and anti-seizing properties. And when you want to replace your OEM Sentra spark plugs, you can never go wrong with NGK plugs.
NGK 5018 G-Power Platinum Spark Plugs LFR5AGP
If you want the right balance between performance and cost, the 5018 G-Power platinum spark plugs set from NGK will be ideal. These come in a pack of 4 plugs and are compatible with most models of the Nissan Sentra.
Platinum Tipped
The central electrode of these spark plugs is made of platinum. As mentioned, platinum is a more durable metal compared to traditional copper. Thus these spark plugs should last longer than your Sentra’s stock copper plugs.
Pre-gapped
These plugs are labeled as pre-gapped; in some models, you do not need to gap them. However, we noticed the gap was off and had to gap them when installing them in a 2006 Nissan Sentra.
Fine wire center electrode
The fine wire electrode is designed to ignite the fuel and air mixture at lower voltages. This means you will notice a slight power boost once you replace your spark plugs with these ones.
Our Final Thoughts About The NGK 5018 G-Power
These NGK spark plugs offer the right mix of performance and cost. You should be able to replace all the spark plugs with this set. The installation process is straightforward except for the gapping, which may be necessary for some models.
ENA Set of 4 Iridium Spark Plug Compatible
The ENA set of 4 iridium spark plugs are compatible with a wide array of Nissan Sentra models, including the 2013-2018 1.6 Sentr. It is also compatible with the 2007 to 2012 models. These come in a pack of 4 spark plugs.
Proper Fit
We tested these spark plugs on a 2011 Nisan Sentra, and they fit perfectly. The installation was straightforward. They are direct replacements for the default Sentra spark plugs. This makes them an ideal option if your spark plugs are worn out.
Iridium electrode
Being iridium spark plugs, you can expect these plugs to last. They will fair better at withstanding the temperatures and high pressure of the engine compartment than copper or platinum plugs.
Compatible with many models
These spark plugs are the ideal option for the Nisan Sentra as well as other models, including the Chevrolet Express, nissan altima, and a host of other vehicle models.
Verdict
These are a great option for a direct replacement of the stock nissan sentra spark plugs. They are durable and quite affordable as iridium spark plugs.
PHILTOP Spark Plug, LKAR6AIX-11 Double Iridium Spark Plugs
The PHILTOP double iridium spark plugs should last considerably longer than the traditional copper plugs. These are designed to be compatible with a wide array of Nissan models, including the 2007-2019 Sentra.
Iridium center electrode
These plugs have an iridium center electrode that offers a consistent and more powerful spark. This translates to a more efficient fuel and air mixture combustion. Furthermore, the iridium core is more durable than both copper and platinum cores, so a longer lifespan.
1.1 mm fine wire
The tine center wire helps with the ignition as well as reducing carbon buildup. Carbon build up causes spark plugs to wear out quicker. Thus by reducing carbon accumulation, the plugs are able to go for longer mileage.
Less voltage
Thanks to the fine center wire, these plugs require less voltage and produce a powerful spark. This means easier starting of the engine and improved ignition.
Verdict
If you are looking to replace your worn-out spark plugs, these Philtop plugs should be an ideal choice. They will last longer while delivering a more efficient ignition compared to the stock copper plugs.
NGK 7090 BKR5EGP G-Power Spark Plug, Pack of 4
Let me introduce you to the NGK 7090 BKR5EGP G-Power Spark Plug, a remarkable set of spark plugs that come in a pack of four. Having tried various spark plugs over the years, I can confidently say that NGK’s G-series consistently delivers reliable performance. With its cold-rolled threads, tri-valent plating, and trapezoidal ground plate design, the 7090 G-Power offers unparalleled ignition efficiency and resilience in real-world driving conditions.
Cold rolled threads and tri-valent plating
NGK employs cold-rolled threads on this set of spark plugs. This ensures the plugs do not damage the cylinder heads. In addition, they feature tri-valent plating, meaning they do not require anti-seize.
Alumina silicate ceramic layer
The top part of these spark plugs has an alumina silicate layer that offers insulation. This insulation helps prevent dielectric punch-through. This is usually caused by a plug exciting through the side.
Trapezoidal ground plate
These plugs feature a single platinum core with a trapezoidal ground plate. The two offer improved ignitibility while reducing quenching. It also has a .6mm fine wire center that also helps improve the ignition efficiency.
Verdict
These spark plugs are affordable and offer a longer lifespan than the traditional stock nickel spark plugs of the Nisan Sentra. They should be a good fit if you want to replace your spark plugs but do not want to spend much on them.
How To Choose The Right Aftermarket Spark Plugs For Your Nissan Sentra
What should you consider when shopping for replacement spark plugs for your Nisan Sentra? There are a couple of things to consider, the main ones being.
Compatibility
The first and perhaps most important is compatibility; the plugs you choose need to be compatible with your specific Nissan Sentra model. Spark plugs will have the cars they fit listed on their descriptions. However, most NGK spark plugs should be compatible with the Nissan Sentra.
Heat Range
Cold and hot spark plugs can be differentiated by their length. Hot ones tend to be longer than cold ones. For the Nissan Sentra, either of the two will do. Cold spark plugs are designed for high-performance vehicles, while hot plugs are for low-application engines. Thus host plugs should be sufficient for the Nissan Sentra.
Electrode Design
The electrode design influences the spark plug’s ability to generate a strong and consistent spark. Single and multi-ground electrode designs are common. Multi-ground electrodes offer better performance and longevity, making them a preferred choice for many Nissan Sentra owners.
Gap Size
The distance between the ground and center electrodes is called the spark plug gap. Different engines require different gaps. Consult your owner’s manual for the right gap for your engine. Also, go for spark plugs that can be gapped so that, if need be, you can adjust the gap on your new plugs to fit your engine.
Material
The material used to make the spark plug’s center electrode will impact its quality and performance. Traditional copper plugs offer better conductivity but do not last long. Platinum is a more durable material and will last longer. Iridium plugs have a higher lifespan than copper and platinum.
The Brand
Some manufacturers have a better reputation for making spark plugs than others. NGK, for example, has some of the best spark plugs. Thus they should be a good fit for your Sentra. Bosch is another brand known for its quality plugs.
Proper Installation Procedures
When installing new spark plugs, there are a couple of things to take note of.
- Ensure it has the proper gap: The first thing is to ensure the gap of the spark plugs is the right one for your engine. You can use a gap gauge or a feeler gauge to check the gap on the spark plugs.
- Set the new plug: Now set the plug by hand and ensure you turn it clockwise in two full turns. Once the plug is snug, use a torque wrench to tighten it. The washer of the plug should be pressed against the mounting surface.
- Replace the plastic boot: It is essential to replace the plastic boot of the plug and ensure it clicks into place. You may have to apply a coat of dielectric grease on the boot to ensure it is easy to remove.
Recommended maintenance intervals
For copper or platinum plugs, you should have them checked every 30,000 to 50000 miles. For iridium plugs, you can do this after 60,000 to 150,000 miles.
Tips for extending spark plug lifespan
- Follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your vehicle manufacturer
- Replace worn-out spark plugs with the correct set that is compatible with your specific car model.
- Inspect your spark plugs regularly for signs of wear and tear
- Use only good-quality spark plugs on your vehicle
Can using the wrong spark plugs damage my Nissan Sentra’s engine?
Yes, using the wrong spark plugs can potentially lead to engine damage, poor performance, and reduced fuel efficiency. Always use the recommended spark plugs for your vehicle.
Is there a specific brand of spark plugs recommended for Nissan Sentra?
Nissan Sentra owners often have success with reputable brands like NGK, Denso, Bosch, and Champion. It’s best to choose spark plugs that meet the specifications outlined in your vehicle’s manual
Can I mix different types of spark plugs in my Nissan Sentra?
It’s not recommended to mix different types or brands of spark plugs in your Nissan Sentra. Stick to the recommended spark plugs for your specific model to ensure optimal performance.
Can extreme weather conditions affect spark plug performance?
Yes, extreme weather conditions like very cold or very hot temperatures can affect spark plug performance. In such cases, you may need spark plugs with specific heat ranges suitable for those conditions.
Can I clean and reuse spark plugs in my Nissan Sentra?
While cleaning spark plugs can temporarily improve performance, it’s generally best to replace them with new ones when they reach the end of their lifespan for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
Like any other vehicle, your Nissan Sentra will require spark plug replacement after some time. And when your current ones become worn out, you must replace them. Finding the right spark plugs will be crucial to the performance of your Nisan’s engines. Choose the wrong set and will have to replace them again sooner than expected. The right set will last you for quite a long time.
Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Rifen