My 04 Sentra uses NGK spark plugs. When I replaced them however I replaced them with Bosch Platinum since the NGK’s where also platinum.
I didn’t really notice any difference in gas milage or in performance. I replaced them because I’ve had the car a few years and didn’t know if they had ever been replaced. I may have saved a buck or 2 per plug going with the BOSCH but I don’t really recall.
Last week I was told my someone that works on cars for a living that I really should throw the BOSCH plugs away and get some new NGK’s because they are the only plug that is made for that car. But… but… but they’re working aren’t they??? I haven’t noticed any degrading in performance… But???
So does anyone have any information about Nissans and NGK?
Provided the all the specifications (heat rating, etc) are the same, the new ones should work fine. Back in the early days of electronic ignition, some systems did seem to just not like certain brands of spark plugs and so sticking with the OE brand was a way of playing it safe. That shouldn’t be the case for anything sold in the last 20 years or so, though.
There were some Nissan engines that were VERY sensitive to the precise brand and part number of plugs. Using anything besides the particular NGK plugs called for would set a trouble code and turn on the “Check Engine” light. I ran into this a few times roughly ten years ago, probably 90’s era vehicles. I’m not aware of it being an issue on something as late as 2004, and as I recall it was only 3.0 engines that were like that. Perhaps the person you talked to extrapolated this into “all Nissans should only use NGKs.”
Thank you, that helps a lot. I’m thinking since it seems to be running fine that I’m good to go. Peace!