Many drivers do not even realize that high-voltage wires are one of the main ones in the car’s ignition system. Reliable operation of the power unit largely depends on their correct choice. They must provide the following tasks during engine operation:
- Provide voltage transmission of 40 thousand volts;
- The transmission of high-voltage pulses must be carried out with minimal losses;
- Help minimize interference to radio-electronic devices;
- The insulation of the wires must ensure that current does not leak;
- The operability of the wires must be in a wide temperature range from minus 30 to plus 100 degrees or more.
The first samples of such products were produced with minimal internal resistance to ensure impulse transmission to engine spark plugs. After the appearance of radio receiving devices inside cars, problems arose in their reception of signals from transmitting centers due to interference from ignition systems. Therefore, significant modernization of these products was carried out to ensure reliable operation of radio-electronic devices.
The picture shows one type of such wires. They also began to use armored wires in power units.
A few words about their structure
Today, one of the most effective and widespread ways to suppress all kinds of interference is the manufacture and use of wires with resistance distributed along its entire length. Wires usually consist of conductors, an insulating layer, contact plates and protective caps. The main difference between these wires is the conductive cores. They can be:
- Copper stranded;
- Non-metallic with a metal “wrap”;
- Non-metallic with high resistance distribution.
The world's leading manufacturers of automotive spare parts produce several varieties of such products. The most widely used brands are ngk, finwhale, tesla, carden, slon, fenox, bautler, xopc and some others. Let's talk about them in more detail.
What are NGK wires?
NGK offers consumers a large selection of high-quality products that meet almost all requirements for such products.
The NGK product fully complies with the requirements of the original product
NGK wires have a long service life and are economical. Other NGK products are characterized by:
- The original design of the products has the same design;
- NGK are copper wires with noise suppression tips or have distributed resistance;
- Once purchased, NGK is ready for immediate use;
- High resistance of NGK to fuel and engine oil;
- Designed to work with high voltage in the ignition system.
As a disadvantage, they note the fact that they are made of the same length, which sometimes causes some inconvenience.
The best manufacturers of high-voltage wires
These products must have excellent insulation that protects the multimedia system and other devices located inside the car from interference. The quality of high voltage transmission should not be negatively affected by the temperature outside the vehicle. Delivery of high-voltage pulses in the range of 25-50 kV, such wires are carried out without voltage leaks with minimal losses. All the above requirements are met by the high-voltage products of the companies participating in our rating.
NGK
Description. The popularity of the Japanese company NGK SPARK PLUG is evidenced by the fact that about 30% of all aftermarket parts are produced by this company.
Their high voltage wires are also in high demand among car enthusiasts. The use of innovative technologies allows the Japanese to produce various types of products. The company produces products with copper conductors and a resistor for suppressing interference installed in the connector, high-voltage wires with inductive and carbon resistance. Armored wires are also in demand among consumers.
The tip of electrical parts withstands high-temperature operation thanks to a special phenolic resin coating. Such protection also prevents tensile forces, which has a positive effect on service life. The contact areas of the wires are protected from moisture by elastic rubber bushings.
Life time. Despite the protection declared by the manufacturers, car owners note the short service life of the wires - about a year.
Pros of NGK
- Excellent quality.
- Reliable fixation on spark plugs and ignition coils.
- High quality voltage transmission.
- Attractive appearance and packaging of the product.
Cons of NGK
- Can break through in wet weather.
- Short service life.
- There is a marriage.
Bosch
Description. The German company produces sets of high voltage cables suitable for various brands of cars. In the secondary market, the classic version of products, Silicone-Copper, is in high demand: wires with copper conductors coated with tin.
A more expensive type, Silicone-Power, is a product made of fiberglass infused with hydrocarbons.
Life time. Bosch high-voltage wires can serve the car owner for two to three years. Car enthusiasts talk about this in their reviews. Manufacturers guarantee lifetime protection of their cables from breakdown.
Pros Bosch
- Durability of products.
- High-quality interference suppression.
- Reliable fixation.
- High-quality insulator made of silicone.
- Work in a wide temperature range.
- Not afraid of exposure to moisture.
Cons Bosch
- Sometimes the lugs come off the wire.
Beru
Description. The company produces various types of products for cars of many brands. The most popular are wires with copper cores, as well as fiberglass. They are supplied to the markets in sets, the quantity required for the operation of spark plugs for a certain car model. Piece items are also available for sale.
Life time. The electrical products of this German company are characterized by a long service life. Car enthusiasts, they write about this in their reviews, have not experienced problems with them for four to five years. Beru high-voltage wires are not afraid of high temperatures, exposure to aggressive environments, or mechanical deformation.
All products of the company from Germany are certified and meet the standards of various countries around the world, including domestic GOST.
Pros of Beru
- Ensure stable operation of the power plant.
- Corresponds to the dimensions and characteristics of the original products.
- Helps you save on fuel costs.
- Work in various climatic conditions.
- Same size.
Cons
- Thin insulation.
- At low temperatures they tan.
- The connection is not always of high quality - they spark.
Cross
Description. The products of the South Korean company attract buyers with good quality and affordable prices. Products are supplied to the conveyors of car manufacturers in the Asian region, as well as to secondary markets. High-voltage wires are mainly supplied in sets and have different lengths, which eliminates installation problems.
The packaging with the company logo contains a large amount of information about the product, manufacturer, and barcode. Inexpensive products with copper conductors coated with high-quality insulation material are popular among consumers.
Life time. The service life of such products is about three years.
Pros of Cross
- Reasonable price.
- They have the required resistance.
- Helps ensure efficient engine operation.
- Do not change characteristics over a wide temperature range.
Cons
- Inexpensive rubber material has an unpleasant odor.
- Loose fixation of caps on candles.
BAUTLER
Description. High-voltage wires from the UK company are distinguished by high quality materials. In the production of the shell, natural rubber is used, which provides effective protection for voltage transmission in difficult climatic conditions and during intensive operation of the power unit.
It also prevents the harmful effects of moisture, fuel and lubricants, and prevents voltage leakage.
The embossed silicone tip promotes reliable contact and prevents breakdown of the insulating layer. The contact part of the wire is made of copper. It is coated with a protective layer of nickel, which eliminates the formation of corrosion spots on its surface.
The conductor is made of fiberglass and wrapped in a spiral with stainless steel. This ensures maximum voltage transfer to the spark plugs without loss.
Life time. The lifespan of high-voltage wires, judging by driver reviews, is about four years.
Pros of BAUTLER
- Extends the working life of the power plant.
- Allows you to save fuel.
- Helps ensure efficient engine operation.
- The bright colors of the products and beautiful packaging made of good cardboard protect the company's products from counterfeiting.
Cons of BAUTLER
- Defective products are received.
- High cost of goods.
Cargen
Description. Products of a domestic manufacturer from Tolyatti are installed on cars of Russian manufacturers and foreign cars.
The elastic rubber tip reliably protects the contact area from moisture, contamination, including the influence of aggressive substances. Manufacturers declare that high-voltage wires maintain their performance characteristics over a wide temperature range: from -40 to +175°C.
The double clamp ensures reliable contact with the spark plug, and high-tech manufacturing ensures wiring integrity during intensive use.
The cable sheath is made of silicone, which can withstand voltages up to 45 thousand volts and also prevents interference.
Life time. The working life of the products is about three years.
Pros of Cargen
- Low resistance of high-voltage wires.
- Stable motor operation.
- Confident engine start.
- Matching sizes.
- Affordable price.
Cons of Cargen
- Not always high-quality fixation of caps on candles.
Finwhale
Description. The products of the Swiss company are distinguished by high quality materials and production. The core is made of Kevlar and covered with a double layer of insulating silicone material.
Manufacturers produce two series of high voltage cables: FE and FC.
The FE series wires are made using a special technology: providing effective protection against interference. The contact part is made of an alloy of stainless steel and brass. Reliable fixation of the cable on the spark plug is ensured by a special double groove.
Wires of both series comply with the international standard ISO 3808.
FE series products operate in a temperature range of -40 - +160°C, their resistance: 1.1 Kom/m, breakdown voltage: 35 kV.
Products of the FC series - -40 - +220°C, have a resistivity of 5.6 Kom/m, breakdown voltage: 43 kV.
Life time. Manufacturers recommend replacing wires after three years or 100 thousand km.
Pros of Finwhale
- Retains performance over a wide temperature range.
- Resistance to harmful external influences.
- Improves engine performance.
- Close contact with spark plugs.
- Great working resource.
Cons of Finwhale
- They do not always provide high-quality protection from interference - the audio system is noisy.
Tesla
Description. Czech manufacturers produce wires that ensure the maximum possible transmission of voltage to the spark plugs. They manufacture products with inductive, resistive and copper cores.
The products meet the requirements of international standards ISO 3808, ISO 6856.
Such high voltage wires can protect the car radio from interference in accordance with the EHK 10 standard.
Tesla produces products that can be installed on domestic and foreign cars of various brands.
Testing carried out by reputable organizations has shown the cables to be highly resistant to breakdown.
Life time. The cables have a service life of three years.
Pros of Tesla
- Can be used at temperatures from -40 to +220°C.
- Attractive packaging design.
- Resistance to harmful environments, moisture, technical liquids.
- High-quality silicone shell provides a long working life.
- Excellent interference protection.
Cons of Tesla
- Poor assembly - tips fall off.
- The caps do not completely cover the spark plug contact.
VALEO
Description. High voltage wires of the French company are produced at enterprises in South Korea and France. Car enthusiasts note the high build quality and long service life of the products.
Manufacturers produce cables of various types: with copper core, fiberglass. The kit includes numbered wires of various lengths, which makes installation on spark plugs easier.
French manufacturers produce products for all popular car brands.
Life time. On average, wires can serve their owner for three to four years.
Pros of VALEO
- Presentable appearance.
- High level of interference protection.
- Reliable fixation on the candle.
- Quick installation.
Cons of VALEO
- There are defective products.
Finwhale products
Finwhale products are intended for use in contact and contactless vehicle ignition systems.
Finwhale wires are produced in two types: FE and FC series
The former are intended for use in a contact system, the latter in non-contact devices. Finwhale uses Kevlar core to make the conductors. The shell is made of fluoroplastic, which is wrapped with thin stainless steel wire. Finwhale wire insulation has two layers of silicone, which gives optimal resistance distribution and the lowest level of interference. Finwhale products operate in a temperature range from minus 40 to plus 220 degrees. The Finwhale manufacturing process is controlled by multiple quality checks and compliance with production technology.
Products from Tesla
The Tesla company began its work back in 1958 and today is one of the world's leading manufacturers of automotive accessories. Tesla wires incorporate all the advanced achievements in the field of electrical engineering.
Tesla uses materials that slightly exceed the requirements for such products. So silicone is used for the shell. Tesla products are made without the use of metal as a conductor. For this purpose, fiberglass is used, which is pre-treated with carbon impregnation. Tesla products operate in a temperature range from -40 to +220 degrees.
Tesla SILICONE inductive products have an additional winding made of thin stainless wire. This achieves maximum energy transfer to the spark plug. Experts recommend spark plugs with a built-in noise suppression resistor when using Tesla silicone wires. Tesla guarantees the flawless long-term operation of its products.
A little about carden products
Carden products are widely used on GAZ, VAZ, ZAZ, Bogdan Motors, Sollers-Isuzu and other models. Production was mastered in Tolyatti. Carden products are designed to operate over a wide temperature range, from approximately -40 to +180 degrees. The length of the carden wires may be slightly longer than those installed on the car. Soft, double silicone insulation contributes to the high performance of Carden products. Carden resistance ranges from 4.5 kOhm to 5.5 kOhm and depends on the length of the wires. Carden guarantees the ability of the wires to withstand a voltage of 45 thousand volts. Experts recommend that before installing new Carden wires, check the spread of their resistance; if it is large, it is better to replace them.
Reviews from experts
Review from Rating: 7.1
Good quality, mid price segment. If you are on a limited budget it will be a good choice. Basically, wires are in demand.
Review from Rated: 5.5
Average service life, average price.
Review from Rated: 7.5
Czech manufacturer. They mainly produce wires. Mid price category. Quality is above average. Two lines: original and alternatives (cheaper). It is better to buy the original than not to constantly change it. The difference is 5 USD Cheap Chinese ones - 15, Tesla (original) - about 22, branded ones - about 50. Recommended for purchase as a budget line.
What can you say about slon products?
Products under the slon brand are produced and used by such automobile manufacturers as OJSC AVTOVAZ, as well as GM-AVTOVAZ. Work is underway to use slon brand products for cars of other brands, including foreign ones. Slon products are available with straight and angled tips.
According to consumer reviews, sometimes incorrect marking of slon wires occurs, when the packaging bears the designation 1, 1, 1, 1 instead of 1, 2, 3, 4. In general, reviews of products under the slon brand are not bad. If necessary, you can choose an elephant for your car.
Reviews from car enthusiasts
Review of TESLA from
Ignition coil CL700 for Rover 200. Looks well made, good packaging. But 2 weeks after installation, the insulation of the high-voltage wire contact cracked, and the coil began to break through to ground.
Review of TESLA from
There was a grinding noise in the car for several days and by the time I got to the service center I couldn’t even start it. In short, the Bendix flew, although I gave the car for diagnostics and they said everything was normal. I bought a new TT61362, although I’m from China so far I’m not complaining.
Review of TESLA from
In my opinion, a waste of money. My family stood by for 23 years! I installed Tesla and a week after installation the engine began to twitch at idle in wet weather. At night I noticed a glow around the wires.
Review of TESLA from
I got through 150 thousand before breaking through.
Review of TESLA from
Quite satisfied with both quality and price. A little longer than relatives. Installed without problems. I've been going for a year now.
Review of TESLA from
I can confidently recommend the fuses. Good quality.
Review of TESLA from
I installed a Tesla ignition coil. Except for the fact that the high-voltage wires do not stick to it well and can fly off, there are no complaints. Works fine.
Review of TESLA from
In principle, I'm happy with the wires. The only nuance arose when trying to remove them from the candles. Due to the heating, they seemed to stick to the candle body.
What you should know about Fenox branded products
Fenox brand products are used on both domestic and foreign cars. When choosing, you should follow the operating instructions for the vehicle. The manufacturing technology of Fenox products involves the use of aramid thread, which has high strength. It is covered with a conductive layer of latex and silicone. Fenox products allow you to effectively use your car for a long period of time. The ignition system works well with them.
Which high-voltage wires to buy
When choosing these electrical products, you should pay attention to the following factors.
Material of manufacture
Wires made from fiberglass have a long service life, but are more expensive than wires with a copper core.
Product length
It must match the size of the spark plugs and the type of connection on your car. When purchasing, you should indicate to the seller the VIN code of your car. Products selected according to this parameter will exactly correspond to the required characteristics and dimensions.
Check for fake
You should pay attention to the appearance of the wire and packaging.
