Ignition and sensor specialist NGK expects a surge in demand for garage services as many vehicles take deffered NCTs and more people return to the daily commute.

NGK says there is an increasing trend for vehicles to fail the NCT due to emissions leading to increased demand for Lambda sensor replacement, while there will also be big demand for pre-winter servicing spark plug and glow plug replacement.

At the same time there is lots of activity in the used car sector which also increases demand fro service and maintenance.

NGK Spark Plugs Ltd says workshops should be prepared for a busy Autumn by selecting and fitting its market-leading range of spark plugs, glow plugs and NTK Lambda sensors. Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, NGK, said, “Workshops are set for a busy Autumn as they deal with the anticipated increase in demand for NCT work and pre-winter servicing requirements. Both factors will lead to increased replacement of Lambda sensors for vehicles that fail emission test and also spark and glow plug replacement as owners make sure their vehicles are ready for the onset of the cold winter months.” He adds, “Workshops can be safe in the knowledge that NGK has the necessary quality components available to help them through this busy period.”

NGK says the experience it has in supplying vehicle manufacturers worldwide allows it to offer exactly the right sensor for every vehicle application. The company advises distributors to 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.  

NGK says distributors should help educate garages by ensuring they fit a new NTK Lambda sensor whenever they replace a vehicle’s catalytic convertor.

A worn or failed sensor can result in drastically reduced control of the fuelling system which could result in increased fuel consumption, uneven running, generally poor performance or failure of an NCT emission test, so replacement is good news for the customer, garage and factor.

NGK says a malfunction of an associated part may directly affect the performance of a sensor. An oscilloscope and gas analyser is the best way of assessing sensor performance than relying on fault codes alone.  Garages need to look for slow response times, output range and heater function.

Contaminants from poor quality oils and fuel which remain in the exhaust gases can become deposited on the sensor element affecting its operation. Even coolant from a leaking head gasket can reach the element.