2013 marks the 111th year of the Bosch spark plug. It was on January 7th 1902, that Robert Bosch was awarded a patent on his high-voltage magneto and spark plug combination.

Bosch has continuously developed the spark plug, working closely with nearly every vehicle manufacturer to produce more than 20,000 types of spark plugs to date.  

Two of the most recent Bosch innovations in spark plug technology, are the profiled ground electrode and the interface suppression resistor. The profiling of the ground electrode ensures even greater ignition reliability, thanks to more rapid sparkover and mixture ignition. This brings with it the advantages of increased cold starting reliability; protection of the vehicle’s engine and catalytic converter and the avoidance of the engine misfiring provides a better fuel consumption.

In order to protect electronic systems in the vehicle against electromagnetic interference, the interference suppression resistor of the spark plug has been developed further by Bosch. This is crucial to the safe and reliable operation of all electrical systems on modern vehicles including all driver aides such as ABS and ESP.

The latest spark plugs from Bosch offer a tailor-made range for workshops in the aftermarket sector with clear-cut assignment to specific engines, ensuring that the correct spark plug is fitted to the correct engine. The current range, which includes 1,250 different versions and 31 different electrode designs, consists of the Bosch Super/Super plus with a factory-set electrode gap for constantly high performance, even at combustion temperatures of up to 3,000 ºC and Bosch Platinum with high levels of wear resistance thanks to the platinum coating on both electrodes.  Bosch Super 4, part of Bosch’s upgrade range offers 60% greater efficiency for higher engine output.

Bosch advise that spark plugs should be inspected at least once a year and replaced if necessary to ensure optimum engine performance. When it comes to replacement, Bosch offers a range that is compatible with 98% of vehicles on the road.