➤ Tips for choosing candles for Lava Vesta

Representatives of AvtoVAZ assure that the build quality of Vesta is constantly improving. Reviews from owners to some extent confirm this fact. Let's look at how spark plugs behave, among other equipment.

It must be said that Vesta has problems, for example, with not particularly modified wipers, punctures occur with the gas pedal, and there is no corrosion treatment for the bottom. Complaints about deficiencies in power mechanisms are extremely rare. Therefore, it is premature to talk about repairing any element of the fuel system.

Spark plugs in a Lada Vesta car...

...designed to ignite the fuel mixture in the cavity of the combustion chamber.
Incorrect operation of one spark plug electrode leads to engine detonation, decreased power, and increased fuel consumption. Since the primary signs of igniter failure are largely identical to other failures, it is difficult for an inexperienced driver to correctly identify the source of the malfunction.

If you do not have the appropriate experience, we recommend that you seek help from mechanics at certified service stations.

What kind of spark plugs are installed on Lada Vesta from the factory?

Type of power unit / selection by vehicle	Serial number and brand
8-valve VAZ-11189 engine	14R-7DU–Ber, RN9Y–Champion, BPR6ES–NGK, W20EPR–Denso, LR15YC-1–Brisk, WR7DCX–Bosch
16-valve engine VAZ-21129 and VAZ-21179	AU17DVRM, DR15YC-1–Brisk, FR7DCU–Bosch, Q20PR-U11–Denso, BCPR6ES–NGK
Renault-Nissan HR16DE/H4M 16-valve engine	Brisk Super DR15YC-1, LZKAR7D-NGK

Note to the driver ! Removal of spark plugs in an 8-valve engine is carried out with a socket wrench (at “19”). For a 16-valve power unit, use a smaller hex key (at “17”).

Features and purpose of spark plugs

The completeness of ignition of the fuel mixture depends on the quality and frequency of voltage supply to the end switches of the spark plug electrodes. Partial combustion of petroleum products contributes to the formation of carbon deposits in the combustion chambers of the cylinders.

Depending on the type of igniter, the following parts are distinguished:

with copper tip;
with nickel;
with platinum, iridium.

Iridium and platinum electrodes have a long service life, but their cost is 20-25% higher than their analogues.

Spark plugs with a copper or nickel tip are the best option for most motorists, as they combine good quality and an affordable price.

Here you can choose spark plugs from 118 rubles per piece.

Top 5. BERU Z16

Rating (2021): 4.47

-quality sparking Due to the copper-nickel electrode and high quality manufacturing, the spark plug provides reliable sparking in any conditions.

Characteristics
Average price: 170 rub.
Country: Belgium
Heat number: 7
Electrode material: copper/nickel
Gap: 1.1mm
Guaranteed mileage: 30,000 km

Spark plugs from the well-known manufacturer BERU are distinguished by high quality workmanship and an affordable price, which is why many owners of Lada Vesta 1.6 give them preference. The presented option guarantees the most effective protection of the catalyst during combustion, thereby ensuring fuel economy. An additional benefit of the BERU Z16 is its reliability, with 100% ignition capability even in the harshest conditions. In their reviews, car owners confirm that the Lada engine starts in any frost - you just need to replace the spark plugs in a timely manner.

Advantages and disadvantages

Economical
Excellent sparking in cold weather

Rarely nurse for more than the stated period

Characteristics of candles

Key size	Thread length	Thread pitch	Gap	Torque
16 mm	19 mm	M 14×1.25	1.1 mm	20-30 Nm

In 16-valve power units, the igniters are recessed into the cylinder block body, and in 8-valve power units, they are mounted on the surface of the block cover.

When replacing spark plugs with analogues, be sure to check the consistency of the thread pitch and length. Installing an igniter with a long (short) base contributes to unstable operation of the power unit.

Replacing spark plugs and the need to adjust the factory manual

As mentioned earlier, the replacement of ignition system consumables is carried out within the framework of routine maintenance procedures, which is recommended by the plant at 30 thousand intervals.

However, if the equipment operates in difficult conditions, then the time required for both maintenance and replacement of consumables should be halved.

As for the very definition of difficult conditions, these are:

frequent trips within the boundaries of large metropolitan cities over short distances;
prolonged driving at low speeds;
driving in dusty or sandstorm-prone areas;
frequent trips with a trailer or when the Lada Vesta is heavily loaded.

Well, one more thing about the features of replacing spark plugs is that on engines with an 8-valve timing system, access to spark plugs is much easier than to the actuators of the ignition system of 16-valve engines.

Review of Manufacturer Prices

Brand/manufacturer	Electrode type	Price in rubles
RN7YC Champion	Copper	From 110
BPR8ES NGK (16 cells)	Nickel	From 125
W15EPR Denso	Copper	From 90
FR12DCU Bosch	—/—	—/—
Q14PR Denso 1.8	—/—	—/—
BCPR9ES NGK	Nickel	From 180
LZKAR7D NGK	Iridium	From 350
PLZKAR7A NGK	Platinum	From 450
*prices are as of June 2022

Regulations for replacing spark plugs on Lada Vesta

Required materials and tools:

hex wrench;
rags;
igniter kit;
new high-voltage wires if the old ones are damaged or have cracks in the insulation.

DIY replacement algorithm:

Turn off the power unit.
Open the hood.
Remove the decorative trim from the surface of the cylinder head cover.
Disconnect the wells.
Unscrew the spark plugs.
Replace with new ones.
Reassemble the parts in reverse order.

If you are the owner of a Lada Vesta with an 8-valve engine, then the replacement process is somewhat simplified, since there is no need to dismantle the plastic trim. In all other respects, no changes.

Types of candles, their structure

Not enough horsepower during acceleration, slow start, fuel consumption is growing at a gigantic rate, is the car shaking? You need to take a closer look at the heating system. These failures can occur for other reasons, but they are the clearest sign that the ignition is not working properly.

top terminal: ignition coil connection point;
main body: high voltage generation and heat insulator;
thread: screwing a product into the cylinder head;
electrode: spark source, the most important element, the quality of the system depends on its reliability.

It is important to know the difference between the two existing types of glow systems - spark plugs and glow plugs. The former are used by vehicles with a gasoline engine, and the latter by vehicles with a diesel engine. A standard feature of both options is engine starting assistance. We list several main characteristics of the system:

center contact material;
spark gap size;
heat number (the higher it is, the less the product heats up);
overall and connecting dimensions (length and thread pitch);
number of side electrodes;
resource of use;
self-cleaning ability.

There is a variety that has become very popular - iridium spark plugs. Theoretically, their design has a thinner central wire diameter than others, it conducts current better and generates a more powerful spark, which greatly simplifies engine operation.

Heaters perform the same function in diesel engines as the ignition system in gasoline engines. They are called "preheat plugs". They are responsible for facilitating cold starts, which is especially important for diesel engines, which are increasingly found on our roads. The heater is a resistor designed to increase the temperature inside the combustion chamber. Its shape resembles a ballpoint pen, one end of which is heated before starting. It is important to remember that it is advisable to replace all elements at the same time so that the work is rhythmic.
Plugs are elements that ignite a mixture of gasoline and air inside the combustion chamber. A spark is generated due to a difference in electrical potential. If the motor is operating normally, this process is repeated an average of 2000 times per minute.

If you replace the ignition system in time, you can avoid premature wear of other parts of the vehicle. If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to consider purchasing new devices:

loss of power while driving;
increased fuel consumption, because gasoline combustion occurs incorrectly due to a spark generated at the wrong time;
difficulty starting, especially in cold weather, knocking when the engine is running;
dark smoke on the exhaust.

Let's look at the process of attaching a new heating system, provide step-by-step instructions and tips for installing the product yourself at home.

Conclusion

The stability of engine operation largely depends on the timely replacement of igniters, as well as the quality of their manufacture.

The best spark plugs for Lada Vesta:

NGK: resource – 3.3 points, fuel economy – 4.1 points. Optimal price/quality ratio.
Finwhale: resource – 3.2 points, fuel economy – 4.0 points. Wide range for various modifications of power units.
Beru: American-German concern, resource – 3.0 points, fuel economy – 3.9 points.
Brisk: a Czech brand that produces igniters in the budget and premium segments. Resource – 3.0 points, fuel economy – 3.9 points.
Denso: a European brand specializing in the budget segment of products. Resource – 3.0 points, fuel economy – 3.8 points.
Torch: a Chinese brand focused on cars in the budget and mid-price segment. Resource – 3.0 points, fuel economy – 3.7 points.

How to choose spark plugs for Vesta?

Often, car owners do not pay attention to the choice of igniters. Sometimes, in order to save money, old candles that have been cleaned of carbon are used. However, in a modern engine, high-quality ignition devices play an important role.

There are many models of spark plugs for Vesta on the market: regular and more expensive, high-tech ones (platinum, iridium, multi-electrode). Iridium igniters operate stably over a range of up to 60,000 km. If you compare prices, it becomes clear that one iridium unit costs the same as a set of regular ones. In addition, craftsmen and car enthusiasts note that classic single-electronic devices do an excellent job, provided they are replaced in a timely manner. Therefore there is no point in paying more. The main thing is to choose the right type of device.

Here is a list of qualities that Vesta candles must meet. Uninterrupted operation at voltages up to 40 kV. High thermal conductivity. Resistance to chemical processes and deposits of medium aggressiveness. Ability to insulate at high temperatures (up to 1,000 °C). Resistance to thermal shock.

Vesta cars are factory equipped with Russian spark plugs AU17DVRM or imported DR15YC-1. In the future, for replacement, you can choose other options from the list recommended by the manufacturer.

So, suitable devices are produced by well-known companies: Bosch, Denso, NGK, Champion. Igniters differ by brand and fundamental technological characteristics. They need to be taken into account when preparing tools for replacing spark plugs.

Eight-valve devices can be dismantled with a regular spark plug wrench. If a replacement is made on sixteen-valve valves, then a smaller hexagon is required.

Reviews

№	Positive
1	Andrey (Avtodrom): two years have passed since I bought the car, I haven’t changed the spark plugs yet, the engine is running stably. The default ones are factory installed – Brisk, I’m happy with the quality.
2	Sergey (Avtotema): I have 16 valves. motor, replaced the igniters at a mileage of 25,000 km. Comrades advised with an iridium electrode.
3	Kirill (Autoreview): I regularly change spark plugs every two years. There are no complaints about the motor.
4	Alexey (Avtoria): I bought a used Lada Vesta, the previous owner installed Finwhale. There are no comments on the operation of the engine, fuel consumption is within normal limits.
5	Alexander (Drom): my positive review of NGK. The price is steep, but the workmanship and durability are pleasantly surprising.
6	Stanislav (Driving): I have no problems with the car, the mechanisms are working normally. The main thing is to strictly adhere to the deadlines for scheduled technical inspections.
7	Vasily Alekseevich (“5th wheel”): I buy NGK spark plugs, the service life is at least 45 - 50 thousand km. Draw conclusions.
Negative
8	Vitaly (Avtotema): the original spark plugs did not last long, only 25,000 km. I decided to install Finwhale, I heard numerous positive reviews.
9	Svyatoslav (Otzovik.net): I change igniters on my own, I don’t turn to the service station for help.
10	Vlad (ProAuto): I heard about the unstable operation of spark plugs on the Lada Vesta before buying the car. Immediately replaced it with Bosch, second year of active use without any comments.

Obvious signs of wear - you need to know

Spark plugs are a device for igniting gasoline. Lada Vesta is equipped with a 16-valve engine, that is, a spark plug set of 4 units is required.

We list the main signs that the spark plugs on a Lada Vesta need to be changed:

1. The starter operates with a delay, after several idle revolutions; 2. The ride of the car is not smooth, but with noticeable jerks; 3. Motor dynamics decrease; 4. Fuel consumption per 1 sq. km increases; 5. The color of the exhaust gases changes.

Sometimes the condition of the ignition device can indicate problems with other parts of the vehicle. For example, if the thread of the spark plug hole contains traces of oil on the electrodes, this means: the oil reflective caps have exhausted their service life. The service station staff will advise you when to replace the igniters. However, this period is also determined by the brand, and it can be found out from the factory operating instructions.

Spark plug sets for the 16-valve Lada Vesta are produced by different companies - both Russian and foreign.