3 Best spark plugs for volkswagen jetta (2023)

by · Automotive Expert
Published
Updated

Hey guys! Those who follow me know how grateful I’m to my Dad who has given me insight into the mysterious world of cars and trucks. As I was thinking of writing about the best spark plugs for Volkswagen Jetta, some old memories flashed through my mind. My Dad used to say that there were so many similarities of a car to a human body. You know, at first, I was a bit skeptical. However, he was able to draw parallels between the two. Just think of it! For our heart to pump blood throughout the body, it needs a kind of electrical impulse to start a heartbeat. This process originates in the so-called sinoatrial node. That being said, spark plug holds exactly the same importance to the car engine as a sinoatrial node does for our hearts.

Spark plug acts as a pacemaker for a car engine by producing the spark within the cylinder, which ignites the fuel mixed with air, and then pushes down the piston to create power for the car. The process is continuous and on a rhythmic pattern.

That’s the way I’ve learned to never underestimate the importance of the spark plug. Great approach, huh!? However, now I feel quite strongly that as the cars become more sophisticated, there are fewer and fewer opportunities left to the hobbyists, and one of them – replacement of the spark plugs.

Why you can trust me?I accept nothing from product manufacturers. Never. Here — only unbiased reviews and my opinion. I only earn commission from Amazon

I recommend:

our pick

NGK 2667 Iridium IX

Perfect for high-performance engines

You can’t go wrong with this product. And you will get exactly what you pay for. I would highly recommend NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug.

best value

Bosch 8160 Double Platinum

Best to deliver enhanced performance

I would highly recommend this high-quality product. Considering its longer service life and lasting performance, you will have miles of worry-free driving.

budget

Champion RC12YC Spark Plug

The most basic and affordable

I would recommend this good-quality and affordable product. It does its work perfectly well and ensures a smooth motor performance. A good buy for VW Jetta submodels manufactured from 1994 to 2002.

Not long ago I had a call from my old buddy. He asked my advice about the best spark plugs for his uncle’s car - 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (GLI, 2.0L). He also admitted that his Dad is a great fan of VW Jetta too: a few times I’ve seen him driving his 1999 Volkswagen Jetta round town. That was the reason I’ve made my mind to write a review of the best and the most typical spark plugs for VW Jetta.

I understand that searching for the proper product can be a tricky challenge, but there’s a chance to avoid all the hassle. Below is the review of my top of Volkswagen Jetta spark plugs. Let’s get started!

Table of Best Spark plugs for Volkswagen Jetta

NameOur ratingmateriallifespanrequired yearsetpriceShops
NGK 2667 Iridium IX
iridiumup to 80k miles2006 - 20121/4$$$
Bosch 8160 Double Platinum
platinumup to 100k miles2013-20171$$
Champion RC12YC Spark Plug
copperup to 20k miles1994 - 200211

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How I decided

box-icon
19
models considered
clock-icon
28
hours spend
interview-icon
14
experts interviewed

Best spark plugs for volkswagen jetta

NGK 2667 Iridium IX

our-pick
Our rating:
5.0

Truth be told, I’m a big fan of NGK plugs. And I know for sure if I install them, the whole car feels like a new one…I remember my neighbor complaining about constant misfire under heavy acceleration in his 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. After a check I suggested installing a set of NGK Iridium Spark Plugs. I tell you what, with these plugs the performance of his car was totally different: no engine misfire, and a huge improvement both in acceleration (no hesitation) and smooth running. These indisputable advantages were due to the faster response to the throttle operation.

NGK iridium plugs are intended to improve the performance of the engine if you need extra power (to climb a steep heel, for instance).

But beyond that, iridium spark plugs feature a special ultra-fine central electrode with excellent wear characteristics.

That means that you won’t have any problems starting the car. Apart from that, special plating ensures perfect anti-corrosion and anti-seizing resistance providing high durability and high-performance engine.

Compared to other types of plugs, the NGK iridium plugs don’t need much voltage to generate power. Basically, it means that you can save on energy at start-up phase.

Perfect for 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2012 Jetta GLI 2.0 turbo

Key features:

  • improves throttle response and gas mileage
  • longevity 50k miles
  • ensures stable spark and high durability
  • better engine performance and acceleration profile

Product score:

  • performance (9/10)
  • quality (9/10)
  • price (9/10)

TOTAL SCORE: 9

Pros
  • high performing plug
  • easy to install (pre-gapped)
  • anti-corrosion and anti-seizing resistance
  • improvement of fuel economy
  • more engine power
Cons
  • the price

Bosch 8160 Double Platinum

best-value
Our rating:
4.0

One day I put 3 different plugs on the same vehicle. You might have guessed that one of them was this Bosch Automotive 8160 Double Platinum Spark Plug, and it was the best!

Compared to the previous version, the design of this plug is a lot more sophisticated. The materials used are a lot better too, and therefore the performance of these plugs is much longer.

The tip of both electrodes (center and ground) is made of platinum. This promotes durability and ensures longer life.

Copper core of both electrodes provides wider heat range to resist pre-ignition. High-quality ceramic material not only ensures higher dielectric strength but high robustness as well.

I trust Bosch Automotive 8160 Double Platinum spark plug: I tried them and I know the difference. I would recommend to use these quality plugs in order to avoid troubles not only installing them, but replacing too. Hands down, Bosch spark plug is the highest quality product you can put into your car today. They suit perfectly well Volkswagen Jetta 2013-2017.

Key features:

  • excellent anti-seize and corrosion protection
  • optimum engine performance due to the right electrode material
  • high robustness
  • factory-preset electrode gap makes it easy to replace the spark plug
  • 5 years performance satisfaction guarantee

Product score:

  • performance (8/10)
  • quality (9/10)
  • price (8/10)

TOTAL SCORE: 8.3

Pros
  • easy to install (pre-gapped)
  • perfect fit
  • high quality
  • 3 times longer service life compared to copper spark plugs
  • platinum firing pin for better ignitability and performance
  • high wear resistance
Cons
  • difficult to remove
  • lots of imitations so make sure you are buying an original stuff

Champion RC12YC

budget
Our rating:
3.0

If you are an owner of a VW Jetta (various submodels) manufactured from 1994 to 2002 and you are looking for a budget spark plugs, this Champion RC12YC Spark Plug with a copper core center is a great option.

First copper plugs appeared in the market in the early 1980s. This was a huge achievement in the automotive industry. Let me explain why these plugs still don’t lose their value. Compared to other metals, copper is a good conductor of an electric current, and therefore copper is less likely to overheat. As a result, сopper-core center electrode controls the heat range (mostly, in the way of heat removal) and extends the service life of the plug. I would like to add that a nickel shell of the plug also ensures heat dissipation.

What is more, Champion RC12YC spark plugs feature special corrosion-resistant ULTRASEAL and TinTac shell. It means that they have good protection against corrosion. In addition, copper plugs provide improved anti-fouling.

Key features:

  • good corrosion protection
  • reduction of emissions
  • improvement of fuel economy
  • control of heat range
  • pre-ignition prevention due to the shortened ground electrode

Product score:

  • performance (7/10)
  • quality (7/10)
  • price (8/10)

TOTAL SCORE: 7.3

Pros
  • easy to install and replace
  • good fit
  • a good value for money.
Cons
  • short lifespan: replacement every 20k miles

Conclusion

I do hope that my short review would help you not to get lost in the endless list of spark plugs available in today’s market. Sometimes it’s not that easy to find a proper product for a particular model of the car. However, if you pick one of the above for your Volkswagen Jetta, you won’t regret it. I’m sure that these spark plugs will keep your car’s engine going strong and improve the performance.