What kind of spark plugs does a Honda Civic use?
Most Honda Civics use long-life iridium spark plugs supplied by NGK or Denso; the exact plug depends on model year and engine. For recent models, the 1.5L turbo generally uses NGK Laser Iridium plugs such as SILZKAR7B11, while the naturally aspirated 2.0L commonly uses ILZKR7B-11S or its Denso equivalent. Performance variants use a colder iridium plug. Below is a detailed breakdown, how to verify the exact part for your car, and key specs and care tips.
Contents
How to identify the exact spark plug for your Civic
The precise plug type is tied to your engine code and model year. Honda sources OE plugs from NGK and Denso, and the part number can change with updates. Use the following methods to confirm the correct plug for your VIN.
- Owner’s manual: The Maintenance and Specifications sections list the required plug type and gap.
- Under-hood emissions/VECI label: Often lists plug type and gap near the radiator support or underside of the hood.
- Dealer/parts counter: Provide your VIN to get the exact Honda part number and OE supplier equivalent (NGK/Denso).
- Trusted OEM parts catalogs: Cross-reference Honda’s part number with NGK/Denso equivalents.
Verifying with your VIN avoids costly mistakes with heat range, reach, or thread size, which can affect performance and engine longevity.
Common OEM plug types by recent generation
The following examples reflect the plugs most commonly specified by Honda for mainstream U.S. models in recent years. Always confirm for your exact car using the methods above, especially for special trims or regional models.
- 2022–2025 Civic (11th gen)
- 2.0L naturally aspirated: NGK Laser Iridium ILZKR7B-11S (or Denso equivalent), factory-gapped around 1.0–1.1 mm.
- 1.5L turbo (L15 series): NGK Laser Iridium SILZKAR7B11 (or Denso equivalent), factory-gapped around 1.0–1.1 mm.
- Type R (2.0L turbo): Colder heat-range iridium plug with a tighter gap (about 0.8 mm), NGK/Denso OE part as specified by VIN.
- 2016–2021 Civic (10th gen)
- 2.0L naturally aspirated (K20C2): NGK Laser Iridium ILZKR7B-11S (or equivalent), ~1.0–1.1 mm gap.
- 1.5L turbo (L15B7): NGK Laser Iridium SILZKAR7B11 (or equivalent), ~1.0–1.1 mm gap.
- Si (1.5L turbo): Iridium plug, generally same family/heat range as L15B7; confirm by VIN for correct part and gap.
- 2006–2015 Civic (8th & 9th gen)
- 1.8L (R18 series): NGK Iridium IZFR6K-11 (or Denso equivalent), ~1.0–1.1 mm gap.
- Si (K20/K24 series): Iridium, typically a colder heat range than base models; confirm by VIN (examples include NGK IFR/ILZK-series).
- Pre-2005 models
- Many D-series Civics came with nickel or platinum plugs (for example NGK ZFR6F-11). Iridium is a common upgrade if it matches OEM spec.
These examples cover the majority of trims sold in North America. If your Civic is a different market model, hybrid, or special edition, always check the label/manual for the precise part number and gap.
Key specifications and what they mean
Beyond the brand and part number, spark plugs have specifications that must match your engine. Here are the essentials.
- Material: Iridium (most 2006+ Civics) for long life and stable spark; older models may use nickel or platinum.
- Heat range: Typically NGK 6–7 for naturally aspirated; 7–8 for turbo/high-performance (colder plugs help manage higher combustion temps).
- Thread and reach: Most modern Civics use 12 mm thread with a long reach (≈26.5 mm). Some older engines use 14 mm thread with shorter reach.
- Hex size: Often a thin-wall 14 mm (9/16″) socket on newer 12 mm-thread plugs; some older plugs use a 16 mm (5/8″) socket.
- Gap: Commonly 1.0–1.1 mm (0.039–0.043″) for non-performance trims; some turbo performance applications specify around 0.8 mm (0.031″). Use only the factory gap unless the service information says otherwise.
A mismatch in thread, reach, or heat range can cause misfires, detonation, or even engine damage—so matching the OE spec is crucial.
Service intervals and installation tips
When to replace
Iridium plugs last far longer than older copper or platinum designs, but they are still a wear item. Replace based on the maintenance minder/owner’s manual, or sooner if symptoms appear.
- Typical interval: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for many naturally aspirated Civics under normal driving.
- Turbocharged/Type R or severe service: Often shorter—check the manual; many owners change between 60,000–75,000 miles for turbos, sooner with track use.
- Watch for symptoms: Hard starts, rough idle, reduced fuel economy, hesitation under load, or misfire codes (P0300–P0304).
Following the recommended interval helps maintain performance and fuel economy while reducing stress on ignition coils and catalytic converters.
Installation best practices
Modern Honda plugs are designed to be installed without special coatings or adjustments. These steps help ensure a correct, trouble-free install.
- Use OE-spec plugs (NGK/Denso) with the exact part number/heat range and pre-set gap specified by Honda.
- Do not use anti-seize on modern, nickel-plated plug threads; it can lead to over-torque. Install dry unless the service manual instructs otherwise.
- Torque to Honda spec (commonly about 18 N·m / 13 lb-ft for 12 mm-thread plugs). If using a crush-washer plug and no torque wrench, seat until the washer contacts, then turn the specified angle per the plug maker.
- Blow out plug wells before removal to keep debris out of cylinders, and inspect coil boots for oil or cracking.
- Do not attempt to re-gap fine-wire iridium plugs unless Honda explicitly allows it; the delicate center electrode can be damaged.
Taking a few extra minutes to follow these steps helps avoid misfires, thread damage, or coil failures after a plug change.
Bottom line
Honda Civics primarily use OE-spec iridium spark plugs from NGK or Denso, matched to the exact engine and year. Recent 1.5L turbos commonly specify NGK SILZKAR7B11; recent 2.0L non-turbos often use ILZKR7B-11S; performance trims use a colder, tighter-gapped iridium plug. Always confirm by VIN or owner’s manual for the correct part number, gap, and torque.
Summary: Use OE iridium plugs (NGK/Denso) that match your Civic’s engine and year, observe the factory gap and heat range, and follow Honda’s torque and replacement interval for best performance and reliability.
Are NGK spark plugs good for Honda Civic?
NGK is the brand Honda uses from the factory. You’ll want Platinum or Iridium Center Electrode. A OEM Honda plug will have a platinum (90k mile rating) or iridium tip (120k mile rating).
What spark plug does a Honda Civic use?
Honda Civic Spark Plug Comparison Chart
| Year | OE Metal | Amount Required |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Iridium Iridium | 4 4 |
| 2020 | Iridium Iridium | 4 4 |
| 2019 | Iridium Iridium | 4 4 |
| 2018 | Iridium Iridium | 4 4 |
How often should you replace spark plugs on a Honda Civic?
For a Honda Civic, the general recommendation is to change the spark plugs every 30000 to 100000 miles, depending on the model year and type of spark plugs used. Here’s a breakdown: Copper spark plugs: Typically need to be replaced every 30000 miles.
What spark plugs do Hondas use?
Genuine Honda OEM Spark Plug 98079-55846 (NGK BPR5ES) Honda & other small engines.
