View Poll Results: Do you use anti seize on your spark plugs?
Yes, it prevents the spark plug from seizing
5
20.83%
No, modern plugs are corrosion resistant
11
45.83%
Yes, a little anti seize always help
8
33.33%
Voters: 24. You may not vote on this poll
Do you use anti seize on your spark plugs?
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2024
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From: California
Do you use anti seize on your spark plugs?
Most of the people mention they do use anti seize, and it is also recommended in the work shop manual.
But NGK says do not https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resources/5-things-you-should-know-about-spark-plugs
But NGK says do not https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resources/5-things-you-should-know-about-spark-plugs
Racecar - Formula 2000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 366
From: Bath, OH
Most of the people mention they do use anti seize, and it is also recommended in the work shop manual.
But NGK says do not https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resourc...ut-spark-plugs
But NGK says do not https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/resourc...ut-spark-plugs
We use it on all spark plugs on all engines. You only need a dab on the tip. As you install the plug, it will drag it through the threads. It just keeps them from "freezing" in the threads.
The most annoying thing in the world is going to remove a spark plug and it requires an excessive amount of initial tourqe to break free and not because it was over tightened on install.
The most annoying thing in the world is going to remove a spark plug and it requires an excessive amount of initial tourqe to break free and not because it was over tightened on install.
I use anti-seize. If you don't you risk having one freeze in place from corrosion, etc. I'm guessing that NGK is worried about over-tightening due to the reduced friction with anti-seize and stripping out the threads. IMO, if you don't over-torque, that's unlikely. One does have to reduce torque a bit from what you would use dry.
Racecar - Formula 2000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 366
From: Bath, OH
Same here, always use a little anti-seize applied near the tip, which gets distributed to the rest of the threads as you thread it in, and I NEVER over torque the plugs. I think in addition to the risk of stripping threads, NGK might be concerned with too much anti-seize adversely effecting spark performance, because anti-seize isn't a great electrical conductor, so too much of the stuff adds electrical resistance to the plug's ground path to the engine.
Last edited by DaveW; Nov 7, 2025 at 04:53 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2024
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From: California
On top of the possible torque value change, I think NGK mentions that modern spark plug comes with plating that is corrosion-resistant and will act as a release agent during removal. That's why this whole question comes up.
NGK spark plugs feature trivalent plating. This silver or chrome-colored finish on the threads is designed to provide corrosion resistance against moisture and chemicals. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without lubrication or anti-seize.
Anti-seize can act as a lubricant, altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage and/or metal shell stretch. Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.
Anti-seize can act as a lubricant, altering torque values up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage and/or metal shell stretch. Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on NGK spark plugs. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental.
Racecar - Formula 2000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,027
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From: Bath, OH
I learn something new every day. Thanks !
Last edited by DaveW; Nov 18, 2025 at 05:51 PM.
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I've heard anecdotes about anti-seize causing misfires on engines running near the limit of what their ignition system can ignite. I don't have any personal data to back that up, but I've never heard a dyno operator or engine calibrator suggest to add anti-seize and I've heard a few recommend not to use it.
Rotary Freak
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: sydney
Racecar - Formula 2000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 366
From: Bath, OH
In the aviation game, they used to advise no anti-seize with graphite (or graphite powder) and nothing around the tip/ first few threads despite having magnetos that would lift you off the ground. The plating on aircraft plugs is pretty poor though compared to most automotive plugs, can't say I've ever done it on a car.
Racecar - Formula 2000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,027
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From: Bath, OH
I was answering in the context of a RX7.
RX7s eat plugs and I changed them out every season.
You are right about other cars. My DD, I probably touch them every 5-7yrs. But still not anti seize.
RX7s eat plugs and I changed them out every season.
You are right about other cars. My DD, I probably touch them every 5-7yrs. But still not anti seize.
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