Hybrid and Conventional Car Spark Plugs Are Not Interchangeable

Jakarta, KOMPAS.com – Hybrid cars still follow a similar regular maintenance routine as conventional petrol vehicles, including oil changes, component checks, and routine replacement of certain spare parts.

One component requiring attention is spark plugs. As known, spark plugs have a lifespan and must be replaced periodically or due to external factors to maintain optimal engine performance.

Hybrid car owners should note that their spark plugs differ from conventional models in both type and component code.

“Differences can be seen in the Veloz Hybrid and standard versions — their spark plug types differ, with distinct series that are not interchangeable,” said Diko Octaviano, ATS & Product Development Assistant Manager at PT Nittera Mobility Indonesia, NGK spark plug manufacturer, in an interview with KOMPAS.com on Saturday (30 May 2026).

According to Diko, technological differences mean hybrid cars have different spark plug requirements to support performance and efficiency.

“In conventional engine spark plugs, the noble metal is double but only on the ground electrode tip. Hybrid spark plugs feature two noble metal points, enhancing durability, performance, and efficiency for the hybrid system,” he explained.

However, Suzuki models present a different scenario. For the Ertiga Hybrid and XL7 Hybrid, the spark plugs used are the same as their non-hybrid counterparts.

This is due to the different electrification technology used compared to full hybrid systems from other manufacturers. Additionally, the engine remains the same.

Observing Suzuki’s hybrid and conventional models, the engines are identical. Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid shares the same engine code as the standard version, as does the XL7. Thus, there is no difference in spark plugs, Diko said.

Diko added that the conventional Veloz spark plug is coded ILKAR6B11, while the Veloz Hybrid uses DILKAR7S8. The standard Zenix uses ILKAR6B11, and the Zenix Hybrid uses DILKAR6T8. Meanwhile, the Suzuki XL7 petrol model uses R6A10 spark plugs, identical to the hybrid version.