A Sure-Fire Vehicle

Posted September 27, 2011

A gasoline-powered vehicle requires an ignition system to ignite fuel and turn the motor. When the ignition system is not functioning properly, your vehicle may run rough and fail emissions tests.

Most ignition systems consist of spark plugs, spark plug wires, a distributor and some supporting equipment.
Spark plugs are usually the first that needs to be replaced. As spark plugs age, they may collect deposits that will impede the flow of electricity and may cause improper ignition of fuel. Any fuel that is not burned will be expelled to the atmosphere, resulting in lower gas-mileage and an increase in emissions. The engine will lose power and the vehicle may feel sluggish under acceleration.

Spark plug replacement is often considered a measure of preventative maintenance. Some say they should be replaced every 10,000 miles, but in reality they may last much longer. Consult your vehicle’s manual for recommended replacement intervals. Make sure your spark plugs are installed by an ASE-certified technician. Some plugs will need to be adjusted to yield the best spark for your automobile.

Spark plug cables should also be replaced if they are showing signs of wear. Cables may lose their insulation as they rub against other engine parts. Poor insulation could arc electricity to other parts of the engine before it reaches the spark plug. With the engine off, you can check insulation on the cables for any signs of chafing or pitting to prevent future ignition failure.

A distributor may also need servicing, but it is normally not associated with failure. If the distributor cap is cracked, contaminants may damage the distributor. In this case, it is best to check the cap for damage and have it replaced before it causes bigger problems.

If you are driving a diesel vehicle, you do not have the same ignition components as a gasoline vehicle, but you may run into electrical problems as well. In this case, your ASE-certified technician should be able to offer advice for diesel repairs in Aurora.

An ASE-certified technician should notice any problems with engine components including the ignition system and offer tips for preventative maintenance that will keep you safe on the road!

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Categories: Auto Electrical Systems, Auto Repair Aurora, Car Repair and Maintenance, Car Repair Shop Aurora, Ignition