Top Picks For Ignition Coil Related Parts

All ignition systems used on modern vehicles use ignition coils for a single purpose, to provide a high-voltage spark at the spark plugs necessary for combustion of the air-fuel mixture for power generation. The ignition coil acts as a transformer and converts the electrical energy from the battery into high voltage. The coil saves this energy briefly and then transmits it as a high voltage current pulse to the spark plugs using ignition wires. This voltage generated by the ignition coils is enough to generate the spark at the electrodes. In older vehicles, the ignition coils were made using paper insulated windings and varnish in a steel car. This can was filled with oil, which offered optimum insulation and protection from water. Today, modern vehicles use ignition coils that are made from high-voltage windings inside a canister filled with epoxy resins that seep into the voids within the winding and protect it from vibrations and moisture. Different types of ignition coils are used in vehicles depending on the manufacturer. These include canister-type ignition coils, coil-on-plug ignition coils, coil pack systems, and ignition blocks.

A coil on plug boot features a conductive spring that delivers the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plug and is made using a flexible heat-resistant cover. Coil on plug boot is used in modern vehicles with coil on plug ignition systems that feature one ignition coil for each spark plug. These ignition systems are called Direct Ignition Systems, which use an electronic control module (ECM) for spark timing. The coil on plug boot allows the necessary transfer of high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plug required to generate the spark and is made using silicone or rubber that protects from oil, moisture, heat, and other contaminants.

Over time, the coil on plug boot can deteriorate and lose its insulation capacity, which can cause an erratic spark and eventually lead to engine misfiring. A coil on plug boot can wear out and crack, causing the spark to jump out of the boot, leaving no spark in the engine. If you witness any difficulties like poor engine starts and erratic engine idling, check your coil on plug boots for any cracks, visual damage, and wear signs. To ensure a healthy spark and a properly functioning ignition system, always check and replace your worn-out coil on plug boots while you replace your spark plugs.

Coil brackets are designed to hold the ignition coils in place, protect the coils from shocks, vibrations, and ensure a consistent spark plug firing. The coil brackets can be made of different materials like stainless steel or aluminum and they help to extend the ignition coil's life. A bad or broken coil bracket can prevent the ignition coil from seating correctly which will hinder the spark plug functionality causing erratic engine performance. Replacing your old ignition coil brackets can be very helpful as it can prevent unfortunate coil failures, engine misfiring, and spark plug fouling. 

Gasoline engines are internal combustion engines that use spark plugs to combust the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and generate the required power. A spark plug is mounted on the top of the cylinder and provides the spark required for combustion. It produces a spark when a voltage difference is created between the two electrodes of the spark plug, which causes the spark to jump from one electrode to the other. This spark comes in contact with the compressed air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and ignites it. Spark plugs electrodes can use different materials providing different properties. The spark plug electrode materials include copper, nickel, platinum, iridium or a combination of these. 

The life and condition of your spark plug depend on the driving style, quality of fuel, condition of the engine, type of spark plugs, and several other factors. But every spark plug has an approximate mileage after which their performance drops and a replacement becomes necessary. Over time, the spark plug electrodes wear out and lead to various problems like difficult engine starts, engine misfiring due to improper spark, poor fuel economy, erratic engine idling, engine knock or ping, and hiccups/jerks while accelerating. A faulty spark plug can also pull up the check engine light on the console and should be checked immediately for any problems. If you witness these symptoms, the first thing to check on your vehicle is the spark plugs to ensure they are not fouled and working properly. Although iridium and platinum-tipped spark plugs tend to last longer than conventional spark plugs, you can always recommend your owner's manual to see the replacement intervals mentioned in the maintenance schedule and change your spark plugs accordingly.

A coil connector is a plastic molded component engineered with electrical connections and features individual cables attached to pins that can be easily attached to the ignition coil. The coil connectors are designed to match the original hardware of the vehicle and help to prevent dirt or condensation intrusion. If your ignition coil connector fails, power supplied to the coil will be interrupted and will lead to problems like engine misfiring and poor engine starts. If you notice similar symptoms or intermittent power delivery and jerks, you need to check the coil connector to ensure a proper current supply to the ignition coil. You should always check the coil connectors while replacing your ignition coils and if found bad, these connectors should be replaced immediately to ensure a healthy spark and ignition system.