Top Picks For Spark Plugs Related Parts

Most of the vehicles today run on internal combustion engines and in order to combust the mixture of fuel and air in the engine, we use spark plugs. Spark plugs are mounted on the top of the cylinder to provide the necessary spark required for combustion. This is achieved by creating a voltage difference between the electrodes of the spark plug and making the current jump from one electrode to the other, creating a spark. The spark plug is screwed into the cylinder head, which makes the electrodes sit inside the combustion chamber and ignite the compressed fuel and air mixture for power. Different types of spark plugs are used in a vehicle, including copper spark plugs, platinum, and double platinum spark plugs, and iridium spark plugs. Each of these types is suited for different conditions and has different lifespans.

Ignition coil and spark plugs are part of the ignition system in a gasoline engine and they work together to produce the spark in the engine. A large amount of voltage is necessary for spark generation to ignite the air-fuel mixture and this is where the ignition coils come into play. The ignition coil comprises primary and secondary windings. The primary winding uses the low-voltage from the battery and generates a magnetic field, which is then collapsed by a contact breaker to the secondary winding to generate a high-voltage pulse. This high voltage is transferred to the spark plugs with the help of ignition wires and is enough to generate the spark at the electrodes. Ignition coils in modern vehicles consist of 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. 

The ignition coil is an important part of the ignition system responsible for generating the spark in petrol engines. Any problem with the ignition coil can lead to engine performance issues with some symptoms, like engine misfires, rough idles, power loss, backfiring, engine stalling, power delivery, and occasional jerks. A faulty ignition coil could also light up the check engine light on the dashboard due to a coil burn or short circuit. In some cases, a faulty ignition coil can be spotted with a simple visual inspection like if it has cracks or burns marks. These symptoms indicate a potential fault with your ignition coil or the ignition system, and if you witness any, it's best to get your vehicle checked and the ignition coil replaced because if the problems worsen, your car might not start and stall on the road. 

A coil on plug boot is a flexible heat-resistant outer cover that houses a conductive spring and delivers the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plug. The coil-on-plug boots are used in coil-on-plug ignition systems which are also known as Direct Ignition Systems that feature one ignition coil for each spark plug and the timing is controlled by an electronic control module (ECM). The coil on the plug boot establishes a connection between the coil and spark plug and facilitates the transfer of the high voltage necessary to generate the spark. It is made from quality heat-resistant silicone or rubber that resists deterioration from fuel, oil, abrasion, and contaminants. 

The coil on the plug boot can deteriorate with time and lose its insulation capability, which can cause the spark to wander out of the boot and eventually lead to misfires. Misfires can be caused due to several reasons, including a bad or cracked coil on the plug boot. Any cracks or wear signs around the boot can be the reason for difficult engine starts and erratic engine idling as well. It is recommended to replace your coil on plug boots while you replace your spark plugs to ensure a healthy spark and a properly functioning ignition system.

Ignition wires are the components of an ignition system that carry the high voltage pulses from the ignition coil to the distributor and the spark plugs. These ignition wires are high tension leads or cables that comprise a single wire encased in an insulating material with connectors and insulating boots on the end of the wires. The ignition wire sets consist of a conductive wire that forms a circuit between the spark plug and the coil. This wire is insulated with a flexible heat-resistant material like EPDM rubber and silicone. The end of these wires is provided with a terminal connector, which is basically a push-on type connector that snaps onto the spark plug's terminal. These connectors also feature a silicone or rubber boot designed to protect the terminals from contamination and keep the wires in place. 

Normally, the ignition wire sets last a long time without any troubles, but given the fact that they carry high voltages for a long time, problems are bound to occur. A bad ignition wire can interrupt the flow of current and prevent the spark plug from firing. The problems with your ignition can also occur due to aging and exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold). Common signs of a failing ignition wire include power loss, engine misfiring, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. It is also important to carry out a visual inspection to see if the ignition wires are damaged, melted, or cracked. If you see these damages and symptoms, you should get your ignition wire sets replaced. It is advisable to consult a certified mechanic capable of evaluating the problems related to your ignition system and fix the issue. 

The electronic control module (ECM) is the brain of the engine that oversees the operation of the various parts of an engine based on the information it receives from sensors. It is also known by other names like Engine Control Unit (ECU), Digital Motor Electronics (DME), and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) if it controls the transmission. When it comes to ignition systems, the newer vehicles are incorporated with Distributor-less Ignition Systems (DIS), in which the spark is controlled using the electronic control units and the ignition control module. This helps in increased spark timing accuracy, reduced wear and tear of the system, and makes the ignition system more reliable and efficient. The ECM plays a vital role in controlling the spark timing and the overall functioning and performance of the engine by monitoring the data from the sensors that include various parameters like air-fuel mixture ratio, coolant temperature, manifold air pressure, throttle position, crankshaft position, knock, airflow mass, vehicle speed, etc.

Needless to say, a faulty engine control module (ECM) can drastically affect your vehicle's performance. If your ECM has any issues, it can lead to all sorts of problems and can often render the car undrivable. However, a failing ECM will alert you with the symptoms such as check engine light, engine misfiring or stalling, decreased performance, and difficult starts. Since these problems can be caused due to a wide variety of other issues, it's better to get your vehicle checked by a professional. Modern cars today are equipped with sophisticated and advanced ECM units that play a big role in the ignition system and the overall performance of your vehicle and can be difficult to diagnose. Therefore, if you witness these symptoms and suspect that your electronic control module is having some issues, it is best to get it checked by a technician and get it replaced.