Spark plugs may become less effective at doing their job due to time, wear, or other electrical/ignition system issues. The pressure generated by this sudden expansion within the combustion chamber moves your car's pistons, ultimately turning chemical energy into the kinetic energy required to power the engine.Īs you continue on your journey, the spark plugs power through this cycle over and over again, helping your car run smoothly till you reach your destination. Once the air-fuel mixture ignites, a chemical reaction occurs, turning the mixture into an expanded gas or exhaust. Step 2: Energy from the battery ignites the plugs.Įlectricity from the battery travels to an induction coil on your car's combustion engine, which transforms the battery's 12 volts to as much as 45,000 volts before supplying it to the spark plugs.Īs the induction coil's voltage increases and is transferred to the spark plugs, the plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber - generating a small and controlled explosion in the gap between the plug's electrodes. When you start your car by pushing the 'ignition button' or inserting and turning your key, the starter motor engages, which cranks your engine. Step 1: You turn the key in the ignition. These components also play an important role in helping to dissipate heat from the combustion chamber to the engine's cooling system.

In turn, combustion creates the energy required to power your car's pistons, and ultimately, get you to your destination. Small but mighty, they spark electricity that ignites an air-fuel mixture deep within your car's engine. Think of spark plugs as the tiniest bolt of lighting. Read on to learn how these components work, signs they need to be replaced, when to get new ones, and more.

Without healthy plugs, your ride may not be able to accomplish its maximum potential, and your vehicle can see a drop in fuel economy. Because the health of this car part is directly linked to engine performance, bad spark plugs can often lead to more significant problems, including prolonged cold-starting and misfires during acceleration.

Without spark plugs, some vehicles won't start - or go anywhere.

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