Spark Plugs, Wires, and Ignition Coils: When Does Your Car Need a Tune-Up?
Your engine needs a strong spark to run. Spark plugs, spark plug wires, and ignition coils help create that spark.
When these parts wear out, your car may run rough, lose power, use more gas, or have trouble starting. At Jim Brangham Auto Repair, we can check your ignition system and help find the cause of engine problems in Cathedral City, CA and the Coachella Valley.
What Do Spark Plugs Do?
Spark plugs sit inside your engine. They create a small spark that helps burn the fuel and air mixture inside the engine. Over time, spark plugs wear out. A worn spark plug may not make a strong spark. This can cause your engine to run poorly.
What Are Spark Plug Wires?
Some vehicles use spark plug wires to carry the spark from the ignition system to the spark plugs. These wires can wear out over time. Heat, age, and engine conditions can cause the wires to crack or break down. Bad spark plug wires can cause a weak spark or a misfire.
Note: Many newer vehicles do not use spark plug wires. They use ignition coils instead.
What Does an Ignition Coil Do?
An ignition coil takes the vehicle's electrical power and turns it into the high voltage needed to fire the spark plug. Many modern cars have one coil for each spark plug. Some vehicles use a coil pack that works with more than one cylinder. When a coil starts to fail, the engine may run rough or lose power.
Signs Your Ignition System May Need Attention
Watch for these common warning signs:
- Engine shakes or runs rough
- Hard starting
- Loss of power
- Poor fuel mileage
- Check Engine Light comes on
- Engine misfires
- Car hesitates when you accelerate
- Engine stalls
A bad spark plug, wire, or ignition coil can cause many of these same problems. That is why testing the system is important.
Does My Car Need a Tune-Up?
The old idea of a “tune-up” has changed. Years ago, a tune-up often meant replacing spark plugs, spark plug wires, a distributor cap, and other parts on a set schedule. Today's vehicles are different. Many use computer controls and ignition coils instead of plug wires and distributors.
A modern tune-up may include checking or replacing spark plugs and checking the ignition system based on your vehicle's needs and mileage.
Your owner's manual can also tell you when spark plugs are due for replacement.
Don't Ignore an Engine Misfire
A bad spark plug or ignition coil can cause a misfire. Driving with a misfire for too long can lead to bigger problems. It can also cause poor fuel mileage and may damage other parts of the engine or exhaust system. If your Check Engine Light is flashing, it's best to stop driving and have the vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Spark Plug and Ignition Service in Cathedral City
Not sure if your car needs a tune-up? Jim Brangham Auto Repair can check your vehicle and help find the cause of starting, running, or misfire problems.
We provide spark plug, ignition coil, and engine diagnostic service in Cathedral City, CA. Call (760) 321-7040 to schedule your service.
A small ignition problem can become a bigger repair if you wait. Let us find the problem before it leaves you stuck.
