Ignition Coils VS Spark Plugs
Ignition Coils VS Spark Plugs
Posted on April 5, 2021
Taking care of your truck is a critical part of responsible vehicle ownership. The first step in making sure you are caring for your truck is understanding some things about the mechanics and the engine. As you learn more about the operation of the engine and its different components, you will be more apt to take care of it efficiently. One thing that you will benefit from knowing the difference between is ignition coils vs. spark plugs. Learning more about the differences between these two is helpful for vehicle maintenance and engine care.
What Are Ignition Coils
Ignition coils are a small component of the engine, but they play an important role. Just like the name says. they help with the ignition of your truck's engine.
Ignition coils help transform low voltage energy from the truck's battery into volts to make the necessary spark to light the engine. This is what gets the engine up and running.
Ignition coils are designed with precise specifications, so that you can count on them performing reliably. Some of the specific features of ignition coils are as follows:
Resistors: Your truck engine needs a certain amount of current for the ignition. Too much will not do the job properly. This is where resistors come into play. These internal or external resistors limit the amount of current that will flow into the vehicle's battery. Therefore, you can be assured the engine doesn't get too much current.
High-voltage wire: Ignition coils also contain high-voltage wires. These run from the ignition coil to the distributor. From there, they run to the distributor to each spark plug. Ignition coils must maintain a consistent power supply.
Service detection: If you've ever seen the "check engine" light go on, then you are familiar with the service detection aspect of ignition coils. These coils are connected to sensors that trigger this notification, thus allowing the driver to know when something goes wrong.
Spark Plugs Versus Ignition Coils
A lot of people assume that ignition coils and spark plugs are the same thing, but this is not so. The two parts serve different purposes. Ignition coils transmit voltage to the spark plugs. This, in turn, is what creates the spark for your engine ignition. One leads to the other.
One ignition coil will send power to about one or two spark plugs, and vehicles typically have one ignition coil for each engine cylinder.
As stated above, ignition coils are very small, precise parts, which makes them impossible to repaired. Instead, they must be replaced completely if they go bad. So, if your check engine light goes on, or your engine is not firing up properly, it's time to check with a mechanic right away.
Find a Truck Mechanic in Edmonton
Don't delay getting your truck fixed if you notice the engine not firing right. Or if your check engine light has come on, don't hesitate to get in touch with a truck mechanic right away. At Edmonton Trailer Sales & Leasing, we are here to help you get your truck back on the road again. Get in touch today!