Any experienced auto mechanic will tell you that the ignition system is an essential component of your car, enabling the vehicle to go from still to moving in a single moment. But for all its importance, not everyone understands its intricacies. Here’s a brief summary of how your car’s ignition works.

A Brief Guide to Your Ignition System 

Main Function & Essential Components

A car’s engine burns a mix of fuel and air, producing energy to power your vehicle. The ignition system creates an electric spark that ignites the engine’s fuel-air mixture. This process occurs inside the engine itself and requires specific timing to generate the right amount of power. If the spark fires at the wrong moment, the engine could fail to run.  

The ignition system features several parts that work together to power your engine, including a battery, ignition coil, distributor, ignition switch, and spark plugs.

Basic Mechanics of Your Ignition System 

To start the engine, the ignition’s battery sends an electrical current of low voltage to the coil, which converts the current to a higher voltage. From there the system’s distributor directs the current to one of the engine’s spark plugs, which sends a spark into the engine’s cylinders, prompting ignition. The ignition switch controls the electrical current and activates the entire process.

While the basic mechanics of these systems remain unchanged, they’ve been updated with new technology. For decades, the ignition switch was triggered by turning a key; now, you can simply push a button. Many cars today don’t use distributors and instead rely on individual coils to supply voltage to the spark plugs. 

Symptoms of a Faulty Ignition System 

Though ignition technology has improved over the years, the individual parts can still experience problems. Contact your local auto mechanic if you notice a stalling engine, an illuminated “Check Engine” light, a decrease in fuel efficiency, or an engine that suddenly dies or fails to start altogether. These are all signs of a faulty ignition.

Whether it’s your car’s ignition system, tires, or engine, the experienced auto mechanics at Gill’s Automotive of Foley, AL, are ready to service all parts of your vehicle and get it back on the road. Not only do they use advanced computer diagnostics to troubleshoot problems, but they also establish warm, trusting relationships with customers. Call (251) 943-8814 for an estimate or contact them through their website.