How long does an ignition coil last?

The combustion process that occurs when your car starts is vital to keeping the car moving. For this process to take place, a number of different components must work together. Among the most important…

The combustion process that occurs when your car starts is vital to keeping the car moving. For this process to take place, a number of different components must work together. One of the most important parts of the combustion process is the ignition coil. When the car key is turned over, the ignition coil will create a spark that should ignite the air/fuel mixture in your engine. This part is used every time you try to start the engine, which is why it is so important that it is not repaired.

The ignition coil on your car should last about 100,000 miles or more. There are a number of factors that can cause premature damage to this part. Most new cars on the market have a hard plastic cover designed to protect the coil from damage. Because all the copper wire is inside the ignition coil, over time it can be easily damaged by heat and moisture. Having a coil on your vehicle that is not working properly can reduce the overall level of functionality of your engine.

Leaving a damaged ignition coil in a car for a long time will usually cause further damage to the wires and spark plugs. Usually the damage that a coil does is caused by things like leaking oil or other fluids that cause it to short out. Before replacing a coil damaged in this way, you will have to find out where the leak is and how best to fix it.

Below are some of the warning signs you'll notice when it's time to purchase a new ignition coil:

• The car will not start
• Engine stalls periodically
• The check engine light is on

Taking steps to replace a damaged ignition coil will help reduce damage to other ignition components. By entrusting this work to professionals, you will save a lot of time and nerves.