Glow plugs - how do they help stabilize the engine?
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The glow plug is an item that you will find in every car. Candles are known primarily for helping to start a car in winter. What if they are broken? It may turn out that even a slight frost will make ignition difficult or prevent the car from moving at all. For this reason, it is worth taking care of their inspection before winter. Check how they affect combustion. Read how much it costs to replace glow plugs and how often they wear out. Learn about their types and characteristics. We are sure that after reading the text you will not confuse them with spark plugs!
Glow plugs in a car - what are they?
Glow plugs are not only used in cars. You can find these parts in diesel and model cars. Their main function is to stabilize the engine at idle. They are also extremely important when starting the engine, especially in difficult conditions, such as when it is cold outside. They are mainly used in vehicles with a diesel engine, i.e. running on diesel fuel. This is one of the most complex and complex types of engines. It is worth knowing that in the past they were used only to heat the combustion chamber.
Glow plug design - what does it look like?
Glow plugs are fairly simple devices. They are made from a metal body with a thread. They should be tight, which ensures a snug fit. Thanks to this, the heating element will not lose heat. Their very characteristic double helixes allow to obtain the corresponding amperometric characteristics characteristic of a glow plug. It is worth knowing that there is a powdery insulating material inside. A device of this type should reach 850 degrees Celsius in just a few seconds.
What are the types of glow plugs?
There are two main types of glow plugs, and be sure to choose the one that suits your car model. It is likely that the selected candlestick pattern will still be one of two types:
- with ceramic heating rod;
- with metal heating rod.
The first has a heating element that is a mixture of ceramic material and various metals, so that it can reach a high heating temperature. However, candles can be divided not only by the type of materials used. If we distinguish between the heating method, we can replace, for example, two-phase or three-phase candles.
How many glow plugs are in a car?
Do diesel engines have glow plugs too? Diesel cannot do without them and they are a permanent part of the equipment of this type of engine.. Usually in such units you will find four candles. However, it is worth noting that they are more difficult to replace than ignition ones, because they are much more delicate. For this reason, it is best to entrust their possible replacement to a specialist so as not to accidentally damage anything. Usually one glow plug costs 10-2 euros. So these items are not very expensive.
Glow plugs and combustion
If the glow plugs in your car are damaged, you will definitely notice an increase in fuel consumption. An engine with this fault is less stable and will require more fuel to run smoothly and efficiently. However, combustion is most affected by diesel fuel quality and ambient temperature. In winter, your car will burn more because it needs more energy to warm up the engine. Also note that the fuel is then diluted so that it does not freeze at low temperatures.
Glow plugs - signs of wear
How to understand that glow plugs need to be replaced? Symptoms:
- starting problems (especially in winter);
- misfire;
- uneven idle.
If the engine runs erratically at idle, it may twitch and vibrate, and this portends a malfunction of the glow plugs. If you notice these symptoms, contact your mechanic as soon as possible, who should diagnose the problem. By doing this, you will reduce the risk of having to repair your entire car engine due to a broken element.
How to care for glow plugs in a car?
However, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your glow plugs. First, when starting the engine, wait a few seconds. Only when the glow plug icon goes out, move on. This will give the engine time to warm up properly. Also, pay attention to whether the icon is lit while driving. If it doesn't go away, you will probably need to replace your spark plugs.
How long do glow plugs last in an engine?
The lifespan of the glow plugs in your vehicle depends on their type. Metal will have to be replaced after a maximum of 80 km. km. Much more durable are ceramic ones, which allow you to drive more than 200 miles. km. Try to replace them regularly. Do this after your car has covered the number of miles indicated by the spark plug manufacturer.
Glow plugs are an engine element that is indispensable not only in winter. Make sure this part is in good working order because damage to it will result in increased fuel consumption and noticeable problems while driving. Also remember to change them regularly.
