An ignition coil is important for the smooth functioning and running of your car. It draws power from the car’s battery and generates a high voltage. It supplies power to the spark plugs for starting the car’s engine.
The type and model of ignition coils depend on the manufacturer and car’s model. The current article provides insights into the average lifespan of an ignition coil and considerations for replacing it.
The Lifespan of an Average Ignition Coil
The ignition coil of your car should last for at least 100,000 miles or more.
However, with wear and tear and other factors, the life of an ignition coil can be shortened. Ignition coils have copper wire inside.
They can become damaged quickly due to high temperature and moisture.
You should check the ignition coil frequently to ensure it is working properly. If there are any considerable signs of wear and tear and malfunctioning, you must get it checked by a good mechanic.
What to Do When the Ignition Coil Fails?
When the ignition coil of your car fails, it cannot be repaired. The only alternative is to get it replaced. Driving with a faulty ignition coil is not recommended. It can lead to frequent engine misfiring.
You can lose power and control while driving.
You will experience increased engine stalling in such situations. A faulty ignition coil if ignored for a considerable time, can cause damage to other parts of the car. In most cars with 4 cylinders, replacing the ignition coil is not expensive.
It can cost you nearly $180-$380. Replacing it in some premium 6 cylinders car and above can be costlier.
Other Points to Consider During Ignition Coil Replacement
You should get a good mechanic to check the ignition coil and replace it if needed.
While replacing it, you can consider replacing the spark plugs if they have not been changed for some time. Problematic spark plugs can cause the failure of the ignition coil.
Replacing old spark plugs along with the ignition coil will ensure better performance and longevity of the replaced ignition coil. If your car has a coil-on-plug ignition coil and only one coil has failed, then you need to only replace the failed coil.
There is no need to replace the other working coils. For cars using distributor ignition coils, it is cheaper to replace the entire distributor, rather than removing the faulty coil.