A healthy ignition coil is essential for the well-being of your car’s ignition system.
A failing ignition coil will make it difficult to start your car and get the optimal power from it. The current article provides insights into when you should change your car’s ignition coil.
Average Lifespan of an Ignition Coil
The ignition coil of a car should last for at least 100,000 miles or even more.
You should replace the ignition coil after you have clocked 100,000 miles. However, wear and tear, and other conditions can cause the ignition coil to be replaced earlier.
The coil windings can get excessively hot and start accumulating moisture. This can damage them before their due lifespan.
Common Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Coil
You should be watchful for the common symptoms of a failing ignition coil. The first and most prominent symptom will be difficulty in starting the car. Ignition coil draws voltage from the car’s battery and amplifies it.
This high voltage is then transmitted to the spark plugs for ignition and combustion.
If the ignition coil is damaged, it will not provide enough power to the spark plug and your car will not start smoothly.
Driving with a faulty ignition coil will intermittently stall your car’s engine. You will experience a sudden loss of power and even control. This will prevent your car from functioning at its best.
Another sign of a failing ignition coil is reduced fuel efficiency. When sufficient power is not supplied to the spark plugs, the car injects more fuel to compensate for the loss of energy. This burns more fuel and reduces fuel efficiency.
Your car will regularly backfire due to a faulty ignition coil. This is because the fuel is not burnt efficiently, and the fuel particles enter the exhaust pipe with a high energy charge.
This energy is released through the exhaust in the form of an explosion that is known as backfiring.
Do a Thorough Inspection Before Replacing
You should check the ignition coil of your car before replacing it. It is better to check the spark plugs also while inspecting.
Getting it checked by a good mechanic is recommended as they have diagnostic kits to conduct a thorough examination of the ignition coil.
If the spark plugs have not been replaced for a long time, it is better to get them replaced along with the ignition coil too.