What Is Car Platinum? Here Are Its Functions & How It Works

Speaking of cars, you must have heard about platinum. However, not all car users recognize what car platinum is, what its function is, and how it works. Curious, aren't you? Here is the review.

Overview of Platinum

For those of you who have the latest car models, you might feel unfamiliar and wonder what car platinum is?

Car platinum is a component that functions as a breaker and connector of electrical current in cars that still use a conventional ignition system. 

Cars with this ignition system are usually used by older model cars or can be referred to as classic cars. Meanwhile, in the latest model cars, this system is no longer used and has been replaced with CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ignition).

Components and Functions of Platinum 

Platinum itself has a crucial function in the car's ignition system. This is because electricity from the primary coil winding will be connected and disconnected to the ground and induce the secondary ignition coil winding with high voltage electrical current.

Inside the platinum, there are several components that have different functions as follows:

1. Cam: Acts as a pressure point for the platinum arm to open and close according to the cam rotation.
2. Fixed contact and break contact: Functions as a distributor of current to the primary coil winding.
3. Contact spring: Functions to ensure the platinum arm closes back to its original position.
4. Contact arm: Serves as a seat for the break contact.
5. Binding screw: Functions as a binder for the platinum to make it easy to adjust.
6. Ebonite heel: Functions as a pressing tool for the cam so that the platinum can open and close.
7. Cable from the negative ignition coil.
8. Platinum gap adjustment groove: Functions to adjust the platinum gap.

Read Also: 3 Signs of Damaged or Worn Car Platinum

How Platinum Works

After knowing the function of platinum, here is how platinum works that you must know. Viewed from its function as a voltage regulator so that car spark plugs can function properly, it turns out that platinum has two types of operation, namely opening and closing.

1. When platinum is open

When the platinum is in an open condition and electrical current is flowing, the distributor cam rotates and presses the ebonite heel so that the platinum opens and the ground current from the primary coil winding is interrupted.

The process of interrupting the current is relatively short, resulting in an electrical induction of 20,000 volts and causing a spark at the spark plug. 

2. When platinum closes

When the car engine is running, the car platinum will close so that the distributor cam rotates and the ebonite part is not pressed.

Meanwhile, the ground will receive electrical current from the primary coil winding, causing the primary coil winding to become a magnetic field. 

Make sure you adjust the platinum first while the platinum is still clean and in good condition, check for any bumps or not. If there are bumps, replace it with a new one for a perfect spark.

That is the review regarding what car platinum is, its function, and how it works. From the review above, you now understand how platinum works in the car's ignition system, so you must always perform checks to ensure the ignition system operates optimally. 

Pay attention to the platinum gap whether the gap is no longer there, too large, or too small, and check for damaged cables. If the platinum is in such a condition, it can be assured that the platinum is damaged. 

In addition to checking those parts, also conduct a thorough check of other components. If the car experiences problems with the ignition system, don't forget to visit the Daihatsu dealer for consultation and regular car maintenance.