The Function of Car Spark Plugs, Types and How They Work, Let's Find Out!
The function of a car spark plug can be said to be crucial, because if this component has problems, the car will be difficult to start. So what are the functions of this component in detail? For more details, please pay attention to the following review.
Functions of Car Spark Plugs
Although spark plugs are very small in size, their function is quite significant in vehicles. Here are the complete functions.
1. Igniter or gasoline burner
The main function of a spark plug is to ignite or burn the gasoline that has been compressed by the car piston. This way, the engine combustion process can be maximized, allowing the car's performance during maneuvers to be smooth.
2. Starting the car engine
As explained earlier, the function of the spark plug as a gasoline burner can facilitate the maximization of the engine combustion process. As a result, the car engine becomes easy to start.
3. Maintaining engine stability
In addition to the functions explained earlier, spark plugs also serve to maintain engine stability. The condition of a new and clean spark plug will affect the engine combustion process, making the car's acceleration lighter. Therefore, you need to ensure that your spark plug is not dirty or worn out when used.
4. Can generate electricity to be used as a battery backup
A new or clean spark plug can generate an electric current. This current occurs due to the spark produced by the spark plug's electrode when it is close to the metal components of the engine combustion when the car is running.
Not only that, but spark plugs can also be relied upon when the battery is weak or dead. However, using spark plugs as a battery backup cannot be done continuously, because the electric power generated by the spark plug is not as large as that produced by the battery.
Read Also: What is the Standard Spark Plug Gap Size for Cars? Let's Find Out!
Types of Car Spark Plugs
You need to know that spark plugs in every car are not the same. To help you understand better, let's take a look at the following types of spark plugs.
1. Standard Spark Plug
Standard spark plugs are the type of spark plugs used for daily purposes and are the original equipment from the car manufacturer. Standard spark plugs have many advantages, such as being durable, stabilizing engine combustion when the engine speed is moderate or low.
2. Platinum Spark Plug
Platinum spark plugs are made with platinum material with a sharper and more pointed tip compared to standard types. This type of spark plug can respond better to low engine speeds compared to standard spark plugs. However, the downside of platinum spark plugs is that their lifespan is shorter than that of standard spark plugs.
3. Iridium Spark Plug
Iridium spark plugs are used for racing purposes, hence they are often referred to as racing spark plugs. As the name suggests, this spark plug can enhance the car engine's performance to achieve maximum speed. Therefore, iridium spark plugs are not suitable for daily use.
Read Also: Iridium Spark Plugs vs Regular Spark Plugs, Here's the Difference!
How Car Spark Plugs Work
After you know the types of spark plugs, you also need to understand how spark plugs work in cars. For the car engine to start, the spark plug must generate a spark when initiating the engine combustion process.
The spark begins from the electric current supplied by the ignition coil to the spark plug head. During this process, there is a difference in electric current between the center and side electrodes of the spark plug. In this condition, the insulator in the combustion chamber gap causes the center and side electrodes of the spark plug to not be supplied with electric current.
As a result, the gas from the fuel mixture changes structure, making it a conductor. Consequently, the electron current from the gas enters through the combustion chamber gap and generates an electric power of more than 20,000 volts. This condition causes the temperature to reach 60,000 degrees Celsius, resulting in a spark.
Given the crucial function of car spark plugs, don't forget to always check the condition of your car's spark plugs to ensure optimal performance. Trust a professional mechanic at the nearest official Daihatsu workshop.
