What is the purpose of car distributor?

A car distributor is a mechanical or electronic device that routes electrical current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. In older vehicles with mechanical distributors, a rotating arm called the rotor makes contact with metal terminals inside the distributor cap, which are connected to the spark plug wires. As the rotor rotates, it sends current to the correct spark plug at the appropriate time in the engine's firing cycle.

In modern vehicles with electronic distributors, a sensor monitors the position of the engine's crankshaft and sends a signal to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU then uses this signal to control the ignition timing and fire the spark plugs in the correct order.

The main purpose of a car distributor is to ensure that the spark plugs are firing at the correct time in the engine's firing cycle. This is essential for the engine to run smoothly and efficiently.