1. Ignition Coil or Distributor: The ignition coil (in gasoline engines) or the distributor (in older vehicles) generates a high voltage electrical current.
2. Spark Plug Wires: These wires carry the high voltage electricity from the ignition coil or distributor to the spark plugs.
3. Spark Plug Gap: The spark plug has a central electrode and a surrounding ground electrode, creating a gap between them.
4. Voltage Delivery: When the engine's control system determines the appropriate timing, the ignition coil or distributor sends a high voltage pulse through the spark plug wires to the spark plugs.
5. Spark Generation: The high voltage electricity jumps across the gap between the central electrode and the ground electrode in the spark plug, generating an electrical spark.
6. Combustion: The spark ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the engine's combustion chamber, creating combustion and generating the force that drives the pistons.
7. Engine Operation: The continuous generation of sparks in all the engine's cylinders, synchronized with the engine's rotation, enables smooth engine operation.
The spark plug is a critical part of the ignition system, as it is responsible for delivering the necessary spark at the right time to initiate combustion and power the engine. Without a properly functioning spark plug, the engine would not be able to start or run efficiently.
Regular inspection, cleaning, and replacement of spark plugs as per the vehicle's manufacturer recommendations are essential to maintain optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
