A glow plug is an integral part of a diesel engine in vehicles. Its function is similar to that of a spark plug in a petrol engine i.e. to start the engine. However, where a spark plug sparks ignition, a glow plug heats the air and fuel mixture, which in turn ignites the car engine. Here is a detailed guide on glow plug in a car – its types, components, warnings signs and more.
What is a glow plug?
A glow plug is a small heating device in diesel-powered cars. While glow plugs are not necessary all the time, they play an important role in starting a diesel engine. The reason is while a spark is required to ignite the air/fuel mixture to start the engine, diesel can self-combust if the temperature and pressure are high enough. During summers, diesel engines may not require glow plugs at all.
Learn the difference between petrol and diesel engines to understand the plugs better.
How does a glow plug work?
Diesel fuel may not ignite during cold weather. What happens is the diesel fuel does not ignite and prevents the air/fuel mixture from starting the engine. Glow plugs solve the problem. A glow plug in a car acts like a source of heat and increases the diesel fuel temperature making it hot enough to ignite the engine.
Components of a glow plug
A glow plug is made of several components :
- Heating coil
- Terminal nut
- Regulating coil
- Centre electrode
- Thread
- Insulation powder, which separates the coil from the heater tube
- A metal or ceramic shell that covers the exterior
Types of glow plugs in a car
Glow plugs come in different shapes and sizes today. You should choose the right glow plug based on the model and make of your vehicle. Glow plugs are not interchangeable. Following are the different kinds of a car glow plug:
- Standard
- Self-regulating metal
- Quick start
- Quick glow system
- Pressure sensor glow plug
Furthermore, ceramic glow plugs also have two types. These are new high-temperature ceramic and self-regulating ceramic. Both differ in the glow plugs’ capacity to generate maximum voltage and temperature.
What are the signs of a bad glow plug?
Since glow plugs play an important role in diesel-powered car engines, driving a car with a faulty glow plug may not be easy. When the glow plugs malfunction, a warning light on the dashboard flashes. This is a glow plug warning. If this happens, you need to get the glow plugs fixed.
However, an early diagnosis of a faulty glow plug in a car is recommended. This way, you can opt for glow plugs replacement without running the risk of being stranded on the road. Given below are the major signs of a faulty glow plug:
- Engine misfiring
- Hard starting
- Rough idling
- White smoke
- Black smoke
- Decreased fuel efficiency
FAQs
What is the cost of glow plugs in the UAE?
A new glow plug in the UAE may cost from AED 70 to AED 200.
Are glow plugs easy to replace?
Cars may have become more complex now but changing your vehicle’s glow plugs is mostly an easy job. You can do it yourself. However, before you start, make sure you have a Manual Torque Wrench, and the right glow plugs for your vehicle.
Should I replace all glow plugs?
Spark plugs and glow plugs should always be replaced in a complete set. Even if all the plugs are not malfunctioning, they are of the same age. Therefore, they are likely to go faulty one after another.
How long do glow plugs last in a diesel engine?
On average, glow plugs should last from 150,000 to 180,000 km, depending on your driving style and road conditions.
This is all about a glow plug in a car. Unfortunately, like most car parts, glow plugs are subject to wear and tear. To ensure your car continues to run smoothly, buy used or new car parts at affordable rates. However, if the majority of your car parts are failing and the vehicle is beyond repair, you can always buy a used car under your budget.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top blog for more information on car parts, how cars work and more.
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