Automotive Spark and Glow Plugs- Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2022-2028

Posted by Daniel Brown on February 22nd, 2023

This is an excellent question. Let's start with the most obvious parallel. All internal combustion engines require three components: fuel, air, and heat or an ignition source. In a combustion engine, both spark plugs and glow plugs serve as the ignition source. So, what's the distinction? The quick answer is that they are found in certain types of engines. Spark plugs are only present in gasoline engines, while glow plugs are only seen in diesel engines.

But why do the two engine types start in different ways? What exactly do spark plugs and glow plugs do? And how do they play their part in starting your engine? Continue reading to learn more.

Spark plugs

A spark plug is an essential component of your ignition since your gasoline vehicle will not start without it. It's essentially an electrical component present in your engine's cylinder head that receives a high-voltage charge from the linked ignition coil. The charge travels through the spark plug to the electrodes, where it causes combustion by jumping the gap as an electrical spark.

What does a spark plug look like?

A center conductor is wrapped by an insulator and protected by a shell in spark plugs. The insulator, which is often composed of ceramic, is critical for ensuring that the spark occurs just at the tip of the electrode. Because the spark plug is positioned in the combustion chamber's wall, it must fit exactly so that the combustion chamber remains sealed against high pressures and temperatures for lengthy periods of time. Spark plugs are classified according to their material (copper, platinum, or iridium), size (thread or nut), sealing mechanism (taper or crush washer), and spark gap.

How does a spark plug work?

A spark plug keeps your engine running continually. Before being injected into the combustion chamber in a gasoline vehicle, the fuel is mixed with the intake air in the throttle body. The ignition coil sends a high-voltage charge to the spark plug, causing it to spark and ignite the fuel-air mixture. This procedure is carried out thousands of times every minute.

Glow plugs

Because of the comparatively high temperature of the intake air and the relatively low ignition temperature of diesel, it is feasible to start a warm diesel engine without utilizing a glow plug or in warm climates. This, however, is insufficient to assure effective ignition of the injected fuel at all temperatures, resulting in increased exhaust emissions. This problem is solved by using a glow plug. It is a diesel engine electrical heating device that allows reliable starts in all weather situations.

What does a glow plug look like?

A glow plug is a long, thin metal item having a heating element at one end. The heating element is made of materials that are resistant to oxidation and high temperatures.

How does a glow plug work?

Unlike a spark plug, which operates continuously while driving, a glow plug is only required during the ignition process. The glow plug operates by energizing the heating element, which causes it to heat up and emit visible light (hence the name). During fuel injection, intake air is compressed before the fuel injector spray distributes fuel onto the hot tip of the glow plug. Even when the engine is cold, the injected gasoline combines with the compressed air, evaporates, and begins burning practically instantly.

Champion spark plugs and glow plugs

Be a Champion and consult the Champion Trouble Tracers if you're having problems with your present spark plugs or glow plugs. Lots of ideas and tips on how to identify and handle potential problems, as well as the impact these issues may have on your engine.

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