What do you need to know about ignition leads?

What do you need to know about ignition leads?

Ignition leads are also known as a few other things, such as spark plug wires and high tension or HT leads. Their function is pretty straightforward. They’re designed to connect your car’s distributor, ignition coil or magneto to the spark plugs, carrying the voltage that’s needed to create the spark which will get your engine firing.

Where can I buy a Halfords ignition lead?

Instead, please find your nearest Halfords store and we’ll be happy to help you. Ignition leads are basically hardwearing conductors that can withstand some serious voltage and lots and lots of use. Your ignition leads transfer the power from your distributor, ignition coil or magneto to your spark plugs, firing up your engine.

Why do HT leads wear out in a car?

Your ignition leads transfer the power from your distributor, ignition coil or magneto to your spark plugs, firing up your engine. If they working, you’re driving! It’s common for HT leads to wear out. You’ll notice it as your car may misfire or not start at all. The connectors can also get dirty, which can affect how they perform.

What happens if you have a dodgy ignition lead?

Dodgy leads can affect how your car performs and driving with a misfiring engine can cause damage that can be costly to put right. Swapping your ignition leads is easy and the replacement parts cheap. Avoid any headaches and hassle by using our car parts search tool. Enter your registration and it will display the correct parts for your car.

Where does the spark go on an ignition lead?

This short technical update is written to explain how to deal with the common problem of sparking ignition leads – that is leads that spark along their length or at any place other than across the spark gap.

What kind of lead does a spark plug use?

Ignition Leads. Alternatively known as a high-tension (HT) lead or spark plug wire, an ignition lead plays a vital role in an engine’s fuel ignition system.

How can I tell if my ignition lead is a problem?

Fuel consumption increases and the likelihood of your vehicle passing its MOT emissions test becomes slimmer. Furthermore, the higher voltage can cause damage to both the ignition coils and spark plug itself. How can you tell if your ignition lead has begun to pose a problem?

Why are ignition leads called high tension leads?

Without them, a car simply won’t start. To ensure that the electrical current only flows one way, the ignition lead returns via a negative battery terminal. The high voltage of this electrical current is why some refer to ignition leads as high-tension leads. An ignition lead is comprised of a conductive material surrounded by a silicone jacket.