3 Types Of Spark Plug Wires With Pictures
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A spark plug wire or ignition cable is the key of the Ignition system as these wires are responsible for providing the spark to ignites each spark plug. Spark plug wire will provide a spark for your vehicle’s spark plug. Stronger cables hold the spark until it finds its way to boost your vehicle’s performance.
Though all spark plugs look quite similar but you will find the differences between spark plug wires. If you want to know more about different types of spark plug wires then you’re in the right place!
Types of spark plug wires
If you carry out more in-depth research you will find three types of spark plug wires. These three has different specification and features that can improve your car’s performance.
- Distributed Resistance Spark Plug Wires
- Magnetic Resistance Spark Plug Wires
- Fixed Resistor Spark Plug Wires
Distributed Resistance Spark Plug Wires
This wire is made of fiber glass core impregnated with latex graphite. This wire provides the maximum radio frequency interference (RFI) suppression.
When high voltage passes through the plug wires RFI occurs. It creates a controlled amount of resistance in the wire. Besides, it prevents sensitive onboard electronics from picking up false signals that can cause problems.
But a drawback of this wire is that it creates internal heat. The carbon core causing resistance to increase. The resistance goes up and results in an ignition misfire.
Magnetic Resistance Spark Plug Wires
This is a spiral wound core of copper or nickel alloy wire. RFI is pressed by the magnetic field formed by the loops of wire that are wrapped around the core. Mag wire has less total resistance than suppression wire. So, it reduces the current required to fire the plugs.
The biggest advantage of this wire is it improves durability over the long run. Moreover, it provides fewer misfires. This wire is designed from spiral cores wound with a nickel alloy or copper wires that can provide less resistance to the flow of electricity. So, it requires less current to generate a spark.
Mag spark plug wires have been used on Honda, Nissan, and Infinity applications. Most late model and domestic vehicles come with mag style plug wires. Magnetic resistance spark plug wires are more popular in Japanese style vehicles.
Fixed Resistor Spark Plug Wires
Fixed resistor spark plug wires are featured in European-style cars. These wires are featured with steel, copper wire, and resistors in the spark plug boots. This wire is designed to generate less current to generate a spark. Besides, this wire also results in less misfire.
Three Qualities That A spark plug wires should have
Prevent Vibration damage
Constant wear and tear through engine vibration can loosen the electrical connection at the spark plug. This results in more voltage to fire the spark plug. This thing can damage the ignition coil. So, your spark plug might be worthy enough to prevent vibration damage.
Prevent heat damage
Engine heat can burn wire insulation and boots that can hamper spark plug wire performance. So, the spark plug wire must be strong enough to prevent heat damage.
Prevent abrasion damage
When spark plug wires rub against engine parts it causes cuts and breaks in the insulation. Because of it, the voltage can jump to the ground instead of reaching the spark plug.
How To Build Spark Plug Wires?
A step-by-step video guide to building Spark plug wires at home.
FAQs
1. Is There A Difference In Spark Plug Wires?
The major difference is the materials, such as the conductor wire, that make up these replacement wires.
2. Are Spark Plugs Wires Universal?
Spark plug wires are commonly direct-fit to work on a specific application. This makes installation very easy. However, you can also find universal spark plug wires that can be cut to fit.
3. Do spark plug wires add horsepower?
In short, yes. In some situations, spark plugs wire can increase horsepower.
4. Does changing spark plug wires improve performance?
The short answer is Yes. When you replace the spark plug wires, it can increase your vehicle’s performance.
Final Thought
I hope you have got an overview of the types of spark plug wires. These three types of wires are completely different even the design is different. If you are willing to swap your spark plug wires always try to get the best one because the wrong wires can ruin your engine performance.
I hope I have covered the most important parts of these three types of spark plug wires. So, follow this guide before changing your spark plug wires.
