The following article has been provided free of charge by Jonathan Phillips of Everdrive.com, which provides used auto parts, Ford parts, and Honda parts. Learning The Basics Of An Ignition System The purpose of your car’s ignition system is to time a spark that ignites gas at the precise moment needed to power your engine. Several different parts work together to make this happen. Your car’s engine is basically a huge pump. Air and gas are pumped in, producing energy that turns the tires and moves the vehicle. That’s an oversimplification, but sufficient for learning how the components of the system work. Below, I’ll briefly describe the parts involved and take you through the process of igniting the gas and powering your engine. Parts And Their Jobs Your ignition system is comprised of spark plugs, a distributor (and cap), rotor, and coil. The coil is what transforms an electrical current from your car battery into a spark. When the coil successfully creates a spark (and it needs to be potent enough to actually ignite the fuel), the spark is transferred to your car’s distributor. The reason it’s called a distributor is because it spins and allocates the sparks from the coil to multiple spark plugs. It does that through the rotor. The rotor spins with the distributor and contacts the cylinders of the engine. When it does this, it transfers the sparks to the spark plug wires. At this point, the spark has nearly traveled to where it needs to be. Each of the spark plug wires is attached to the distributor cap through its own contact point. Those wires send the spark directly to the spark plugs which are mounted in your car’s cylinder head. When the gases from the fuel flow into the cylinder, the spark ignites them, causing combustion. The process I’ve just described happens over and over, tens of thousands of times while your car is in operation. A Seamless System Your ignition system is most effective when the sparks are precisely timed. In the past, this was done by employing a points-and-condenser module to tell the distributor when to allocate the sparks to the spark plugs. Today, most cars are equipped with computers (called ignition modules) that control the timing. They do so by notifying your car’s engine control unit about the placement of the pistons. If an ignition module fails, it’s usually necessary to replace it. Over the past few years, manufacturers have begun experimenting with “distributorless” ignition systems. Rather than a single coil creating the sparks needed to ignite the fuel, each spark plug has its own coil. That effectively eliminates the need for the distributor. It’s still considered a young technology, but holds significant promise.
Buying new parts for your car can easily bust your budget. Plus, new parts are often out of stock and must be ordered directly from the manufacturer. Unless you’re willing to pay a hefty premium or wait patiently while the repair shop orders and receives your part, used car parts may be a better solution. Of course, buying used parts isn’t without its potential pitfalls. There are certain guidelines to observe to make sure that the part you purchase will suit your needs. In this article, we’ll give you 4 tips for buying used auto parts with confidence. Tip #1: Take The Old Part With You Whether you intend to buy a part at a swap meet or the local salvage yard, take the part that you’re replacing with you. It’s not uncommon to find a part that looks similar to the one you’re replacing only to discover that the size is slightly different. You’re unlikely to get a refund. Avoid the problem by taking the old part with you to compare. Tip #2: Avoid Certain Parts There are certain parts that you should not purchase used. They either wear too much with mileage, they’re too difficult to inspect for defects, or you run the risk of damaging them when removing them from a stripped vehicle. For example, batteries that are purchased used are almost guaranteed to be near useless. Used brake pads and shoes are also a risky decision. And water pumps? You’re taking your chances. When you visit a salvage yard, don’t be afraid to look like an amateur. The people who work there understand that not everyone can be an expert. Besides, if you don’t know something and fail to ask for help, it will likely cost you in the long run. Ask plenty of questions. If you’re uncertain about whether a certain part is appropriate for your make and model, ask. They’re there to help. Buying used car parts online is easier than you may think. You can submit a parts request through a car dismantling company, order from a salvage yard that maintains a website, or deal with a private party on eBay. The main thing to remember is that you won’t be able to look at the part in person before you buy it. When ordering, be as specific as possible to prevent surprises. Describe the part you need, the make and model that the part is intended for and the condition of the part you’re hoping to buy. Buying replacement parts for your car doesn’t have to break your budget or leave you stranded. You can save money and time while getting the part you need by buying it used. But, take a few precautions. Know exactly what you want, describe it precisely (especially when buying it online) and ask plenty of questions if you’re unsure about something. You’ll find that in most cases, used car parts are nearly as dependable as new ones. This article was provided free of charge by Frank Edison of Everdrive.com, which provides used car parts, used engines, used transmissions, and used Ford car parts.
I now realize that Kansas used car buying doesn’t have to be difficult – that is if you used Conklin in Newton, a top notch Kansas car dealer. They have a great inventory selection so they’re bound to stock whatever you might be looking for. They also have the best prices around, and their staff can answer your car questions no matter how technical and the sales people are there to help you get settled in behind the wheel of your used car. If you’re looking to save money and headaches while looking for your next used car, start your search at the best Kansas used car dealer around, Conklin Cars in Newton. With their wide selection of used cars, trucks and vans to choose from, getting your next used car is a hassle-free experience. In addition, you don’t have to stress once you drive off the lot with Conklin’s: • Buy Back Guarantee (up to 3 days after purchase) • 60-Day Warranty • 3 Year Courtesy Car • Cars priced at or below Kelly Blue Book • Excellent onsite service department. Check them out online today at http://www.conklincarsnewton.com.
Your once cool car is now sitting by the edge of the road waiting for yet another tow. You’ve put off that trip to the auto junk yard long enough. Fortunately, a new Ford car and truck lot in New Bedford MA is along the way. Or check out the new Ford SUVs and Crossovers in Dartmouth, Fairhaven, or Rochester. The time for a great deal has never been better. If you’re in the market for a used Ford, Mercury, Honda, truck or SUV, Ashley Ford has a new inventory arriving daily. They literally have access to hundreds of vehicles for you to choose from including sports cars, fuel efficient economy cars, sedans, 2×4 and 4×4 trucks, 5 and 7-passenger SUVs, and crossovers. Check ‘em out.