While most drivers recognize spark plugs as an important component within their engine, glow plugs are a component that often becomes mixed up with its counterpart with a similar name despite playing very different roles in engine operation.
In this article, we’ll go over what spark plugs and glow plugs are as well as the differences between them.
What is a Spark Plug?
As the name implies, spark plugs are responsible for creating the spark needed for ignition within the cylinder. During each combustion cycle, the spark plug will ignite the air-fuel mixture in the chamber with a quick arc of electricity.
Spark plugs are an essential part of any gasoline-powered engine, and even a problem with a single spark plug can disrupt the operation of the entire powertrain, potentially leading to misfires and other problematic conditions.
What is a Glow Plug?
Glow plugs play a similar part in combustion, assisting in ignition, but are only found in diesel engines rather than gasoline engines like their counterparts.
Unlike in gasoline engines, which use the precise arc of electricity from the spark plug to ignite the combustion mixture, diesel as a fuel is not able to combust from spark alone. Instead, diesel engines rely on a mix of compression and heat to force the diesel to ignite.
Glow plugs help to warm the combustion chamber to an adequate temperature for combustion along with the pressure from compression of the cylinder, rather than igniting the entire mixture themselves like spark plugs.
The Differences
As you can see, despite both aiding in ignition of fuel, spark plugs and glow plugs operate quite differently. Due to these differences, the two components are never interchangeable and refer to very different parts. Knowing these differences can help to keep you informed on your vehicles needs to ensure you can provide it with the maintenance it needs.
How Often Do I Need To Replace Them?
Both spark plugs and glow plugs are dependable components, designed to last years of continuous driving. However, as these components are quite different, they tend to have varying service intervals.
The lifespan of spark plugs generally depends on the material used, as copper is the least durable and may fail after 30K-50K miles, while materials like iridium and platinum can last over 100K miles in some cases.
Glow plugs, on the other hand, are often a more dependable component, and generally last between 80K-100K miles, with many drivers reporting even longer lifespans.
Engine Service & Repair in Spicewood, TX
If you suspect you’re experiencing issues with the spark plugs or glow plugs in your engine, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Vineyard Bay Automotive in Spicewood, Texas. Our team has the equipment and experience needed to provide your vehicle with the utmost quality of powertrain maintenance and repair, no matter if it’s a gasoline or diesel vehicle!
Give us a call today or schedule online to secure your appointment with the friendly team at Vineyard Bay!