NGK warns of five problems that low temperatures can cause in cars

The brand specializing in components for the ignition system also indicates special care to avoid further complications on cold days

São Paulo, June 2024 – With the arrival of winter and the drops in temperature, Some cars take time to start running. This is because, in Otto cycle combustion engines (petrol, Ethanol and flex), Low temperatures can make atomization difficult (Droplet formation) of fuel, increasing the tendency of liquid film formation by condensation.

A NGK, brand of Niterra, Japanese multinational also owns NTK and specializes in components for ignition systems, lists the main winter setbacks for automobiles:

1- Difficulty in cold starting the engines: Low temperature makes it difficult to vaporize the fuel, Essential for ignition.

2- Soaking spark plugs: Excess unvaporized fuel can wet the candles, cause loss of electrical insulation and impair its efficiency.

3- Engine lubricating oil contamination: Frequent cold starts on cold days can increase oil contamination with unburned fuel, This unburned fuel passes through the gap between the rings and piston contaminating the lubricating oil.

4- Damage to oxygen sensors: Thermal shock can damage the sensors, Unburned fuel, can enter the internal parts of the sensor, that for being warm, favors breakage by thermal shock.

5- Increased stress on batteries and starter (start): The extra effort to start the engine at low temperatures, as well as the practice of insisting on departure, can increase stress on these components.

Specific care during the cold

During the cold, The driver must pay special attention to the battery and the spark plugs, cables and coils. In the cold, Lubricating oil viscosity increases, requiring more power to turn the motor. To avoid failures, It is essential to keep the battery in good condition.

In the case of candles, Carbonization and contamination can make it difficult to cold start the engine. "The use of special spark plugs, such as G-Power (platinum) e Iridium IX (iridium), Facilitates the spark and improves engine starting. NGK also offers ignition cables and coils for the ignition system. NTK also offers oxygen sensors (lambda sensors) that optimize fuel adjustment and identification", afirma Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant.