The drop in temperatures is already beginning to be noticed more intensely in some regions of the country. Although winter officially begins on June 21, Vehicles fueled with ethanol may have difficulty starting, especially on the coldest mornings. NGK experts highlight the precautions that drivers must take to avoid delays, high consumption and possible damage to other components. One of the reasons for the vehicle's performance to suffer is the wear of the spark plugs.. To facilitate immediate engine starting after a long period of shutdown, like on nights with low temperatures, a preventive check of these components is necessary. “The difference between fuels normally used in passenger cars is that ethanol requires higher temperatures to change its physical state during burning., while gasoline evaporates more quickly. On days with lower temperatures, if the vehicle is fueled with ethanol, it is necessary that the spark plugs and ignition cables are in their ideal working condition, so that there is no difficulty in starting the vehicle", explains Hiromori Mori, NGK Technical Assistance technician. In cases of failure to start, insisting on starting the engine can soak the spark plugs and cause even greater annoyance for the driver.. If this occurs, it will be necessary to turn off the vehicle and wait until the fuel evaporates completely, which can take up to 30 minutes, depending on the car. In addition to paying attention to spark plugs and ignition cables, owners of models that use a gasoline tank (six pack) must always keep them filled with new, good quality gasoline. NGK recommends changing the system fuel every 90 days, always in a position of trust. Furthermore, the cold starting system must also be operating correctly and without leaks. currently, 88,5% of new licensed cars and light commercial vehicles have dual-fuel engines. In this case, vehicles deserve greater attention when a total change in the fuel used is carried out. When the driver uses a certain fuel (ethanol or gasoline) and chooses to supply with another, It is recommended that at least 10 or 15 kilometers be covered before leaving the car with the engine off for a long period. This action is necessary for the engine control system to recognize the new fuel in the tank and reprogram the operating strategy., even during the cold start. It is worth noting that some newer models now do not require the use of the gasoline tank to inject fuel when starting from cold., which eliminates this risk. Nonetheless, alert the manufacturer, Checking the spark plugs must also comply with the vehicle's inspection program, independent of the weather.
More about Spark Plugs The spark plug has the function of conducting electrical current under high voltage into the combustion chamber, converting it to spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture. Another feature is that it allows the dissipation of heat generated in combustion. In full working condition, the spark plug promotes fuel economy, better engine performance and reduced air pollutant emissions. When too worn, can compromise ignition cables, rotor, distributor and coil/transformer. Segundo a NGK, It is important to have an annual analysis or every 10 thousand kilometers driven, what comes first, at a reliable mechanic. A consultation of the Vehicle Owner's Manual will guide the driver as to the ideal model to be installed in the car and the exchange period., remembering that in some manuals there is guidance that in vehicles used in adverse conditions, such as heavy traffic, cut the maintenance plan in half. In case of doubts, consult the NGK Application Table or contact NGK do Brasil Customer Service, by phone 0800 197 112 (free call).
Download
