Glow plugs are responsible for starting diesel engines. Glow plugs, as the name suggests, glow. The heat generated by the annealing causes the combustion chamber to be heated. This heat will ultimately ensure that the car can be started. So, these plugs are used every time you start your car. This makes these car parts subject to wear. If the glow plug is worn out, you will need to replace it as soon as possible. But how can you recognize a worn glow plug?
Bad glow plug symptoms
Over time, the glow plug may break. The average lifespan of a glow plug is around 80.000 to 90.000 km. The exact number you can read in your car manual. It can, of course, occur that the plug breaks earlier. A defective glow plug can be recognized by, among other things, speed fluctuations or a diesel knock. The result is that strong soot development occurs. Many exhaust gases will then be released when you start the car, especially at low temperatures. Another symptom of a defective plug is that the car needs a longer preheating time. Also, fuel consumption can increase enormously.
Is the glow plug defect? Then we recommend replacing it as soon as possible. A worn plug can damage the starter motor. If the starter breaks, then it can lead to a bigger repair with high costs.
Glow plug replacement
You can definitely replace a glow plug yourself. It is a simple job and it does not take that much time. However, you must be careful. Because a glow plug is often in the car for years and has to deal with constant temperature fluctuations, chances are that they are pretty stuck in your car. Glow coils are a lot more fragile than spark plugs. Thus, you must be careful while unscrewing, so you prevent them from breaking. If it does break, the job will take considerably longer.
Replacing the glow plug itself, you must first manually disconnect the plug connector. Then make sure that the area around the plugs is clean. Next, you can try to carefully remove the plug. Is the plug too tight? Then we recommend being patient, you can also sprinkle the mounting points with some WD-40. Then try again. If you are going to install the new plugs, you must take the torque into account. The torque is specified by the manufacturer of the car and is described in your car manual.
Buy glow plugs
Glow plugs wear evenly, which is why it is recommended replacing them all at the same time. You can buy new glow plugs quickly and easily at Winparts. Enter your number plate or car model and the suitable car parts will be shown.