How Often Should Ignition Coils Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Ignition coils should be replaced every 100,000 kilometers. The ignition coil, also known as the high-voltage coil, consists of a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil is made of thicker enameled wire, with one end connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle's low-voltage power supply and the other end connected to the switching device (breaker). The secondary coil is made of thinner enameled wire, with one end connected to the primary coil and the other end connected to the high-voltage output terminal to deliver high-voltage electricity. Ignition coils are categorized into open-core and closed-core types based on their magnetic circuits. Traditional ignition coils use an open-core design, where the iron core is laminated with 0.3 mm silicon steel sheets and wound with both secondary and primary coils. Closed-core ignition coils, on the other hand, feature an iron core wound with the primary coil, around which the secondary coil is wound, forming a closed magnetic circuit with the iron core.
I've driven quite a few cars before, and ignition coils are definitely not something that needs to be replaced on a fixed schedule. My first car ran nearly 100,000 kilometers before issues started to appear—difficulty starting the engine, persistent shaking, and sluggish acceleration on highways. After inspection, it turned out to be due to aging ignition coils. After replacing them, the car ran much smoother, and fuel consumption returned to normal. This experience taught me that ignition coils typically have a long lifespan, often lasting between 80,000 to 150,000 kilometers before replacement is considered, depending on road conditions, driving habits, and the vehicle's age. If the car frequently drives on bumpy roads or the engine compartment runs hot, the coils are more prone to damage. I recommend paying attention to symptoms like rough idling or the engine warning light—when these appear, get a professional diagnosis before replacing anything to avoid unnecessary expenses. Regular maintenance checks on the ignition system can prevent major issues and keep the car in top condition.
