Should the ignition wires be replaced after 10 years?
2 Answers
10-year-old ignition wires should be replaced. Traditional ignition: The working process of a mechanical ignition system involves the crankshaft driving the distributor shaft to rotate. The cam on the distributor shaft opens and closes the primary contacts of the ignition coil, generating high voltage. This high-voltage ignition current is then distributed sequentially to each cylinder's spark plug via the distributor rotor according to engine requirements, causing the spark plug to generate an electric spark that ignites the gas in the combustion chamber. Electronic ignition: Electronic ignition systems are completely different from mechanical ignition systems. They feature an electronic control unit for ignition, which contains ignition control maps (MAP graphs) for various engine operating conditions. The system determines the engine's operating state through sensors such as engine speed sensors, intake manifold vacuum sensors (engine load sensors), throttle position sensors, and crankshaft position sensors.
I've driven quite a few older cars, and 10-year-old spark plug wires definitely need replacing—I speak from personal experience. Last time, my car had poor ignition due to aged wires, causing frequent shaking, slow starts like a snail climbing a hill, weak acceleration, and terrible fuel efficiency. The rubber in the wires hardens and cracks over time, leading to insulation failure. Leaking current not only wastes energy but can also damage spark plugs or ignition coils, even causing major issues like engine stalling. I recommend visiting a reliable repair shop to test the resistance with a multimeter—if it's too high, replace the wires immediately. Regular maintenance of such components ensures worry-free driving for longer. Don't wait until problems arise to regret it.
