What phenomenon does delayed ignition in a car belong to?
2 Answers
Delayed ignition in a car is one of the phenomena of automotive faults. The possible causes of the fault include poor fuel quality, carbon buildup, or dirt in the car. Below is a detailed introduction about carbon buildup in cars: Overview: Carbon buildup in cars refers to the carbon deposits in the engine, which are a kind of coking substance produced by unsaturated olefins and colloids in the fuel under high temperatures during the engine's operation. Others: Carbon buildup is a manifestation of abnormal discharge processing in the spark machine. If the fuel injector is dirty, the atomization state of the injected gasoline is poor, and the mixing of gasoline and air is uneven, it will increase the amount of gasoline condensed on the intake valve. As long as it is an internal combustion engine, carbon buildup will occur.
I've experienced several ignition delays where the car makes clicking sounds for a while before finally starting, which is quite annoying. The most common causes are an aging or depleted battery, especially in cars that haven't had their batteries replaced for several years. The starter motor could also be worn out, resulting in weak cranking. Additionally, if spark plugs are heavily carbon-fouled or have excessive gaps, ignition will be slower; insufficient fuel pump pressure or a clogged fuel filter can also delay fuel delivery. This issue is more common in cold weather because the engine requires more energy for cold starts. If left unaddressed, it may lead to a complete failure to start. I recommend regularly checking for loose battery terminals and replacing spark plugs periodically—after doing so, my ignition became much smoother. If a delay occurs, avoid repeatedly forcing the start; instead, check the dashboard warning lights or try charging the battery first, and ideally, visit a repair shop for diagnosis.