Your ignition system explained
The ignition system is of course an essential part of the technology that allows cars to function, and without it you would not get very far. But what does it do? Well the system provides the electrical energy required to get the engine running.
There are certain faults that can occur with the ignition system, and some of the ones that are most regular include the battery being flat, and therefore not able to provide the voltage for the ignition spark. Another common problem is that a fuse blows somewhere in the system, or the connections on the battery get loose. Faulty leads and a worn spark plug are other possible options too.
Behind the scenes of the ignition system there is quite a lot that goes on, and of course involves the battery to create the initial voltage for the electrical spark that lights the fuel/air mix in the engines' cylinders.
Although you don't need to know about how it all works in detail, it might be useful to read something like an encyclopaedia entry on how a petrol engine works in order to see what the basics of the system are; this can also help you understand what the pieces are and where potential errors can creep in, as outlined above: if you were told for instance that the cause of the ignition failing was a worn rotor arm would you know what that meant?
Related Articles...
Online Driving Theory
Why use an online driving theory website when there are also some books in publication that will help you study for your theory test? Well, there are several advantages to online driving theory,...
Road conditions: dealing with fog
Fogs and mists are much more common at some times of the year than others. Particularly in the mornings and in the Autumn time of the year, fog can be commonplace, but whenever it occurs it is...
How to cancel a theory test
When you book a theory test, you of course choose a date that you think you are going to be able to make.
However with the best will in the world, there are a whole range of reasons why on...
What are driving offences
Driving offences are what happens when you do not meet your obligations as a road user.
This could be something like not having the correct documentation that you require or something much...
Tips on preventing car crime
It is an obvious statement that nobody wants their car to be broken into or have items stolen from their car. Yet despite this some drivers take little care in discouraging theft.
There are...
What causes accidents: pulling out
One of the most typically seen accident that happens between vehicles in and around towns and city centres is the situation where two or more roads join each other.
At these there will be...
Using emergency telephones
There are emergency telephones along motorways. There are telephones that occur roughly once per mile along the motorway which are connected to the emergency services.
There are also blue and...
What's the point of the theory test?
The official theory test is a relatively recent addition to the driving test, and has evolved and become more comprehensive over time. For many of us who ask our parents about the driving test,...
Vehicle's registration certificate
A vehicle has a document called a V5C, and this is the registration certificate for the vehicle. However this document by itself is not alone proof that the person selling you a vehicle actually...
The different types of tyre and maintenance
You might tire of talking about tyres, but these are extremely important elements of your car, being the only part that touches the road.
And they need to be in good working order to do their...
Back to home page of driving theory test questions
