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...
Tyre pressure checking
The one check that everyone knows to perform is to check the pressure of their tyres, but a visual inspection is not enough. Clearly you can spot something really obvious this way, such as if a...
Various road markings you might find
Many drivers who are good at interpreting and understanding what a large range of road signs mean are not so good when it comes to road markings.
Some drivers appear to not even really be...
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...
Rules for learner drivers
The minimum ages and restrictions vary from one type of vehicle to another.
When you are learning to drive, you must ensure that the vehicle you are learning to drive in is roadworthy and also...
Your engine temperature gauge
These days many of us get into a car without really understanding how any of it works, and even the engine and how it operates and powers the car is a mystery to many.
Well, essentially it...
Mock Driving Theory
On our Mock Driving Theory page you can practice no fewer than fifteen different mock tests.
Each of them...
Rules regarding the use of seat belts
When it comes to seat belts, you should be certain of what the rules are with regard to seat belt usage, and your responsibilities as the driver in terms of other passengers in your vehicle and...
Test your Driving Theory
Want to test your driving theory knowledge? We have all the multiple choice revision questions for car drivers together with a range of hazard perception clips.
With our unique feedback and...
Driving Theory Centres
Finding the nearest driving theory centre to you is easy as the government makes this information available to you online.
There is a website that enables you to find the nearest driving...
Show me tell me test
If you've not heard of the "show me tell me" test, then this is something
that happens at the start of the driving practical test as opposed to on the
theory test. They ask one of each of the two...
Back to home page of driving theory test questions
