How To Improve Your Car's Ignition System

Performance is not always about blasting away from a stoplight. Towing, stop-and-go driving, extreme weather conditions… they all require a higher level of performance, and performance ignition systems can make your car easier to drive, increase power, and get better mileage.

How to make an electronic ignition perform better is easy.

First, start with spark plug replacement. Platinum spark plugs, or depending on your performance requirements, iridium spark plugs will give you best results. They take less voltage to fire and last longer than standard plugs.

Then upgrade your vehicle ignition system with one of our high-energy ignition systems or high performance race ignition kits to maximize your available ignition performance.

PartSource sells a variety of standard and performance spark plugs, performance spark plug wires and ignition amplifiers that can provide a 30-percent hotter spark.

Visit How To Tune Up Your Ignition Job of the Month For A Detailed Step-By-Step Description!

Why You Should Upgrade Your Ignition.

A factory ignition system is adequate for basic transportation vehicles. If you demand more from your vehicle, there are things you can do to increase performance and mileage. Automotive ignition systems degrade with age and mileage resulting in lost power and economy.

Upgrade to high performance ignition chips and spark plug wires using platinum or iridium plugs. While you're at it, add an aftermarket ignition amplifier (i.e. spark ignition controller or electronic spark control module) to increase performance, especially with trucks or SUVs that are often loaded with equipment, trailers or the kid's soccer team.

Higher quality electronic programmed ignition systems will usually result in a more powerful spark.

How to use a spark plug gap tool

When replacing standard ignition parts with high performance spark plugs, make sure to follow the manufacturer spark plug gap settings and calibrate them according to the recommended spark plug gaps.

There are many different spark plug gappers so ask your Parts Pro for the right spark plug gap tool when you buy your new performance spark plugs.

A bigger plug gap can provide a more powerful spark, but only if the ignition system can handle it. If you're not sure about the type of spark plug gap settings you need for your vehicle, your Parts Pro can help with that as well.

An ignition amplifier, spark ignition controller or electronic spark control module will greatly increase your spark energy. Most of these performance ignition systems are easy to install.

Depending on the vehicle and how it is used, additional performance may be also gained by advancing the electronic spark timing. Check with your Parts Pro or the in-store services like Mitchell On Demand before changing your engine's timing.

The difference between regular and premium gasoline

All the performance gained when upgrading your ignition system will get you as far down the road as possible but still, it may require that you switch to high octane gas, which can squeeze the last drop of energy from your car.

Want the Whole Nine Yards?

Visit How To Tune Up Your Ignition Job of the Month For A Detailed Description On How To Do This Job Yourself!

Before You Start Any Job, Make Safety Your Top Priority

Every vehicle is different, so when it comes to maintenance and repairs, always follow the vehicle's owner's manual.

Make sure you've got all your tools and supplies before you begin - the last thing you want to do is go shopping when you've got the car on the jack.

Safety should be your number one priority, so don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie. And watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.

Don't work with a Philips when it calls for flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or a vehicle's performance.

And finally, when the fun turns to frustration or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your abilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a Parts Pro or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.