Many drivers do not even realize that high-voltage wires are one of the main ones in the car’s ignition system. Reliable operation of the power unit largely depends on their correct choice. They must provide the following tasks during engine operation:
- Provide voltage transmission of 40 thousand volts;
- The transmission of high-voltage pulses must be carried out with minimal losses;
- Help minimize interference to radio-electronic devices;
- The insulation of the wires must ensure that current does not leak;
- The operability of the wires must be in a wide temperature range from minus 30 to plus 100 degrees or more.
The first samples of such products were produced with minimal internal resistance to ensure impulse transmission to engine spark plugs. After the appearance of radio receiving devices inside cars, problems arose in their reception of signals from transmitting centers due to interference from ignition systems. Therefore, significant modernization of these products was carried out to ensure reliable operation of radio-electronic devices.
The picture shows one type of such wires. They also began to use armored wires in power units.
A few words about their structure
Today, one of the most effective and widespread ways to suppress all kinds of interference is the manufacture and use of wires with resistance distributed along its entire length. Wires usually consist of conductors, an insulating layer, contact plates and protective caps. The main difference between these wires is the conductive cores. They can be:
- Copper stranded;
- Non-metallic with a metal “wrap”;
- Non-metallic with high resistance distribution.
The world's leading manufacturers of automotive spare parts produce several varieties of such products. The most widely used brands are ngk, finwhale, tesla, carden, slon, fenox, bautler, xopc and some others. Let's talk about them in more detail.
Original high-voltage wires or replacement?
Generally speaking, original spare parts are the ideal way to replace worn parts. But when it comes to high-voltage spark plug wires, many offers are no worse, and even save a little money. In fact, some of the kits listed above are original parts, but without the original automaker logo.
In the end, we can find out which company supplies the high-voltage wires on the assembly line for our car, and buy the same set at a lower price compared to buying directly from an authorized dealer.
Before purchasing a non-original set of wires, it is advisable to make sure that it exactly matches our engine in terms of the diameter of the caps. However, on most packages the manufacturer tries to indicate the most popular models for which the set is suitable. And before installation, you should make sure that the length of the new wire is at least as long as the one being replaced.
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What are NGK wires?
NGK offers consumers a large selection of high-quality products that meet almost all requirements for such products.
The NGK product fully complies with the requirements of the original product
NGK wires have a long service life and are economical. Other NGK products are characterized by:
- The original design of the products has the same design;
- NGK are copper wires with noise suppression tips or have distributed resistance;
- Once purchased, NGK is ready for immediate use;
- High resistance of NGK to fuel and engine oil;
- Designed to work with high voltage in the ignition system.
As a disadvantage, they note the fact that they are made of the same length, which sometimes causes some inconvenience.
Some features
For uninterrupted operation of high-voltage wires, you need to know the nuances of their operation.
Zero resistance wires
Some drivers prefer “zero resistance” copper wires. Due to the low specific parameter, the power of the passing spark increases, which improves engine performance in the starting mode.
At the same time, the burning time of the spark is reduced, which negatively affects the completeness of fuel combustion, as well as the service life of the coil and spark plugs.
High voltage wire terminals
The terminal is a fixing element that ensures tight contact of the wire with the spark plug. Since this place is vulnerable to stress and corrosion, it is protected with a silicone cap.
Service life and replacement frequency
The service life of the wires depends on the operating mode of the engine and the regularity of travel. Car manufacturers recommend changing the conductive element every 50-100 thousand km, but the need to purchase a part can be determined based on the test results.
Finwhale products
Finwhale products are intended for use in contact and contactless vehicle ignition systems.
Finwhale wires are produced in two types: FE and FC series
The former are intended for use in a contact system, the latter in non-contact devices. Finwhale uses Kevlar core to make the conductors. The shell is made of fluoroplastic, which is wrapped with thin stainless steel wire. Finwhale wire insulation has two layers of silicone, which gives optimal resistance distribution and the lowest level of interference. Finwhale products operate in a temperature range from minus 40 to plus 220 degrees. The Finwhale manufacturing process is controlled by multiple quality checks and compliance with production technology.
Brand tour
We recommend using the VIN code of your car to choose original OEM wires that meet all the parameters.
As for alternative spare parts, things are going well with him. Those manufacturers that supply quality spark plugs also supply excellent high voltage wire. We can note Magneti Marelli from Italy, as well as the German company Beru and the French Valeo.
The most popular among motorists are the German Bosch, the Czech Tesla and the well-known Japanese NGK. From budget solutions, we choose products from the Danish company JP Group and the Czech company Profit.
Products from Tesla
The Tesla company began its work back in 1958 and today is one of the world's leading manufacturers of automotive accessories. Tesla wires incorporate all the advanced achievements in the field of electrical engineering.
Tesla uses materials that slightly exceed the requirements for such products. So silicone is used for the shell. Tesla products are made without the use of metal as a conductor. For this purpose, fiberglass is used, which is pre-treated with carbon impregnation. Tesla products operate in a temperature range from -40 to +220 degrees.
Tesla SILICONE inductive products have an additional winding made of thin stainless wire. This achieves maximum energy transfer to the spark plug. Experts recommend spark plugs with a built-in noise suppression resistor when using Tesla silicone wires. Tesla guarantees the flawless long-term operation of its products.
Correct installation
If the explosive wires are installed correctly, they do not require further intervention in their operation. Of course, it makes sense to check the cleanliness of the engine compartment. Here's what you need to watch out for during installation:
- The quality of contact fastening must be high;
- Protective silicone caps must cover the terminals;
- There should be no tension or sagging of the wires.
We still advise you to maintain the “salable appearance” of the wires. Clean them from dust and automotive chemicals using a damp cloth and detergents. You should not use force if, when trying to replace the wire, the terminal gets hot and does not come off.
A little about carden products
Carden products are widely used on GAZ, VAZ, ZAZ, Bogdan Motors, Sollers-Isuzu and other models. Production was mastered in Tolyatti. Carden products are designed to operate over a wide temperature range, from approximately -40 to +180 degrees. The length of the carden wires may be slightly longer than those installed on the car. Soft, double silicone insulation contributes to the high performance of Carden products. Carden resistance ranges from 4.5 kOhm to 5.5 kOhm and depends on the length of the wires. Carden guarantees the ability of the wires to withstand a voltage of 45 thousand volts. Experts recommend that before installing new Carden wires, check the spread of their resistance; if it is large, it is better to replace them.
Characteristics of conductors
The characteristics of high-voltage elements are determined by the length and material of the core. When purchasing a kit, it is recommended to check its authenticity to avoid unscheduled car repairs.
Manufacturing materials
High voltage wires can be made of ferromagnetic alloy, copper or non-metallic graphite-coated filaments. The choice of cable depends on the characteristics of the vehicle's electrical system.
When replacing an element, you can follow the recommendations from the service book or the normal resistance of the wire that was installed previously.
Wire length
The length of the voltage elements depends on the car model. The cables that connect to different cylinders are not the same length. The size of the longest element that fits the first distributor socket and the first cylinder is 36-81 cm. The shortest element that fits the 4-6 cylinder has a length of 11-22 cm.
You can select the right size according to the description of the car model and make or according to the length of the already installed conductor.
Product authentication
To verify the authenticity of a product, you must:
- examine the packaging and wires (they should contain information about the manufacturer, operating conditions and composition);
- evaluate the correct spelling of the brand name and instructions (a typical mistake is the word “silicon” instead of “silicone”);
- inspect the elements, evaluate the quality of workmanship and the tightness of the caps;
- twist the wire tightly (the part should not crunch, and the central core should not move relative to the insulation layer);
- if possible, try to melt the outer insulation with a lighter (the protective layer should not melt).
What can you say about slon products?
Products under the slon brand are produced and used by such automobile manufacturers as OJSC AVTOVAZ, as well as GM-AVTOVAZ. Work is underway to use slon brand products for cars of other brands, including foreign ones. Slon products are available with straight and angled tips.
According to consumer reviews, sometimes incorrect marking of slon wires occurs, when the packaging bears the designation 1, 1, 1, 1 instead of 1, 2, 3, 4. In general, reviews of products under the slon brand are not bad. If necessary, you can choose an elephant for your car.
Do-it-yourself wiring replacement
To replace it yourself, you will need a set of high-voltage conductors, rubber gloves, and a camera (to record the layout). New elements are connected in the following order:
- to the distributor outlet and 1 cylinder;
- to the lower tip and 3 cylinder;
- to cylinder 4;
- to cylinder 2;
- central - to the coil.
To simplify fixation, you need to treat the seats with silicone grease. The cap should be put on until it clicks.
What you should know about Fenox branded products
Fenox brand products are used on both domestic and foreign cars. When choosing, you should follow the operating instructions for the vehicle. The manufacturing technology of Fenox products involves the use of aramid thread, which has high strength. It is covered with a conductive layer of latex and silicone. Fenox products allow you to effectively use your car for a long period of time. The ignition system works well with them.
Conclusion
In the case of high-voltage wires, there is no problem of choice as such. Firstly, you can always buy the original or an analogue. Secondly, almost at home you can create a car wire according to instructions on the Internet, and you can also save a lot of money. However, we do not recommend that you engage in such experiments, especially if your vehicle is a new foreign car. The high-voltage wire is not so expensive that you can skimp on it and risk breaking other components of the ignition system.
