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Ignition

Ignition Leads

IGNITION LEADS

Many people believe that ignition leads are “a thing of the past,” yet the UK aftermarket for ignition leads is valued at £10m at trade level. Consequently there are plenty of sales opportunities open to factors and garages.

Approximately 16 million vehicles (of 15 years or younger) on the UK roads rely on ignition leads. This population is actively growing thanks to the new generation of small engine vehicles – such as Fiat’s 500, Panda and Punto models; Ford’s Fiesta and Ka brands and the Smart Car.

REPLACEMENT MARKET

Ignition leads operate in a hostile environment, where they are subject to attack from extreme heat and chemicals. Oil, coolant and fuel vapour cause connector contacts to oxidize and corrode and the plasticizers to escape from the plastics used in the casing. The result is a brittle lead.

Damage to the lead insulation causes the ignition voltage to flow to ground, resulting in misfiring, rough engine running and unburned fuel in the catalytic converter. Consequently, ignition leads should be inspected regularly and replaced at the first sign of ageing.

Using OE quality replacement ignition lead sets, like those in the CAMBIARE range, is vital on modern motor vehicles. Poorly suppressed leads not only interfere with radio reception but can also affect any number of electronic sensors, resulting in poor performance or even vehicle breakdown.

THE TECHNOLOGY

Three technologies are used for ignition leads by original equipment manufacturers. The main difference is the materials used for the conductor and the type of resistor employed for interference suppression. The three technologies are:

Copper core

Wire wound core (reactive)

Resistive core

 

A plastic casing protects the core and provides electrical insulation. These plastics range from a simple PVC, through EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) to Silicone rubber. Silicone is recognised as the best solution because it is slow to crack or become brittle – even at temperatures up to 220°C. It therefore complies with the high temperature resistance requirements of ISO 3808.

CAMBIARE ignition leads use double silicone cables because it provides superior resistance to temperature, water, oil degradation and chemical attack. It also provides excellent radio suppression. All terminals are machine crimped to ensure strong and reliable connections and all spark plug boots and terminal covers are moulded from silicone to ensure OE quality and a water tight seal.

Ignition Leads: What you need to know…

• Circa 16m vehicles on the UK roads are fitted with ignition leads.

• UK aftermarket for ignition leads is valued at £10m at trade level.

• most European applications require a cable diameter of 7mm or 8mm. Japanese and Korean applications require 5mm.

Cambiare: Key facts…

• Comprehensive range uses same core technologies as O.E. equipment.

• Double silicone housing provides the best protection.

• Extensively tested to meet or exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s OE specifications.

• Manufactured using the latest materials and methods required to conform to international specifications: ISO 3808/1, 3808/2 and 6856, and European Legislation CEE/72-245.

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