Ignition Leads – What’s the Story?
Heaps of people pop into the workshop asking about ignition leads – you might hear ’em called high tension leads, spark plug leads, or just plug leads. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a trusty Suzuki Swift down Kahikatea Drive, or a Toyota Corolla on your daily run to Te Awamutu or Ngaruawahia, these little wires pack a punch.
So, when you fire up your car in a freezing Hamilton morning or after it’s been roasting all day down Avalon Drive, the battery kicks power over to the ignition system. Those high tension leads deliver the big volts right to each spark plug. The spark plug’s job? To fire up the petrol and air mix in the engine, so you can get moving, whether that’s tackling the Claudelands Bridge traffic or dodging potholes in Rototuna.
These leads are tough – built to handle heat, high volts, and all the knocks you get from Kiwi roads. Still, they don’t last forever. With all the stop-start stuff around Dinsdale and endless roadworks by The Base, damage or worn leads are pretty common. When that happens, your engine doesn’t burn fuel properly. Might be time to sort a replacement if things start acting up. Learn more about what ignition leads do >
How to Tell If Your Ignition Leads Are Cactus
We see the same symptoms on everything from Honda Fit hybrids to the odd Peugeot or Volvo in for a car service Hamilton. Here’s what you might notice if your spark plug leads are on the way out:
Car chewing through fuel – Bad leads stop proper sparking. You’ll see higher fuel use and maybe even black smoke out the back. Quite common with older Nissan Tiidas or the odd Mazda Axela.
- Lack of power – Feels gutless climbing up Morrinsville Hill or merging onto SH1.
- Random misfires – Especially if you’re crawling along Peachgrove Road or in Te Kowhai and it starts spluttering.
- Check engine light – That little orange engine symbol pops up if burning’s not right. We can help with check engine light diagnostics in Hamilton >
- More exhaust fumes – Fails your WOF Hamilton, and definitely not great for the planet.
Stalling – Seen a couple of Hyundai Elantras or even a BMW Mini just cut out at the lights on Victoria Street. If your engine isn’t firing on all cylinders, it can stall on you – awkward and unsafe.
No start, dead as – Extreme cases, usually when all the leads are shot. You turn the key, and nothing – especially rough in a foggy Hillcrest morning.
Hesitation or rough running – Feels like the engine’s coughing or stuttering when you put your foot down. Most noticeable during rush hour stop-starts around Five Cross Roads.
Wonky idle – Engine vibrates or idles rough while you’re sitting at the roundabout in St Andrews. It’s not a nice feeling!
Need New Ignition / High Tension Leads in Hamilton?
If you’re getting any of this weirdness from your car – Holden, Subaru, Mazda, whatever you’re driving – don’t leave it too long. Ignition leads might seem like minor stuff, but busted ones can mean costly repairs down the track. At Grimmer Motors, our experienced techs are onto it. Whether you’re after a full replacement or just want us to take a look, we’ve got you sorted with proper repairs that’ll keep your car running smooth, all year round – through foggy winters, dry summers, and those classic Hamilton downpours.
So, if you think your ignition leads are dodgy, best get them checked before you’re left stranded in the Countdown car park or late for work in Cambridge. Keep your engine in top nick and avoid bigger hassles by sorting things early – your wallet will thank you!
For anything to do with high tension ignition leads – diagnostics, repairs, or a replacement – just get in touch with us here at Grimmer Motors. We’ll have you back on the road with peace of mind in no time.