Can you drive a car with bad coils?
As a seasoned auto repair professional at Kevin's Autos, I’ve encountered countless cases of ignition coil issues. Ignition coils are a critical component of your vehicle's ignition system, and when they fail, they can lead to a variety of problems. In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s safe to drive with bad coils and what you should do if you suspect an issue.
What Are Ignition Coils and Why Are They Important?
Ignition coils are responsible for converting the battery's voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark in the spark plugs. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine, allowing your car to run smoothly. Without properly functioning ignition coils, your engine may misfire, lose power, or fail to start altogether.
Signs of Bad Ignition Coils
Before deciding whether you can drive with bad coils, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of a failing ignition coil. Here are some common signs:
- Engine misfires or rough idling
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Difficulty starting the car
- Illuminated check engine light
- Loss of power during acceleration
Is It Safe to Drive with Bad Coils?
Driving with bad ignition coils is not recommended. While your car may still run, doing so can lead to more severe problems, including:
- Engine Damage: Misfires caused by bad coils can damage the catalytic converter or other engine components over time.
- Increased Repair Costs: Ignoring the issue can result in more expensive repairs down the line.
- Safety Risks: A sudden loss of power while driving can be dangerous, especially in heavy traffic or on highways.
If you suspect your ignition coils are failing, it’s best to address the issue promptly to avoid these risks.
What Should You Do If You Have Bad Coils?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of bad ignition coils, follow these steps:
- Stop Driving: If possible, avoid driving your car until the issue is resolved.
- Get a Diagnosis: Visit a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin's Autos, to have your vehicle inspected. A professional mechanic can use diagnostic tools to pinpoint the problem.
- Replace the Coils: If the ignition coils are confirmed to be faulty, have them replaced as soon as possible. In some cases, it may also be necessary to replace the spark plugs.
Conclusion
While it may be tempting to continue driving with bad ignition coils, doing so can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing ignition system issues to keep your car running smoothly. If you’re in doubt about your vehicle’s condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert advice and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you run a car with a bad ignition coil?
Driving with bad coil packs can lead to several issues, including poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to other engine components. While you may be able to drive your car for a short period with failing coil packs, it's not advisable to do so for an extended time.
How long can I drive with a bad ignition coil?
How Long Can You Drive with a Bad Ignition Coil? Just long enough to get to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care! A faulty ignition coil can lead to serious discomfort on the road — from stalling and backfiring to engine misfiring.
Can a bad coil affect engine performance?
Spark plugs need to fire hundreds of times every minute to keep the engine powering along. If one of your spark plugs is suddenly starved of electricity by a bad ignition coil, it won't fire as much and that cylinder will lose power. As a result, you'll find it harder to accelerate, especially when driving uphill.
How much does it cost to fix an ignition coil?
For standard vehicles with conventional ignition coils, replacing a single ignition coil can range from $100 to $300. However, for vehicles equipped with more advanced ignition systems like coil-on-plug (COP) or distributorless ignition system (DIS) coils, the cost may be higher, ranging from $200 to $600 per coil.
How hard is it to fix an ignition coil?
Replacing an ignition coil is a basic repair procedure you can do at home with tools from your local AutoZone. That being said, many of today's vehicles, especially with engines positioned sideways, can make testing/changing an ignition coil a bit more complicated.
How long can you drive on a bad coil?
How Long Can You Drive with a Bad Ignition Coil? Just long enough to get to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care! A faulty ignition coil can lead to serious discomfort on the road — from stalling and backfiring to engine misfiring.
How expensive is it to fix a misfire?
Depending on the cause of the problem, an issue with a misfiring cylinder can be fairly expensive. For something like a faulty spark plug, repair work should only cost somewhere in the range of $150 to $400. For something more serious, like a blown head gasket, costs can shoot up into the thousands of dollars.
Are ignition coils worth replacing?
Ignition coils are vital to your car's performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity, so neglecting them can lead to larger issues down the road. They're not that expensive - so replacing them preventatively is definitely worth it.
How long can you drive on a bad ignition coil?
How Long Can You Drive with a Bad Ignition Coil? Just long enough to get to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care! A faulty ignition coil can lead to serious discomfort on the road — from stalling and backfiring to engine misfiring.
Can I drive with a misfiring ignition coil?
Coil Pack Problems Usually, if a coil pack is bad, there will be a loss of fire or spark in one or more cylinders... Driving with a misfiring cylinder is not safe under any condition. It can cause severe damage to your car's engine and thus most of the people advise not to drive with this problem.
