Glow plugs for your car

Your Glow plugs worn out? » Read more about common malfunctions • Repair • Replacement manual

The glow plug is an important component used to cold start diesel vehicles. In contrast to normal petrol or gas engines, diesel fuel doesn't require any ignition aid in the form of a spark from a spark plug during operation. Diesel is a so-called "self-igniting" fuel that automatically ignites the explosion necessary to drive the engine, provided that sufficient pressure exists. However, this presupposes a defined operating temperature. Before this is achieved, ignition of the diesel fuel must be aided by an external ignition source. Glow plugs are used to achieve this.

Construction and installation of a glow plug

A glow plug is a very simple component from a technical point of view. It essentially consists of a steel or charcoal pin that is caused to glow by applying a high voltage. Under normal circumstances, glow plugs have a very long service life. A hundred thousand kilometers or more are not unusual for glow plugs. Replacement of a glow plug is more complicated than is the case with spark plugs, as they are less accessible. Nonetheless, they are designed as consumable part, the replacing of which poses no substantial obstacles. When replacing a glow plug, it is recommended to also replace the fuse of the preheating unit, which must withstand high voltages each time the engine is started and also ages over time. If a preheating fuse blows, it renders the vehicle immobile. It cannot be started until the fuse is replaced. Furthermore, a diesel engine can't be started when cold by means of rolling or sliding it, as is the case with gasoline vehicles. Thus, a proper preheating system is indispensable for the operation of a diesel vehicle. A high level of technical knowledge and special tools are required to replace the glow plug. The task of replacing glow plugs must not be underestimated. In case of doubt, you should entrust a professional. Depending on the type of vehicle, this job takes 1-2 hours. This is evidence that changing glow plugs cannot be compared with changing the spark plugs on a petrol or gas engine.

Buy glow plugs from Autopartspro

A glow plug's service life strongly depends on its quality. Despite its simple construction, high-quality materials are necessary for optimal interaction of voltaged parts. Thus, we only trust brand manufacturers as supplier of glow plugs. In purchasing large quantities right, we are able to negotiate very favorable prices, even with brand products, and we happily pass our savings on to our customers. With prices starting at 5 euros per glow plug, we are among the lowest priced providers of this component in Europe. We also offer all necessary peripheral components, including glow fuses, filters and coils at our discounted prices.