Cold starting problems?

Have you had trouble starting your diesel car in the recent cold weather?

If so you may have one or more failed glow plugs. 

What are glow plugs? 

Glow plugs are electrical heating devices that are installed in the combustion chamber of each cylinder of a diesel engine. They are used to preheat the air in the cylinders so that the fuel will ignite more easily. This is especially important in cold weather or at high altitudes where the air is thinner and the fuel will not ignite as easily. When the engine is started, the glow plugs are automatically turned on and heat up to over 800 degrees C in a few seconds. They then turn off after the engine has reached a certain temperature or after a certain time has elapsed. 

Why are glow plugs important in the winter? 

Diesel fuel requires higher temperatures to ignite compared to petrol fuel. This is why diesel engines rely on the high temperature created by the compressed air to ignite the fuel. However, in cold weather, the air temperature may not be high enough to ignite the diesel fuel effectively. This can cause problems such as hard starting, rough idling, white smoke, poor performance, and increased emissions. Glow plugs compensate for the heat loss caused by the cool components and cold air and ensure that temperatures are optimal before ignition. They also prevent heat loss while the engine is warming up, which typically takes three minutes. This reduces toxic emissions and white and blue smoke from the exhaust and ensures that the engine runs smoothly, with no cold start knocking. 

Be prepared for the next cold spell and replace your glow plugs now. 

Discovery 2 & Defender Td5 glow plugs: https://www.jgs4x4.co.uk/discovery-2-td5-glow-plu...

Defender 200 & 300Tdi glow plugs: https://www.jgs4x4.co.uk/discovery-2-td5-glow-plu...

Freelander 1 Td4 glow plugs: https://www.jgs4x4.co.uk/discovery-2-td5-glow-plu...