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Why choose the RAC for a glow plug repair?
At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running.
Plus, with RAC Mobile Mechanics, you can avoid the hassle of taking your vehicle to a garage when you need a repair. We’ll come to you, at your home or work.
RAC Mobile Mechanic
RAC Mobile Mechanic
At the RAC, we’ve got over 125 years’ experience in offering complete peace of mind to our members. We’re best known for our breakdown service. And now – our new RAC Mobile Mechanics are here to help make every day motoring easier. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.
Book a glow plugs repair
If your diesel engine is having trouble starting, especially in cold weather, it could be faulty glow plugs. Our mobile mechanics can come to you at home or work to replace defective parts, all without the hassle of getting to a garage!
Book a diagnostic
For when you know something isn’t right, but you’re not sure what – our mobile mechanics are here to help.
Content Guide
Introduction
Keeping your glow plugs in good shape is essential for starting your diesel engine easily, especially when it's cold outside. By keeping your glow plugs in good shape, you'll have smoother starts, save on fuel, and reduce smoke. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference in keeping your vehicle running well.
What is a glow plug?
A glow plug is a small heater that helps start diesel engines. Unlike petrol engines, diesel engines need extra heat to ignite the fuel, which can be hard in cold weather.
Common issues with glow plugs
Glow plugs can suffer issues that affect how well your engine runs.
Some common problems include:
- Carbon build-up: Carbon can build up on glow plugs, making them less effective.
- Electrical failure: A broken filament or other electrical issues can cause glow plugs to fail.
- Corrosion: Exposure to fuel and gases can corrode glow plugs over time.
- Incorrect installation: Glow plugs that aren’t installed correctly can perform poorly or fail.
Signs your glow plug needs replacing
Spotting glow plug issues early can save you trouble later. Common signs that your glow plugs need replacement include:
- Difficulty starting the engine: If your vehicle struggles to start, especially in cold weather, it may be due to faulty glow plugs.
- Engine misfires: Glow plug issues can cause engine misfires, leading to rough idling or poor performance.
- Excessive smoke: Faulty glow plugs can cause more exhaust smoke, especially during start-up.
- Warning light: Many modern vehicles have a dashboard light that indicates a glow plug issue.
Glow plug replacement cost
The cost to replace glow plugs varies depending on your vehicle and labour rates. Price will vary between providers, so choose based on their reputation, convenience, and other unique selling points, to make the best-informed decision. This includes parts and labour costs. For an accurate quote, talk to your mechanic.
Regular maintenance and timely glow plug replacements keep your diesel engine running smoothly. Knowing the signs of glow plug issues can help you catch problems early, keeping your vehicle reliable and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions on glow plug repair
A glow plug heats the air in a diesel engine to help it start, especially in cold weather.
When a glow plug fails, your engine might be hard to start, producing more smoke, engine misfires, and poorer performance.
You can, but it’s not a good idea. It can lead to poor engine performance, increased emissions, and overall damage.
Glow plugs typically last between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Read your car’s manual and have them checked regularly.
It’s tricky and needs specific tools, so it’s best to let a mechanic handle it.
Replacing faulty glow plugs can improve engine start-up, reduce emissions, save fuel, and prevent engine damage.
It depends on your car’s warranty terms. They’re often not covered since they’re a wear-and-tear item, check with your warranty provider.
Yes, all diesel engines use glow plugs for starting, especially in cold weather. Regular maintenance and replacements are vital for the best performance.
Failures can be due to electrical issues, carbon build-up, corrosion, or incorrect installation. Regular maintenance helps prevent this.
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