What Is a Glow Plug?
A glow plug is an electrically heated rod installed in the pre-combustion or combustion chamber of a diesel engine. It heats the surrounding air to approximately 1,000C to assist diesel fuel ignition during cold starts. Modern ceramic glow plugs reach operating temperature in under 2 seconds.
Applications
All diesel vehicles (trucks, SUVs, generators, marine engines, construction equipment). In the UAE, glow plugs are particularly important for diesel equipment starting during cooler winter mornings. Available through SMS Bearings' Ignition System product range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do glow plugs differ from spark plugs?
Spark plugs create an electrical arc to ignite petrol. Glow plugs are heating elements that warm the pre-combustion chamber in diesel engines to aid ignition -- diesel ignites by compression, not spark. Glow plugs are most critical during cold starts and are controlled by the engine ECU's preheat timer.