What Happens When Your Volvo Glow Plugs Fail in Herndon?

Volvo is a Sweden automaker with a reputation for quality and luxury. Its vehicles are popular around the world, and owners generally report high levels of satisfaction. However, even the best brands experience problems from time to time. In addition, Volvo vehicles are often quite expensive to repair, due to the high cost of replacement parts. Despite these issues, Volvo vehicles remain popular among car buyers who value quality and performance.

When you drive a Volvo, you expect the best in terms of performance and luxury. But even the best cars have parts that can go bad from time to time. One part that can give you trouble on your Volvo is the glow plug. The glow plug is responsible for providing heat to the engine, which helps to improve combustion. If the glow plug fails, it can cause starting problems and decreased performance. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that your glow plug may be going bad.

What is a glow plug?

A glow plug is a device used to preheat the cylinders of a diesel engine to ensure efficient startup. The plugs are made of metal and have a heating element inside. The glow plug gets its name from the fact that it glows red when it is working properly. The heat from the glow plug helps to vaporize the fuel so that it can be ignitable. Most glow plugs are electrically heated, and they are located in the cylinder head near the spark plug.

When the engine is cold, the glow plug will heat up and turn red, indicating that it is ready to use. After starting the engine, the glow plug will automatically turn off. However, if the engine is not started within a few minutes, the glow plug will need to be re-energized in order to maintain its temperature. While they are not required for all diesel engines, glow plugs can significantly improve starting performance in colder weather.

Common Glow Plug Problems

While glow plugs are designed to provide a reliable ignition source for diesel engines, they can sometimes cause problems. One of the most common issues is referred to as “glow plug failure.” This occurs when the glow plug itself fails to generate enough heat to ignite the fuel. In some cases, this can be caused by a build-up of carbon deposits on the glow plug. Another common issue is known as “glow plug misfire.” This happens when the glow plug fails to ignite the fuel in one or more cylinders. This can result in a loss of power and decreased fuel economy. If you suspect that your glow plugs may be causing problems, it’s important to have them checked by a qualified mechanic.

Symptoms of Glow Plug Failure

Symptoms of glow plug failure can vary depending on the severity of the issue. In some cases, the engine may simply fail to start. In other cases, the engine may start but then stall soon after. If the glow plugs are only partially failed, the engine may run but will be less efficient than usual. Symptoms of glow plug failure can also include increased exhaust smoke, misfires, and a decrease in power. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Glow plugs are an essential part of a diesel engine and need to be in good working order for the engine to run properly.

Bring Your Volvo to AutoScandia

If your car is having trouble starting in the cold weather, it might be a glow plug problem. Glow plugs are used to heat the air in the combustion chamber of a diesel engine, making it easier to start the engine in cold weather. If one or more of your glow plugs is not working properly, it can make starting your car very difficult. Fortunately, the skilled service technicians at AutoScandia are here to help. We can diagnose and repair glow plug problems quickly and efficiently, getting you back on the road in no time. We serve drivers in Herndon, VA, as well as Sterling, Reston, Great Falls, Chantilly, and Oakton. So if you suspect your car has a glow plug problem, call or stop by AutoScandia today.