High-quality BERU ignition and general electrical vehicle components help to save fuel
A noticeable increase in fuel consumption is often caused by minor or major problems in the general electrical and ignition systems. This can be remedied by carrying out regular ignition checks at the vehicle workshops and installing original BERU branded products.
(Ludwigsburg, 30th December 2005). Fuel prices running at record levels are hard for drivers to bear. When drivers are faced with visibly higher fuel consumption that cannot be explained away by "lead-foot" driving, or a different way of driving or simply by more traffic jams, they hardly know which way to turn.
The solution to the puzzle: If a vehicle suddenly starts consuming more fuel, the cause could be the general electrical or ignition system. The most recent breakdown statistics issued by the German Automobile Club (ADAC) shows some of the extremely unpleasant effects of a badly maintained ignition system and the non-replacement of wearing parts. At 36 percent, damage to general vehicle electronics headed the ADAC breakdown hit parade; and, at 16 percent, ignition system faults came second. This means that more than half of all breakdowns are directly caused by faults to the general electrical and ignition system.
Essential to check the ignition system and vehicle electrical systems
Particularly during the cold winter months, and afterwards too, a regular check by a qualified professional under the hood is essential. Worn spark plugs or glow plugs can make a noticeable adverse difference to fuel consumption and cold starts. For example vehicles habitually driven in stop-start traffic, are susceptible to coked spark plugs. Wear on burnt-out spark plug electrodes cause serial misfiring – thus causing a considerable increase in fuel consumption. For this reason spark plugs and glow plugs should be checked in the workshop every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers and any worn parts immediately replaced. Preferably as a full set. This is the best way to avoid stress, repeated trips to the workshop and, therefore, cash.
Likewise, if connections, ignition cables, ignition coils, distributor caps and oxygen sensors are in perfect condition, fuel consumption can be kept down. Take spark plugs and distributor caps as an example. Particularly in winter they are susceptible to the effects of salt and damp, and they become brittle and corroded. If the spark plug oxidizes, starting problems and misfiring can arise because the earth connection to the vehicle body is broken, which has the effect of losing more unburnt fuel. Oxygen sensors are also subject to wear. If a sensor regulation system fails, a car's fuel consumption increases by about 15 percent. So here too the sensor should be replaced every 50,000 kilometers at least (for unheated sensors) or at 100,000 kilometers (for heated sensors).
In general if you have your ignition system and general vehicle electrical systems checked regularly at the workshop, replacing defective parts with high-quality BERU components, you can be sure that your engine will be at peak performance. Doing so prevents annoying breakdowns, protects the environment, and – because fuel consumption is kept down – spares the wallet.
