Parts for your 2018 Nissan Serena-Ignition leads

Understanding Ignition Leads on the 2018 Nissan Serena

When it comes to the ignition system of the 2018 Nissan Serena, it's important to know whether ignition leads play a role or not. Ignition leads, also called spark plug wires, are traditionally found in many petrol engines. They carry high-voltage electricity from the ignition coil to the spark plugs, which then ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the engine's cylinders to get the car running.

However, the 2018 Nissan Serena is not your typical petrol engine setup. This model is offered primarily with a 2.0-litre petrol engine featuring direct ignition technology. Unlike older cars that rely on separate ignition leads to connect coils and spark plugs, the Serena utilises coil-on-plug (COP) ignition. What this means is that each spark plug has its own ignition coil mounted directly on top, eliminating the need for traditional ignition leads.

So why does the 2018 Nissan Serena not use ignition leads? The coil-on-plug design offers several advantages over conventional ignition leads. First off, removing ignition leads reduces the chances of voltage loss. With ignition coils sitting right on the spark plugs, the electrical energy doesn't have to travel along long wires, meaning more consistent spark and better engine efficiency.

Also, ignition leads are exposed to heat, oil, moisture and engine vibration, which can cause them to degrade over time. The coil-on-plug system eliminates these vulnerable wires and improves reliability and longevity. It also simplifies maintenance since there are fewer parts that can wear out or need replacement.

Because of this setup, owners of a 2018 Nissan Serena won't need to worry about checking or replacing ignition leads as part of their routine servicing. Instead, attention is usually focused on the ignition coils themselves along with spark plugs, air filters, fuel system and other components to keep the engine running smoothly.

For those still curious about traditional ignition leads and why they have been significant in automotive history, here's a quick look into their purpose. Ignition leads carry the crucial high-voltage pulses from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. This electrical pulse is what causes the spark plugs to fire, igniting the fuel-air mixture inside the engine cylinders, making the car move.

Ignition leads have to be well insulated to prevent electrical leakage, which could lead to misfires and poor engine performance. Over time, ignition leads can become brittle or cracked due to exposure to heat and contaminants under the bonnet. This results in weak or inconsistent sparks which can cause hard starting, poor fuel economy, rough idling and increased emissions.

In vehicles that still use ignition leads, regular inspection and maintenance are essential. Typically the leads should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometres depending on the vehicle make and usage. During servicing, mechanics will check for cracks, burn marks or corrosion on the connectors and test the resistance of the leads to ensure they are still functioning correctly. Replacing ignition leads with high-quality aftermarket or OEM parts can restore engine performance and smooth running after issues develop.

But for the 2018 Nissan Serena, it's a different story because of the coil-on-plug system. There are no ignition leads to inspect or replace, which helps cut down on maintenance hassles and keeps things simple under the bonnet. Just make sure the spark plugs and ignition coils are checked at recommended service intervals to maintain optimum engine performance.

Overall, the absence of ignition leads in the 2018 Nissan Serena is a sign of modern automotive advances that prioritise efficiency, reliability and ease of maintenance. Whether cruising Sydney's streets or heading out into the Aussie bush, Serena drivers can enjoy a smooth and dependable ignition system without worrying about those old spark plug wires.