What is a car distributor?

A car distributor is a vital component in the ignition system of a car. Its main function is to route the high-voltage electrical current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. This creates the spark needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, powering the engine.

In older vehicles, distributors were mechanical devices consisting of a rotating shaft, a rotor, and a set of contacts known as the points. As the distributor shaft rotated, it opened and closed the points, allowing the electrical current to flow and fire each spark plug at the right time. However, modern vehicles mostly use electronic ignition systems, eliminating the need for mechanical distributors.

Electronic distributors, also known as distributorless ignition systems (DIS) or coil-on-plug (COP), employ individual coils for each spark plug. The coil's electronic control module directly fires the spark plug at the appropriate moment based on the input from various sensors, such as the crankshaft position sensor.

Car distributors require regular maintenance and occasional replacement to ensure smooth engine operation. Over time, the contacts or electronic components inside the distributor can wear out, leading to misfiring, decreased fuel efficiency, and engine performance issues. It is crucial to have a distributor inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Overall, the car distributor plays a crucial role in the ignition system by managing the timing and distribution of electrical current to the spark plugs, ultimately enabling the combustion process that powers the car's engine.