1. “You need to warm up your car for 10 minutes before driving” — Myth

Truth:
This may have been true for carbureted engines decades ago, but modern cars with fuel injection and electronic ignition systems adjust automatically for temperature. You only need about 30 seconds to a minute of idling before driving gently. Over-idling actually wastes fuel and increases emissions.

2. “Spark plugs can last forever” — Myth

Truth:
Even though modern iridium or platinum spark plugs can last up to 100,000 km or more, they still wear out. Over time, electrode erosion, carbon buildup, or fouling can affect spark quality and ignition timing. Regular inspection is key.

3 “A stronger spark means better performance” — Myth 

Truth:
The spark’s timing and consistency matter more than brute strength. An overly strong spark may actually damage engine components. Ignition systems are designed to deliver just enough energy for efficient combustion in specific engine types.

4. “Modern ignition systems don’t need maintenance” — Myth

Truth:
While modern systems are more reliable and need less frequent service, they’re not maintenance-free. Spark plugs still wear, coils can fail, and sensors like the crankshaft or camshaft position sensor may degrade over time.

5. “High-octane fuel improves your ignition system’s performance” — Myth

Truth:
High-octane fuel doesn’t improve performance unless your engine is designed for it. It simply resists knocking better. If your vehicle runs on regular fuel, using premium won’t help the ignition system—it’s just more expensive.

6. “Older cars are easier to repair because of simpler ignition systems” — Fact (mostly)

Truth:
Older ignition systems (e.g., breaker points, distributors) are mechanical and easier to understand, but they require frequent adjustments. Modern systems are more complex but require less frequent maintenance and offer better performance.

7. “Cranking a modern car too much will flood the engine” — Myth

Truth:
Flooding used to be common in carbureted engines. In modern fuel-injected systems, the ECU controls fuel delivery, making flooding very rare. It might happen under extreme conditions (like a failed sensor), but it’s not typical.

8. “If your car won’t start, it’s definitely the ignition system” — Myth

Truth:
While ignition problems (like failed spark plugs or coils) can cause starting issues, other systems—such as the battery, fuel system, or starter motor—are often the culprits. Proper diagnosis is essential before replacing ignition parts.

Many drivers hold outdated beliefs about automotive ignition systems, but advancements in technology have rendered several of these ideas incorrect. One common myth is that you must warm up your car for ten minutes before driving. This was relevant in the era of carbureted engines; however, modern vehicles with fuel injection and electronic ignition systems automatically adjust for temperature. Typically, only 30 seconds to one minute of idling is sufficient before gently driving off. Excessive idling today only wastes fuel and increases emissions (Delgado & Stockel, 2020).

Another misconception is that spark plugs can last forever. While modern iridium or platinum spark plugs are designed to last up to 100,000 kilometers, they are still subject to electrode erosion, carbon buildup, or fouling over time. These issues can degrade spark quality and affect ignition timing, making regular inspection necessary (Firestone Complete Auto Care, n.d.).

The belief that a stronger spark improves engine performance is also misleading. What matters more than the intensity of the spark is its timing and consistency. A spark that is too strong can damage engine components, as ignition systems are engineered to deliver just the right amount of energy for efficient combustion based on engine design (AutoZone, n.d.).

There is also a myth that modern ignition systems require no maintenance. Although these systems are more durable and need less frequent servicing, they are not maintenance-free. Components like spark plugs, ignition coils, and position sensors can still fail or degrade with use and age (Delgado & Stockel, 2020).

Many drivers mistakenly think that using high-octane fuel will improve ignition system performance. This is false unless the engine is specifically designed to use high-octane fuel. While premium fuel resists knocking better, it provides no benefit to engines designed for regular fuel and simply costs more (Universal Technical Institute, n.d.).

One partly true belief is that older cars are easier to repair due to simpler ignition systems. Older systems such as those with breaker points and distributors are mechanical and more straightforward to understand, but they require frequent adjustments. In contrast, modern systems are more complex but offer greater reliability and require less frequent maintenance (Boilersinfo, n.d.).

Some believe cranking a modern car too much will flood the engine. While flooding was an issue with carbureted engines, it’s rare in modern fuel-injected vehicles. These systems are controlled by the engine control unit (ECU), which regulates fuel delivery, making such flooding highly uncommon unless a sensor fails (Monolithic Power Systems, 2020).

Lastly, the idea that a car failing to start is definitely an ignition system issue is a simplification. While failed spark plugs or coils can cause start-up issues, other systems such as the battery, fuel delivery, or the starter motor are also common culprits. Proper diagnosis is crucial before assuming an ignition fault (Firestone Complete Auto Care, n.d.).