Glossary / Engine

wires

8 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Wires connect the distributor to the spark plugs, allowing electricity to flow. If these wires are damaged, the engine might misfire or not start.

Technical Definition

In the context of an ignition system, wires refer to the ignition wires that carry electrical current from the distributor to the spark plugs. They need to be in good condition for the engine to run properly.

Hear It Discussed

"And you have tried all the usual things like spraying the cap, the rotor, and the wires. Yes."
#2611: Hey, Mr. Spaceman The Best of Car Talk 19:23

"...and the water pump they said were still good but you needed to do it, and the wires. But now my question is that stuff is all covered for two years..."
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - April 25, 2026 - Hour 1 - Finding A Good Mechanic Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 15:47

"[172.7s] so I was a little panicked. He does the spark plugs. He does the wires. And I got lucky and that [180.4s] actually solved the problem, at least for the time being. And the only way, I mean,"
Porsche GT3SC, Mustang GTD Ring Domination & The Death of the Manual Transmission Full Throttle Talk 02:52