What is the function of the ignition coil in a vehicle?

The ignition coil plays a crucial role in the vehicle's ignition system by converting the low voltage from the battery, typically around 12 volts, into the high voltage needed for the spark plugs to create a spark. This high voltage, usually ranging from 15,000 to 45,000 volts or even higher in modern vehicles, is necessary to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chambers.

When the ignition system sends a signal to the coil, it generates a magnetic field that collapses, creating the high voltage that travels through the ignition wires to the spark plugs. This process is essential for starting the engine and ensuring that it runs smoothly. Without the ignition coil's ability to generate this high voltage, the spark plugs would not ignite the fuel, and the engine wouldn't operate at all. This function is fundamental to the engine's operation, making it a critical component in the ignition system.