Contact Breaker Points
Contact breaker points are a mechanical switch in the distributor that switches the ignition coil to create the spark on older engines.
What is Contact Breaker Points?
They wear and need gap adjustment and replacement. Electronic ignition replaced them on later cars. Conversion kits can replace points with electronic triggers. A dwell meter helps set the points accurately.
How it works
A cam on the distributor shaft opens and closes the points; when they open, the coil fires a spark.
Why it matters for your car
Wrong gap or timing causes poor running and hard starting. Burned or pitted points should be replaced, not just cleaned.
Other terms
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- AdBlue Heater
- Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
- Battery Tester
- Brake Squeal
- Certificate Of Conformity (CoC)
- Dashboard (Dash Panel)
- Electric Current (Amperage)
- Keyless Start (Push-button Start)
- Knock Control
- Liftback
- Oil Pan Gasket (Sump Gasket)
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
- Radar Sensor (ADAS)
- Rear-View Mirror (Interior Mirror)
- Silicon Carbide (SiC) Inverter
- Sill Repair (Rocker Panel Repair)
- State Of Charge (SoC)
- Throttle Adaptation (Throttle Relearn)
- Tyre Repair Kit (Sealant Kit)