The internal combustion engine has always relied on the mixture of air and fuel ignited by the use of spark plugs to detonate the concoction and convert into energy that translates into the forward (or backward) motion of the vehicle. The electricity which powers this spark plugs comes from the ignition system using a specialized spark plug wires to carry the voltage all the way to the plugs.

While it may seem a simple operation needing simple wires, spark plug wires are anything but. Like many car makers who have gained prominence not only in their respective local markets but also in the global arena, Gothenburg-based Volvo Car Company understands just how something as insignificant like wires can make the difference from cars well worth their price tags from lemons

The Swedish automaker has focused mainly in marketing luxury and executive cars that are reputed to be safe, reliable and durable coming with all the bells and whistles one would expect from a high end market vehicle. While Volvo is right up there with the rest of its high end market counterparts, even the slightest malfunction from an obscure or oft ignored car part like the Volvo's spark plug wires can make one feel that the car's performance does little to justify the hefty price tag.

Normally, Volvo spark plug wires are made to have low resistance in order to maximize the energy transfer. There are a number of factors that could hamper the process and ultimately handicap the vehicle. Increased pressure causing the wire to disconnect from the plug due to the combustion gases leaking (in which case, one would have a bigger problem on hand) are just an example of such factors, which in turn could also cause the corroding and fusing the spark plug wire to the spark plug itself. Moisture somehow finding its way into the wires' holes damaging both the wires and plugs is especially annoying, considering the additional time and costs that a complete replacement might require. Finally, heat is another possible culprit of Volvo spark plug wires' malfunctioning due to the temperature ruining the insulation provided by the silicone found in the wires.

It must be noted that no matter how state-of-the-art a car is, a failing part or component, no matter how relatively simple and insignificant, can and will ruin the driving experience.