noun
- premature ignition of fuel in an internal combustion engine before the spark plug fires
Usage: automotive; technical
Examples
- Preignition caused the engine to knock loudly during acceleration.
- Using low-octane fuel can lead to preignition in high-performance engines.
- The mechanic diagnosed preignition as the cause of the rough idle.
- Carbon deposits in the cylinder can trigger preignition.
- Modern engines have sensors to detect and prevent preignition.
- The driver heard pinging sounds indicating preignition was occurring.