What component routes current through wires to the spark plugs in older cars?

The correct choice is the component responsible for routing current through wires to the spark plugs in older cars, which is the breaker points. In older ignition systems, breaker points are designed to open and close the electrical circuit in response to the rotation of the camshaft.

When the breaker points close, they allow current to flow through the ignition coil, generating a high-voltage spark. When the points open, the current stops flowing, which induces a spark in the ignition coil and sends a high-voltage pulse to the spark plugs. This sequence is critical for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders, enabling the engine to run smoothly.

Other components like the distributor rotor play a role in directing the spark to the correct cylinder, but it is the breaker points that provide the mechanism for opening and closing the circuit. Components such as the alternator and voltage regulator, while essential for the overall electrical system, do not directly route the current to the spark plugs in the manner that breaker points do. The alternator generates electrical power for the vehicle, and the voltage regulator ensures that the voltage remains at an appropriate level, but neither are involved in the ignition spark generation process specific to the function of breaker points.