The design and interworkings of cars are constantly changing. From the internal combustion engine to a battery-operated car, there are new innovations that are altering the way we get from place to place. When it comes to your own car, it likely has a computer system installed that works to keep it running smoothly.
Checks For Optimal Performance
Part of your car’s computer system is the engine control module or ECM for short. This component monitors the various sensors throughout the engine bay to ensure your vehicle is running at its optimal. If it notes that changes can be made, it will automatically manage things like your air-fuel mixture and emissions control system. Through the ECM function, your vehicle can be easily adjusted to adapt to different conditions that it experiences throughout the drive.
Understanding The CAN
Every vehicle produced today comes with a controller area network or CAN for short. This is essentially a system of software protocols and wires that connect your car’s various sensors and computer systems together. Many vehicle manufacturers refer to this automotive gateway module as a CANbus. Through the sending and receiving of data, the CANbus acts similarly to the brain checking for optimal performance on all levels and going on alert when there is a problem.
Upgrades To CAN
The controller area network was first introduced into vehicles back in the mid-1980s. However, it’s developed greatly since then. Initially, the vehicle manufacturers would have to run wires from a new device to the switch for that item on the dash. For example, a new heated seat would have a wire running to the heated seat button on the dash. With the upgrades in the number of electronics found in a car, this meant a lot of wires. Luckily, upgrades to CAN have allowed switches to send information and react digitally instead of having to run miles of wire.
Dash Alerts
One of the digital features that you’re probably familiar with in respect to your car’s computer system is the dash alerts. You’ll get a blinking or solid light on your dash for a number of situations. It could be that it’s time for an oil change or that you’re running low on windshield wiper fluid. Either way, your car’s computer system lets you know when a problem is coming so you can remedy it early.
Every new car coming off the factory line comes with a computer system. This is a necessary device that supports all of the electronic and engine features that we’ve become accustomed to. While it can seem like a complex system at first, it really comes down to the basics of sending and receiving data about your vehicle.
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