The Impact of Technology on Cars
The automobile industry is one of the first to begin using new technologies. This affects the way cars are constructed, maintained, operated and repaired. Cars are consistently becoming safer, more efficient and easier to repair. Technology has changed the automobile industry.
When travelling with family and kids, safety and comfort are important aspects which have become a major goal for the automobile industry.
Reactive and Responsive Features
Car safety has been an important aspect. Adaptive cruise control enables you to choose and maintain a specific speed and eliminates the need for the accelerator. This system senses the vehicles ahead and your speed is adjusted automatically to ensure a safe following distance. Some systems have emergency braking to slow the car and prevent a collision.
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive headlights illuminate the roadway when the car is turning. This improves your visibility on curved roads at night. The headlights automatically adjust when your car is turning so your driver can see the roadway much more easily.
A good example is a car being driven into a tunnel. The headlights will come on automatically so you can see in the darkness. When your car leaves the tunnel the lights will automatically turn off. You can concentrate on driving instead of turning the lights on and off.
The Anti-Lock Braking System
Anti-lock brakes prevent the brakes from locking when your car stops. This provides you with more control by stopping the wheels from going into a skid. In case there is any damage to your vehicle car insurance is available to protect from damage and is easily attainable.
The Infotainment system
Car infotainment system have become more advanced with capabilities of navigation, climate control, voice control and more. Recently automobile giants like Ford have integrated their infotainment system SYNC with Amazon Alexa to provide automatic control of various smart home devices remotely. These technologies can be seen in some of their latest models.
The Automatic Parking System
Automation is also responsible for the automatic parking system. Once your car is in a position capable of triggering this system, numerous sensors can calculate the steering angle by detecting obstacles. The system guides your car right into the parking spot.
Most people are familiar with parking sensors yet remain aware of the additional sensors in the modern vehicle. Many vehicles now include manifold absolute pressure sensors, speedometer sensors, oxygen sensors, knock sensors and throttle position sensors.
The 360-Degree View
Technology has helped drivers avoid obstacles. Backup alarms will alert you to unseen obstacles. Cameras enable you to see behind the car. You are made aware of a car present in your blind spot. These warnings are possible due to the sensors around the car. The warnings may be audible, visual or tactile and provide a 360-degree view.
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control is now equipped on every personal passenger vehicle sold in the United States since 2012. This system detects when your vehicle is about to skid and improves safety parameters to many folds. The system applies your brakes to the correct wheels so you can remain in control of your car.
The Forward Collision Warning
This system can use camera or laser sensors or radar to detect an imminent crash. The system then alerts you so action can be taken. The more advanced systems will automatically brake, tighten the seatbelts and pre-charge the brakes. Crashes can also be avoided with lane departure warnings. If you are tired and not alert causing you to drift from your lane the system will issue an alert.
Camera and Sensor Technology
Camera technology has only recently advanced enough to be used in cars. These digital cameras are much smaller and have more power. They are installed throughout the car including the dashboard, wing mirrors, doors and lights. These cameras enable you to have a clear view around the car using just one screen.
Sensor and camera technology are used together so you can safely park without damaging nearby objects or causing injury to people. The two most common sensor technologies are Ultrasonic sensors and Radar sensors.
The Computers and Software
Nearly all modern vehicles have an onboard computer to control numerous functions. As these computers advance the features provided become more complex. The latest technology provides GPS, cruise control, parking assistance, temperature control, engine temperature, monitors emissions and a lot more. This changes the way vehicles are manufactured, repaired and maintained. The mechanic must be trained in the workings of onboard computers in addition to understanding the mechanics of the vehicle.
The Diagnostic Tools
The diagnostic tools of the past were expensive and only found in repair shops and garages. Although cheaper tools are now available they are often inferior and a waste of cash. The exception is Total OBD and ECU Auto Diagnostics or TOAD. This alternative is an affordable scanner solution and reads ECU, OBD and OBD2. TOAD has the same features as the other tools for car diagnostics but it is much cheaper. The TOAD software can be downloaded directly to a laptop. The interface will be easy for you to use and detects any issues with your vehicle's emissions and engine. The system will tell you what to do when a problem is located. This means you have more control over your car.
Increased Energy Efficient Design
A lot more emphasis is being placed on fuel efficiency. This is due to the growing concerns regarding the environment and the subsequent new laws. These changes have given the manufacturers no choice other than becoming environmentally conscious. Modern fuels are cleaner and release less toxins and pollutants into the atmosphere. An emissions issues are detected faster and easier. Your check engine light will appear the moment there is an issue.
Advice and Tips
It has become much easier for you to receive excellent advice and tips regarding your car. There are a lot of websites offering excellent advice on how to maintain and repair your vehicle. It is also incredibly important to ensure your vehicle has good insurance. You can also find online groups discuss everything relating to cars. There are forums and websites for specific manufacturers and models. This is more of a social experience and you will learn from other individuals with the same car. Happy driving!!
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