The Engine Computer Is Likely The Greatest Improvement To Cars Since The Car Was Invented.
Vehicles, both cars and trucks, have improved drastically since they were first introduced back in the early 1900’s. Many aspects about driving a car have also changed. Roads, which used to be dirt, are now paved and smooth (at least comparatively). We go far further in our cars today than they did in the beginning. We use our cars for many more things than they did when they first came out.
Of all of the changes in the car over the years, perhaps none has been more important than the advent of the engine computer. The Engine computer module (ECM) was invented and introduced into cars in large part to improve the efficiency in the way an engine performs. The main benefit of that improved performance is the lower emissions put off by the cars which pose environmental concerns.
A side benefit of the desire to improve the emissions of our cars is the increased gas mileage. The gas mileage of our vehicles has continued to improve as engine computers have improved in their performance. While some people do not care as much about the environment, they will never complain about the improved gas mileage.
The emissions of vehicles have been and continue to be a large issue and point of discussion. The impact on the environment that our cars have is a concern. However, the ECM has been and will continue to be a large factor in the improvement of emission levels. The ECM does this by continually adjusting the fuel, air and spark to the condition of the driving. This reduces the pollution of the vehicle.
The ECM can warn drivers of a potentially serious issue with the engine, such as an engine knock before it is too late. When the computer discovers a potential problem like this, will send a signal to the dash to turn on the check engine light. The trouble code is stored for the auto mechanic to look at.
Another aspect of ECM’s is they now monitor what used to be done through the use of mechanical gauges. They monitor things like coolant temperature and oil pressure. Once these things go outside of the parameters that have been set, the ECM sends a signal to the instrument cluster to turn on a light that will alert the driver.
The use of ECM?s on vehicles could well be argued to be the most improvement of cars since they began. Unlike some of the other major improvements that we have seen in cars, the engine computer is not highly noticed by the common driver.
Only time will tell what improvements will be made to cars in the future. We perhaps have a glimpse of the next thing in the recently announced Chevy volt, which combines the concept of an electric car with that of gas powered engines. It claims to get 230 miles per gallon in city driving. The car is due out in 2010.
Great article Adam.
Just to add. In modern cars equipped with electronically controlled automatic transmissions, the ECM also controls the transmission shift points, and shift hardness.
This has also helped reduce fuel consumption and emissions.