Computers seem to run just about everything in modern society, don't they? When the first gasoline-powered cars were built in the waning years of the 19th century, computers didn't even exist yet. Now, more than one hundred years later, they govern critical automobile functions. The evolution of technology truly never ceases to amaze.
Today, when car owners take newer vehicles into dealerships or repair shops, computers are used to run diagnostics and identify problems in cars that are controlled by microprocessors. This sounds like some futuristic movie where cars don't have tires, but rather hover above the ground. But, the truth is that virtually every car manufactured today includes a computer system that controls several key operations.
According to a AAA press release, onboard car computers record Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that indicate specific issues requiring further attention. Technicians can then use a combination of computer tests and traditional inspection methods to determine if the DTC was generated by a mechanical or electrical system problem.
"The ability of technicians to determine what additional tests are needed, and to accurately interpret both test results and computer network data, comes from extensive training and experience," the statement reads. "Today's technicians use vehicle computer diagnosis in much the same way surgeons employ medical testing. In both cases, combining test results with expert knowledge and skilled hands can lead to an accurate diagnosis and an ultimate cure."
Cars that come off the factory lines today and find their way into showrooms and the driveways of consumers tomorrow are more advanced than many people realize. Sophisticated sensors and thermal management technologies are used not only in these onboard computer systems, but countless other components they interact with, including batteries.
These are the technologies that lead to improved efficiency and driver experiences. Without them, GPS, Powertrain Control Modules and other modern bells and whistles would not be possible.