The Engine Computer Is Likely The Greatest Improvement To Cars Since The Car Was Invented.

By Rick Mitchell

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.

Perhaps one of the most important changes in the car is the engine computer. The ECM (engine computer module) was developed to help improve many things about the way an engine performs. This came about in large part to reduce the emissions of vehicles in response to environmental concerns.

The gas mileage is one of the things that the ECM was developed to improve. The engine computers accomplished the goal of improving gas mileage. That is perhaps the one, mostly pursued aspect of a car engine that is continually being attempted to be improved.

The emissions of vehicles and their impact on the environment has been a great concern for some time. The engine computer came about partly due to this issue and has been a big factor in improving the pollution levels of vehicles. The computer continually adjusts things like fuel and air depending on the conditions that it is driving in. This helps to reduce the emissions and thus the pollution from cars.

The ECM can also alert drivers to potential problems with the engine before they become a problem. The computer, when it discovers a problem, sends a signal to the instrument cluster to turn on the check engine light. A code then is stored that your auto mechanic can recover to know what the problem is and get it fixed.

Engine computers also monitor things like the coolant temperature and oil pressure. These things used to be monitored via a mechanical gauge. The ECM will then send a signal to the instrument cluster only if the normal operating parameters are broken. This will in turn activate a light in the dash indicating a potential problem.

The engine computer is perhaps the most important improvement on cars out of any other improvements that have been made over the years. Ironically, the engine computer is also the least visible to the general public.

We will certainly see more improvements to cars as time moves on. There may never be a car like we see in the movie, "Back to the Future", but there will be drastic changes that impact our travel. One such change is very close. Chevy announced a new car, called the Chevy Volt which they claim is able to get 230 miles per gallon. It is scheduled to be on lots in 2010. - 21392

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car computers have been one of the most beneficial improvements in cars. The engine control module, or ECM is responsible for the reduction of emissions from cars, thus improve the air quality in the nation.