To ensure that cars run efficiently, a variety of car sensors are used in the automotive industry. Car sensors are used to control and process temperature, oil, coolant level, and so on. These intelligent sensors regulate everything in the engine to ensure that the vehicle operates at peak efficiency. Sensors will enable vehicle automation to a large extent in the coming years, which will benefit the industry. These sensors are critical in making vehicles safer, more efficient, and more comfortable to drive.
Car sensors work unnoticed, making driving more comfortable, more efficient, and safer. In the assistance systems, sensor technology measures and evaluates what is happening in the immediate and extended surroundings of the car and detects any changes. Car sensors are already employed in emergency braking assistants, night vision aids, traffic sign recognition, and of course in anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and dynamic stability control (DSC). Modern car engines have anywhere from 15 to 30 sensors to keep everything running properly. These sensors control everything in the engine for optimal performance. In total, there are over 70 sensors in a modern vehicle throughout the whole car. But while there are tons of different sensors in your vehicle – and not every vehicle has the same types of sensors – there are plenty that you can find across the board.
Each type of car sensor has its advantages. Together they complement each other perfectly. Let’s go through the functions of five of the major car sensors in the automobile industry.
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Oxygen Sensors
The intake of oxygen defines how efficiently an engine is functioning. A higher or lower intake can cause problems with the engine and that’s where Oxygen sensors play a critical role. The Oxygen sensor is used to measure the amount of oxygen that comes out of the engine through the exhaust system of the vehicle. Also known as an O2 sensor, it is located near the exhaust manifold and measures the air-fuel mixture from the exhaust to determine whether the engine is running a rich fuel ratio or a lean one. If the sensor senses more amount of oxygen it means that the mixture is rich whereas if less oxygen is detected then it would mean that the mixture is lean.
Mass Airflow Sensor
The Mass airflow sensor or MAF is one of the most crucial & essential car sensors used in automobiles. It is used in car engines. The MAF sensor along with data from other sensors helps the ECU to determine how much fuel must be added by taking into account the amount of air available. This results in optimized operating conditions as well as helps in reducing pollution. This sensor is located near the air filter and monitors how much air is flowing into the engine. If by a fault the working of this sensor fails, then you will notice the check engine light popping up. The vehicle will stall or completely stop and the use of petrol would be higher than usual. These sensors are controlled by a computer and can calculate the air density in the engine. These sensors are classified into two types one is a vane meter and the other is the hot wire.
Engine Speed Sensor
Another important sensor in a vehicle is the engine speed sensor which is connected to the crankshaft. In the car, this sensor is connected to the crankshaft. The primary function of the engine speed sensor is to monitor the rotating speed of the crankshaft so that the engine timing and fuel injection can be duly controlled. If the engine speed sensor goes bad, there maybe problems with the cruise control or a speedometer. Moreover, there are different types of indirect stopping of vehicles and engines. So this sensor will turn it off for car drivers.
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Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
The primary function of this sensor is to monitor the load of the engine, i.e. to calculate the pressure of air going to the engine. The higher the pressure, the higher will be the mass of air and hence more fuel can be used. It also monitors the instantaneous manifold pressure information. This information is then used by the engine’s computer to optimize fuel ratios for best performance, making it one of the most crucial car sensors. Also known as MAP, this sensor takes your mass airflow sensor one step further by measuring how much air is actually making it to your engine. Mostly these sensors measure the difference between the manifold pressure. The car’s engine is capable of receiving petroleum based on changes in the inside of the pressure. This can be achieved by external pressure through the car to ensure. This is a critical component in fuel-injected engines as it optimizes your fuel ratios for the best possible performance. It also takes the job from the boost pressure sensor and measures the turbo pressure, if your car is equipped with one.
Coolant Temperature Sensor
The coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) is one of the most significant sensors of a vehicle. It monitors the temperature of an engine’s coolant. The information is then used to regulate the systems employed in keeping your engine cool. These include components like the cooling fan etc. If this sensor malfunctions, your engine will overheat, which can cause severe long-term damage. If it gets too hot, engine damage can occur, In some newer car models, the coolant temperature should shut off your engine once it reaches a high enough temperature. There are plenty of car sensors to know about. To continue learning more about sensors and technology, keep reading on Wiingy – The Technology School
