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

By Jason Melik

Cars have greatly evolved over the years since their beginnings back in the early 1900's. Many things have evolved surrounding cars as well, such as the roads they drive on, the distance that they travel, and the demands we have put on cars.

One of the biggest evolutions to cars is hardly visible to the average person. The engine computer, otherwise called the ECM (engine computer module) was developed to help improve many things about the way an engine performs.

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 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 also serves as a monitoring system for the driver and can make them aware when there is a problem. When a problem is detected, it sends a signal to the instrument cluster in the dash telling a light to turn on that will indicate to the driver that there is a problem. Also, a code number is stored in the ECM that is accessible by a mechanic. That code will tell him what the exact problem is allowing him t o know what to fix.

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.

The future will certainly hold more improvements to our vehicles. One that seems to be around the corner is another drastic jump in gas mileage. Chevy announced that there new car in 2010, the Chevy Volt, is capable of getting 230 miles per gallon around town. This is a combination of an electric car and a traditional gas powered engine. - 21393

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car computers have been one of the best improvements in cars. The engine control module, or ECM is responsible for the reduction of emissions from cars, thus helping the air quality in the country.