Sensors in Cars and Their Functionalities

Posted on: Apr 11, 2023 | | Written by:

Sensors in Cars and Their Functionalities

Published on April 10, 2023. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

Modern cars are packed with technology can be an understatement at times. Cars these days come with a lot of automated functionalities, right from using the headlights to even using the wipers during rain. And all of this is made possible with the help of sensors. Sensors in cars improve functionality and make the life of the driver much easier.

The switch between two cars within a space of a few years can be quite staggering, given the rapid introduction of technology. A lot of the technology has percolated to even the mass market cars. Though sensors in cars have always been around, there are a lot of new sensors that you can find in cars. The ECU, or electronic control unit, is one of the more crucial parts of the car. These control units essentially control the different functionalities available in the car. Generally, there is a primary ECU that manages the engine and its functions. However, depending on how the car is designed, there can be more than one ECU for other functionalities.

Sensors in moderns cars:

Here are the different types of car sensors and how they mark their presence in the car.

1. Engine oil level sensor:

This is one of the most found sensors in a car. To be able to drive a car, it is essential that the car contains the recommended amount of engine oil. Should the oil levels drop dramatically, it can lead to serious engine damage.

If your engine is running at lower oil levels than the recommended levels, it will not lubricate the engine as expected. This can lead to a lot of premature wear and tear. And in worst cases, the added friction can increase the temperature inside the engine, which can lead to engine seizure as well. The engine oil level sensor is generally placed on the oil pan’s side. It is linked to an icon on your dashboard. Should your dashboard illuminate this option, it is important to check your engine oil levels at the earliest.

2. Mass airflow sensor:

For an engine to run effectively and efficiently, it needs air and fuel for combustion. The mass air flow sensor is generally placed between the intake filter and intake manifold of your engine bay. The sensor’s job is to measure the volume of air that is entering the intake manifold of the car.

The ECU can then use this number to inject the right amount of fuel for optimised combustion. Should your mass air flow sensor malfunction, the ECU will not get information on the airflow, thus resulting in poor performance of the car. It is one of the more important sensors in cars.

3. Oxygen sensor:

The oxygen sensor is generally located near the exhaust manifold of the engine and the catalytic converter. The sensor measures the exhaust gases for the proportion of oxygen in them. The data is then compared with the oxygen content of ambient air. This will let your ECU know if the car is running a fuel ratio that is rich or lean. The information is mostly used for emission control and for the ECU to alter the fuel ratio for optimum performance. The presence of so many sensors makes it even more important for you to opt for comprehensive car insurance.

4. Coolant temperature sensor:

Heat is generally a deterrent for better performance in a lot of things. And it is no different when it comes to your car. A lot of heat can impact the efficiency of the car and even its performance. This is the reason why cars have a cooling system. It is to ensure that the engine is always running at its optimum temperature. It’s a simple mechanism where a fluid takes the heat from the engine and runs through the radiator, which then cools the fluid down. This cycle is active as long as the engine is running. It is only sensible for the ECU to be aware of the temperature of the coolant. And the coolant temperature sensor does precisely the same. High temperatures of coolant can also lead to engine seizure.

5. Air intake temperature sensor:

The density and quality of air entering the engine also plays a crucial role in its performance. Cooler air is denser, which aids in better combustion as there are more oxygen molecules and, therefore, better performance. On the other hand, hot air is less dense, which impacts performance adversely. The air intake temperature sensor is present near the mass air flow sensor or in some cars, it is placed together with the mass air flow sensor. The ECU uses the data to decide the amount of fuel that needs to be injected into the engine for optimum performance and efficiency.

6. Engine knock sensor:

Engine knocking is a phenomenon that occurs when the ignition of air and fuel mixture takes place prior to the ignition phase. This can alter the engine cycle. The engine knock sensor looks for any such vibrations that can be caused by an altered engine cycle. When identified, it informs the ECU, which, then course, corrects the ignition timing.

If the engine knock sensor is not working, your engine can run at a lower power and efficiency mode. And if it goes unnoticed, it can cause a lot of damage to the engine.

7. Boost pressure sensor:

Boost pressure sensors are present in turbo or supercharged engine cars. The main job of the sensor is to read the difference between the pressure between the engine and the turbo or supercharger. Again, the ECU uses this information to inject an adequate amount of fuel for better performance and efficiency.

The boost pressure sensor is located in the intake of the engine. Failure of the sensor can lead to performance drops and, in some cases, even starting issues since the ECU does not have accurate information about the pressure differences. The ECU protects your engine from a lot of potential issues, like what zero depreciation car insurance does.

Zero depreciation car insurance is one of the better coverages and ensures that you do not end up paying money from your pockets. The above set of sensors primarily keeps the car running optimally and makes sure that the performance is available on tap. To ensure that your car ownership experience is hassle-free, it is highly recommended to opt for a comprehensive car insurance policy.

A big advantage of buying online is that you can view car insurance prices even before buying. And most insurers offer you the flexibility to play with some of the parameters to see how that impacts the car insurance price.

Conclusion:

The above is a list of some of the most commonly found sensors in cars. The actual list can be quite exhaustive and vary based on the car that you choose. Newer cars with ADAS have even more sensors. It is essential that these all function properly for an optimum driving experience. To make the experience even better, comprehensive insurance is highly recommended.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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