Many automobile makers have integrated sensors into their cars to provide several innovative solutions. With the increasing popularity of electronic parts of cars, sensors have gained importance in the automobile world. A vehicle contains several sensors to monitor different characteristics and send data to the ECU or driver. Let us talk about various car sensors.
Various types of car sensors
Sensors are embedded into the vehicle to serve various purposes. Some sensors alert you to potential obstacles and problems in your vehicle. On the contrary, many sensors monitor temperature, oil pressure, coolant levels, and several other details.
Airflow Sensors
Some automakers have integrated airflow sensors into cars. The particular type of sensor identifies the density and amount of air entering the engine. It is integrated into the combustion chamber and ensures the maximum airflow combustion in the chamber. A defective airflow sensor can cause your car engine to consume more gasoline.
Oxygen Sensors
The exhaust system of some cars has an oxygen sensor to measure the oxygen gas level. The sensor transmits the proportion values that are used by the automotive computer system. It helps in determining how much air and fuel is essential to ensure the right ratio for combustion.
The oxygen sensors do not just ensure the optimized performance of the engine. It allows the catalytic converter to work optimally. So, it results in a better control of emissions. The sensor also provides a voltage output depending on the existing difference in the oxygen amount in the atmosphere and exhaust gasses. A low voltage represents a lean mixture, whereas a spike in voltage shows burning fuel. If the voltage is not more than 800 millivolts, it indicates the best fuel-air ratios.
Radar Sensors
These automotive sensors have the potential to improve safety and drivability in cars. Some common applications of radars are providing a lane change assist and reducing the risk of collisions.
The radar system provides more information, resulting in higher resolutions. The best fact is that weather elements do not affect radar sensors. Some Advanced Driver Assistance Systems also have radar sensors. In autonomous cars, Adaptive Cruise Controls also have sensors to identify obstacles to prevent collisions.
Speed Sensors
Sensors are devices for generating signals after detecting a physical transformation. They count how many distances and rotations have been covered within a particular time frame. The onboard computer receives the data extracted from your car’s speed sensor.
Speed sensors are found in output and input versions to control gears properly and manage the torque converter of the engine. In case of the Vehicle Speed Sensor, the module controls components like speedometers. Wheel Speed Sensor is another type intended to measure the wheel’s speed.
Both output and input speed sensors have to work efficiently to ensure the best transmission performance.
Humidity Sensors
Some automotive sensors combine multiple sensors in a single device. Thus, one sensor checks moisture, while another determines temperature. The integrated climate control computer systems receive the values of measurements and trigger automotive HVAC. So, you feel comfortable due to the favorable temperature inside the vehicle. The main purpose of humidity sensors is to adjust the humidity level and prevent windows from having mists. They continuously monitor the window temperature and moisture level in your vehicle.
Backup Sensors or Rear Parking Sensors
Rear parking sensors look like tiny devices fitted to the rear bumper. They detect whether there are obstacles at the backside of your car while parking. An audible beep will give you a warning. When your car is closer to the obstacle, you will hear a more frequent and faster beeping tone. Moreover, backup sensors easily locate obstacles, which are not viewable from the interior rearview. However, buying electromagnetic parking sensors is a costly affair. You may choose ultrasonic backup sensors that sound echo to detect and calculate the distance between the car and other objects.
Coolant Temperature Sensor
It is another automotive sensor intended for measuring the coolant temperature and transmitting the data to the ECU. The sensor allows the control unit to detect the overheated engine. Depending on the automotive brand, the sensor is installed near the thermostat.
Some cars come with 2 temperature sensors. One of them sends data to the control unit from the engine. Another sensor transmits data to the dashboard from the car’s control unit. With the fluctuation of the engine temperature, there will be a difference in the device output.
Camshaft Position Sensor
Designed as a small electronic device, the camshaft position sensor checks the speed and position of the camshaft. It feeds the data to the ECM of your car. The module needs data to regulate the amount of fuel entering the ignition timing and combustion chamber to ignite the car fuel. The ignition of the air/fuel mixture at the appropriate time causes an increase in the fuel economy and engine power. It also lowers the risk of tailpipe emissions. Crankshaft and camshaft sensors work together to define the particular location of the crankshaft drive.
If the camshaft sensor has any issues, you will experience symptoms like starting difficulties. Internal short circuits and mechanical damage are the causes of these defects.
Image Sensors
The automotive industry uses different image sensor technologies- complementary metal oxide semiconductors and charge-coupled devices. Made of semiconductors, these electronic devices are found in cars with Advanced Driver Assistance System. Image sensors capture real photos of scenes near your car. Thus, while driving the car, you can check the surroundings accurately. Especially motor vehicles come with these sensors. However, image sensors also benefit autonomous vehicles.
Conclusion
Car sensors keep you alert to the external surroundings. However, every sensor serves a different purpose. Some cars have multiple sensors for various functionalities. The futuristic automobiles may have more sensors to transmit information to ECUs. So, these cars will be safer to drive and run more efficiently. Many sensors in the vehicle notice issues because they alert the processor.