Rugged Car Computer
28/03/2012
The Realities of a Rugged Car Computer
A rugged car computer isn’t something one thinks about, yet it’s an absolutely essential component of modern driving. When we stop to consider the fact that the average modern car contains literally hundreds of computers, ranging from tiny microprocessors that monitor and control fuel inputs and mixtures to those sensing various conditions associated with car performance and driving, it is essential that these devices work reliably.
Nevertheless, they are exposed to extremes of temperature ranging from sub-freezing winters in Canada to blistering tropical heat in the tropics. Likewise, they can be exposed to ambient dirt and occasionally water from storms and floods if not properly shielded.
If that wasn’t enough, a rugged car computer will always need to be able to survive the sudden accelerations and stops to which the whole car is exposed. Any failure at any time in such a computer can subject the driver and passengers to needless risks that could redound to the manufacturer’s problem in a class action court filing, resulting in millions or even billions of dollars in damages.
Apart from the risks, many cars on the road today carry long warranties, often extending to as much as 10 years or 100,000 miles. Such warranties will constitute a big expense for the manufacturer if the vehicle needs diagnostics and repairs that are covered. To sum up, car computers are often invisible and that’s exactly the way the manufacturers like them: out of sight, out of mind, simply doing their jobs reliably day in and day out like any other component of the vehicle.