Category: Electronics

Electronics

How Computers are Now Taking Over our Cars

From carving his first tools from stone, humanity has come a long way in terms of technology. With the invention of the wheel, we have built cars which take us to places for durations we once counted for days on foot now accessible in just minutes. With the dawn of the Internet of Things (IoT) wherein more and more of our tools connect to the internet, our cars join the fray as well. Due to the great need our vehicles to also connect online, computer-like devices are nowadays installed in the vehicle to guide with multimedia, location, and other services. In a modern sense, our cars nowadays behave similarly as a computer, or more simply – a carputer.

Basically, a carputer is a device installed onto a vehicle that adds to its functionalities for the convenience of the user. Such computers are capable of playing multimedia, providing GPS, displaying a feed from dash cameras, among others. Such capabilities are made possible because of sensors such as cameras and GPS trackers. Due to the numerous devices, the computer is connected to, it makes use of several standard interfaces including USB and Bluetooth. The computer must employ correct protocols in data communication to ensure fast transmission of data from the sensors for it to also display onto the user in a timely manner.

Currently, there are three available types of carputers for installation on any vehicle capable of having sensors:

[1] The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) infotainment systems come in the form of touchscreens that provide information on climate control, navigation, multimedia, and can access the internet.

[2] The aftermarket head units function similarly to the OEM computers but are more suited for older vehicle models. As such, they are relatively cheaper than the OEM models and make use of fewer premium components.

[3] The DIY carputers are assembled by the user himself. These custom-built computers have components carefully selected based on the user’s needs and as such, are more scalable than the other two types readily sold in the market. They can even surpass the capabilities of the OEM if the user wishes it, allowing it to be capable of more demanding multimedia such as video games.

Having carputers installed in your vehicle can have several benefits. Carputer’s multimedia capabilities make it more enjoyable for the user when using the car. Navigational tools such as GPS and map viewers can immensely help the driver when going through unfamiliar locations, obsoleting the use of confusing paper maps.

However, carputers cost a lot, and repairs are expected since they are used for long periods of time. Replacing car computers also costs a lot. The carputer and its sensors also consume car battery, taking away needed power to run the vehicle in times of emergency. Lastly, over-dependence on the carputer’s capabilities can also render the driver useless once these services suddenly become unavailable. And these situations can occur frequently since not all locations have mobile data and GPS access.

Overall, the carputer is a step forward for our automobiles into the smart era. It comes in several types depending on the user’s preferences. It can open the door to many functionalities for the vehicle, but keep in mind that the driver must not depend too much on these gadgets.  

AC/Heating, Auto Parts, Body Repairs, Brakes, Electrical Systems, Electronics, Engine Repairs, Routine Maintenance, Suspension & Steering, Tire and Wheels, Transmission, Types of Cars

The Common Auto Body Repair Problems

Car paint problems can be quite a headache; these are not only annoying eyesores, but they could also be hiding bigger problems. Moreover, a new appointment with a car care expert is the only way to solve it. But if you get proper technique and preparation, it is possible to get these fixed.

Read on for a list of top automotive paint issues and how to solve them.

Fish eye

Fish eyes look the part, resembling crater-like round openings that may appear after you spray your primer or paint onto a surface that has traces of wax, silicone, grease or oil. Avoid fish eyes by thoroughly cleaning the vehicle before you paint it. You may use grease remover if necessary. Fixing fish eyes usually means more work, as you would need to sand and repair the affected area.

Orange peel

When a spray gun is set to too low a pressure or the paint is not reduced, the result is uneven appearance resembling that of the texture of orange fruit. And there is no way to justify the look!

Avoid orange peel by using a proper painting technique. Before you begin, it’s good to assemble the sprayer, and adjust the pressure properly. During the painting, the sprayer has to be held at a proper distance angle for a more refined finish. Just like the fish eye, an orange peel can cost quite an amount, as the error can only be fixed through wet sanding, polishing, and repainting.

Fading Car Paint

When the gloss or shine of the finish dulls as it dries, the effect is faded car paint. The best way to tend to a car’s finish is to park in a garage or carport, aside from a regular car wash. A regular wax will also help the original color of the car to last longer. There is no need to sand and repaint faded car paint, but you can try a clay bar first to get rid of dirt and oxidation, then retain the sheen by polishing the surface.

Mismatching paint color

Are you worrying over off-base color? Find the correct color code of the vehicle inside the door jam on the driver’s side. Use this tip as a guide for choosing car colors. A HIP TIP – a factory color will need to be adjusted if you plan to match faded paint. Fix a botched paint job with the help of factory matched color for the affected areas.

Bleeding

This type of Bleeding is way complex from the color bleeding of clothes. The new topcoat’s solvent unexpectedly dissolves pigments that are soluble in the original coat. Avoid bleeding by cleaning the surface before sanding. Exercise caution when painting the vehicle on a lighter shade versus its original one. Most importantly, use a quality primer/sealer before applying the new color to the vehicle. This way, any bleeding can be stopped. If it’s too late and you need to resolve bleeding, try isolating the area by using a good sealer and primer. Another option is to take off the paint and refinish with a better primer and top paint.

These common auto body paint repair problems can punch a hole through your wallet and time. Cliche as it sounds, prevention is always better than the cure. And the best prevention scheme is to have better preparation and painting technique to preempt paint issues. Putting your money on quality painting supplies can not just help you avoid car paint problems, but also get your car a flawless finish.