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Ultimate Guide to Car Sensors - Types and Functions
Most modern cars have a lot of sensors, which are used to keep an eye on and control different parts of the car. Aside from making sure that the car works well and normally, the information that these sensors send to the driver and the computer systems inside the car is very important. Today, car sensors are an essential part of the technology in modern cars. They are used in the measurement of a number of variables, including airflow, fuel level, tire pressure, speed, and many others.
On this page we will give a complete list of some of the most common car sensors found in cars. This knowledge can be beneficial for car enthusiasts and mechanics who are wanting to get a better understanding of the inner workings of cars. Also, this information can be helpful for anybody who is interested in learning more about the technology that is behind their car.
What is a car sensor?
Most modern cars have a variety of sensors, and each one is important for making sure the car is safe and comfortable. Sensors are small electronic devices that detect and respond to changes in the environment, converting those changes into electrical signals that a car’s onboard computer can understand. This information is put to use to operate a variety of the car’s systems and components.
A car is equipped with a wide variety of sensors, each of which serves a unique purpose in the car. Some of the most common sensors in modern cars are the oxygen sensor, the mass airflow sensor, the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor, the speed sensor, and the proximity sensor. These sensors are used to monitor a variety of aspects of the car, including the performance of the engine, the amount of fuel that is used, the quantity of carbon dioxide that is produced, and the effectiveness of the systems that help the driver.
Types of car sensors
In a modern car, there are many sensors that are all meant to keep an eye on different parts of the car’s performance and its surroundings.
List of all the car sensors you might find in a typical modern car:
- Oxygen sensor (O2 sensor)
- Mass airflow sensor (MAF)
- Throttle position sensor (TPS)
- Manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP)
- Engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT)
- Knock sensor
- Camshaft position sensor (CMP)
- Vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
- Transmission fluid temperature sensor
- Fuel level sensor
- Fuel pressure sensor
- Fuel temperature sensor
- Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor
- Brake fluid level sensor
- Brake pad wear sensor
- Brake pad wear sensor
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Parking assist sensors
- Rain sensor
- Light sensor
- Ambient temperature sensor
- Battery temperature sensor
- Battery voltage sensor
- Oil pressure sensor
- Oil temperature sensor
- Steering angle sensor
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Lane departure warning system (LDWS) sensor
- Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) sensor
Oxygen sensor (O2 sensor)
The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust to help regulate fuel injection and reduce emissions.
Mass airflow sensor (MAF)
The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air going into the engine so that fuel injection can be controlled and the engine’s performance can be improved.
Throttle position sensor (TPS)
The throttle position sensor checks where the throttle is to help control how well the engine works and uses less gas.
Manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP)
A manifold absolute pressure sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold to help control fuel injection and improve engine performance.Engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT)
The engine coolant temperature monitors the temperature of the engine coolant to help control the engine’s performance and keep it from overheating.
Knock sensor
When the engine knocks or detonates, the knock sensor adjusts the timing and fuel injection to protect the engine.Camshaft position sensor (CMP)
The camshaft position sensor checks where the camshaft is to help control the timing of the fuel injection and ignition.
Vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
The vehicle speed sensor measures the speed of the vehicle to help control the transmission and ABS systems.Transmission fluid temperature sensor
The transmission fluid temperature sensor checks the temperature of the transmission fluid to help control how well the transmission works and keep it from breaking down.Fuel level sensor
The fuel level sensor measures the amount of fuel in the tank and sends the information to the fuel gauge on the dashboard.Fuel pressure sensor
The fuel pressure sensor monitors the fuel pressure in the fuel rail to help control fuel injection and optimize engine performance.Fuel temperature sensor
The fuel temperature sensors measure the temperature of the fuel to help control fuel injection and optimize engine performance.Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor
EGT measures the temperature of the exhaust gases to improve engine performance and reduce pollution.Brake fluid level sensor
The brake fluid level sensor monitors the level of brake fluid in the reservoir and sends an alert to the driver if the level is low.Brake pad wear sensor
A brake pad wear sensor detects when the brake pads are worn and sends an alert to the driver to replace them.Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor
The tire pressure monitoring system monitors the tire pressure and sends an alert to the driver if the pressure is low or high.Parking assist sensors
The parking assist sensor detects obstacles and provides visual or audible alerts to the driver during parking.Rain sensor
Detects the amount of rain on the windshield and adjusts the speed of the wipers accordingly.Light sensor
The headlights get brighter or dimmer depending on how much light is outside the car. This is done by a sensor that measures how much light is outside the car.Ambient temperature sensor
This sensor monitors the temperature outside the car and sends the information to the climate control system to adjust the temperature inside the car.Battery temperature sensor
The battery temperature sensor checks the temperature of the battery so that charging can be controlled, and the battery doesn’t get too hot or overcharged.Battery voltage sensor
It measures the battery’s voltage to help keep an eye on the charging system and keep the battery from dying.Oil pressure sensor
The oil pressure sensor measures the oil pressure in the engine to protect the engine from damage and make it run as well as possible. This works with oil pressure gauge.
Oil temperature sensor
Oil temperature sensors measure how hot the engine oil is to help the engine run better and avoid damage.Steering angle sensor
The steering angle sensor measures the angle and speed of the steering wheel to help control the stability and handling of the vehicle.Accelerometer
Accelerometers measure how fast a vehicle moves and how fast it slows down. This helps the driver control the vehicle’s stability and traction.Gyroscope
The gyroscope measures how the vehicle is turning and how it is positioned. This helps the driver keep the vehicle stable and in control.Lane departure warning system (LDWS) sensor
The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) sensor uses cameras or sensors to monitor the lane.Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) sensor
The blind-spot monitoring (BSM) sensor is a radar or ultrasonic sensor that is attached to the back of the car and warns the driver of a possible accident in the blind spot.CrankShaft Position sensor
Conclusion
In the end, car sensors are important parts of modern car technology that help monitor and control different parts of the car. These sensors provide real-time data on engine performance, fuel levels, tire pressure, and environmental conditions, among other things. By understanding the different types of sensors found in cars and their functions, car enthusiasts, mechanics, and drivers can gain a better understanding of the inner workings of their vehicles and how to maintain and optimize their performance.