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Vehicles, both cars and trucks, have improved drastically since they were first introduced back in the early 1900′s. Many aspects about driving a car have also changed. Roads, which used to be dirt, are now paved and smooth (at least comparatively). We go far further in our cars today than they did in the beginning. We use our cars for many more things than they did when they first came out.

Of all of the changes in the car over the years, perhaps none has been more important than the advent of the engine computer. The Engine computer module (ECM) was invented and introduced into cars in large part to improve the efficiency in the way an engine performs. The main benefit of that improved performance is the lower emissions put off by the cars which pose environmental concerns.

A side benefit of the desire to improve the emissions of our cars is the increased gas mileage. The gas mileage of our vehicles has continued to improve as engine computers have improved in their performance. While some people do not care as much about the environment, they will never complain about the improved gas mileage.

The emissions of vehicles have been and continue to be a large issue and point of discussion. The impact on the environment that our cars have is a concern. However, the ECM has been and will continue to be a large factor in the improvement of emission levels. The ECM does this by continually adjusting the fuel, air and spark to the condition of the driving. This reduces the pollution of the vehicle.

The ECM can also alert drivers to potential problems with the engine before they become a problem. The computer, when it discovers a problem, sends a signal to the instrument cluster to turn on the check engine light. A code then is stored that your auto mechanic can recover to know what the problem is and get it fixed.

Another job of the engine control module is to monitor other aspects relating to the engine. The ECM alerts the instrument cluster when there is a problem of something operating out of normal parameters, such as the engine coolant temperature or the oil level. The instrument cluster then will turn on the appropriate light signaling to the driver a potential problem. The ECM also stores a trouble code that a mechanic can retrieve in the diagnosis of the problem so that they can fix it.

The engine computer is perhaps the most important improvement on cars out of any other improvements that have been made over the years. Ironically, the engine computer is also the least visible to the general public.

Only time will tell what improvements will be made to cars in the future. We perhaps have a glimpse of the next thing in the recently announced Chevy volt, which combines the concept of an electric car with that of gas powered engines. It claims to get 230 miles per gallon in city driving. The car is due out in 2010.