Innovative automotive technology a blessing

Every now and then, I hear someone complain about the complexity of today’s motor vehicles. A typical anti-technology phrase is, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to.” My response to that sentiment is: Thank goodness!

My lifetime involvement with automobiles makes me thankful for the constant industry upgrades over the decades — most of which are far superior to the “old ways.” Many of my current favorites are features I would hate to live without, and some of the future ones will be even handier.

The continuous stream of manufacturer innovation has given us safer, more efficient vehicles that run and drive better than ever. Of course some of the best ideas from the last 20 years have become the norm, and some new picks will certainly follow suit.

Here’s some of the stuff I most appreciate:

Fuel Injection

This is how we got rid of carburetors — good riddance! Not that long ago, our morning start-up procedure included a pump or two of the throttle. That set the “automatic choke,” which was automatically too lean or too rich. That’s why our cars used to take stop signs too literally, with their too-low idles; or sit there and puff out black smoke, with their gas-rich mixtures. Modern fuel injection delivers the optimum fuel/air ratio for all running situations.

Solid-state Ignition

With this gem, we said goodbye to distributor points — the little set of contacts that were difficult to set, held settings poorly, and were subject to pitting and wear. Electronic, solid-state ignitions are virtually lifetime items now.

Computer Engine Management

A computer, along with fuel injection and electronic ignition, further coupled with a throttle position sensor, oxygen sensor, and other engine sensors, keeps fuel mixture and ignition timing at ideal settings. Whether the vehicle is cold or warm, driving or idling, things work properly — and you don’t have to touch the gas pedal for start-up!

Disc Brakes

These brake systems, superior to drum brakes, have been standard on front wheels for years, and are becoming more prevalent on the rear wheels. The main advantage is their ability to dissipate heat and water. In the “old” days, it was common to have no usable brakes after driving through water. With discs, however, the continuous rubbing nature of the brake pads keeps the braking surface of the disc dry at all times. Because of their inability to dissipate heat effectively, drum brakes are more subject to “fade,” or loss of effectiveness after heavy braking. Rear brakes do less of the work than front brakes, so rear drums are adequate for many cars. Performance cars, and heavy vehicles, however, are now commonly equipped with 4-wheel discs.

Overdrive Transmissions

Several years ago, I wondered if the Japanese cars were going to make six or seven-speed transmissions before Detroit decided that five was better than four. Fortunately, they saw the light, and now not only do most manual transmissions have a fifth-gear, but it is an overdrive ratio. The final gear in modern automatics transmissions is also overdriven. An overdrive gear simply lets the engine turn at slower RPM when you reach cruising speed. This helps increase fuel economy and reduce engine wear.

Base Coat/Clear Coat Urethane Paint

This new paint system experienced some growing pains in the late ‘80s, when the clear coat often peeled off of the base (color) coat. Now the chemists seem to have gotten it right and the durability and shine are superior to older lacquers and enamels.

New Stuff on the Horizon:

•LED lighting. Light-emitting diodes are superior to incandescent bulbs as they are brighter, run cooler, use less power, and last longer. We are already seeing them used in high-mount stoplights on common cars, and even as headlights and dash lights on exotic models.

•Cylinder cutouts and variable valve timing. Back in 1981, Cadillac tried this with the V-8-6-4. It didn’t work so slick then, but new technology will control how valves open and close, or whether they open at all, cutting power when it’s not needed.

•Six-speed transmissions. Performance and economy are enhanced with the addition of gears. Both manual and automatic transmissions are headed in this direction.

•Active suspension. Computer-controlled suspension component pricing is coming down, allowing this technology, which began in the performance/luxury segment, to now enter the SUV market. This adaptive system could greatly reduce the rollover tendency of these top-heavy vehicles.

•Hybrids. The jury is still out as to whether these gasoline-electric hybrids are here to stay, but manufacturers are scurrying to develop models similar to the ones already produced by Ford, Honda, and Toyota.

•Carbon fiber body panels. These light, super-strong panels show up in race cars, and production performance cars like the Viper and Corvette. As cost mediates, expect them to show up elsewhere in the industry.

I’m all for the preservation of classics, but vehicles that are over 20 years old simply don’t measure up to the later versions when it comes to everyday driving.

Safety, efficiency, and convenience will influence the features appearing in our new cars. I’m looking forward to them, and every time I use the remote to lock or unlock my vehicle, I’ll be thankful for the passing of “the good old days.”