The Auto Computer-Hype or Fact

Driving in the US and in Europe has become relatively easier with the coming of auto computers.  Technology has introduced systems which were unheard of a decade ago like the antilock brakes and stability controls which have done their bit in bringing down the number of fatal accident to all time lows in recent times.   So one would imagine that car manufacturers are looking at a future where driving would be safe and with cars which are smart.  However, now a fresh worry seems to be bothering car manufacturers: the computer malfunction. Auto computers are now being open to attacks, according to the latest research by a leading transportation research authority.

Let's take a step back and look at how auto computers have come to be so much a part of the automobile.  Automation in manufacture, driving and servicing have all become possible with computer aided processes. Most new generation vehicles have an auto computer that does most of the functions that would otherwise be done manually in the older vehicles.

Right from opening and closing the vehicle doors, stability and steering controls, speed checks, global positioning, temperature controls, even to the extent of auto-driving, everything is controlled by the auto computer. It warns you if the tires are under inflated, of the hazards in front and the rear, if you have sufficient fuel, plays music or videos on demand, helps mobile communication and virtually almost everything that would have, otherwise, done manually. Now that's a boon but just hang on.

Is the auto computer infallible? No, it isn't. With all its checks and controls, there have been many instances of car manufacturers calling back their cars for system errors and device malfunctioning. In 2010Toyotarecalled over 2 million cars due to a gas pedal issue and over 4 million cars across its various models of cars and trucks. Honda recalled over 2 million cars globally across its various models for defective devices since 2008.

All the same, in the future auto computers will remain an essential part of the automobile.  The huge drop in deaths in car accidents is directly linked to control systems such as the antilock brakes.  The newer cars that will roll out will have more electronic features for safety, convenience and comfort.

What worries car experts and manufacturers alike is not just a computer system in the car crashing but the danger of a virus attack or being hacked into.  Researchers have proved that it is possible to hack into auto computers either by entering the car physically or with the help of wireless technology.  It is possible for the hacker to stall the engine and damage the brakes.

The auto computers in the cars have been designed so far without any thought being given to security of these computer systems since this was a need not felt.  Car manufacturers are now examining microprocessors from model to model and car to the Net connections.  The issue here would be to quickly find a solution to safeguard vehicles from cyber attacks.