We take a lot of innovations for granted nowadays in our cars, which were luxury items in the past. Items such as anti-lock brakes, air bags, and even seat belts were simply novelties not too long ago. Now, many new cars include those, along with other features not even dreamed of in the past. Even the most experienced auto mechanics are always learning of new technologies, tools and techniques to increase a car's safety and performance. Innovations are fast becoming more than just features, but a source of pride and joy among car enthusiasts. There are so many upgrades available nowadays, that even top auto mechanics can sometimes have a hard time keeping up with it all. Here are some new innovations that will be making their way into cars within the next few years (if they have not made it there already!):
Autonomous Driving Innovations Continue to Develop
Stability controls are already an option for many late model vehicles. However, the increased demand for more autonomy in vehicles has driven several advances in autonomous stability and control. For example, electronic stability controls will slow individual wheels during a turn to keep your car on course. Other innovations help keep a car safely in its own lane, or assist drivers with braking. Often times, the computer can react faster and more decisively than a human can. One example of a big step forward in the next year or two will be trials of multiple autonomous car techniques. One of these techniques is called 'platooning'. When platooning, convoys of driverless vehicles follow in line to help reduce overall highway congestion and save fuel by drafting each other. It is the hope of car developers that continued innovations in autonomous vehicles will help keep more cars out of the auto mechanic shop and on the road. In fact, Ford already announced its plan to mass-produce autonomous vehicles by 2021. Google and Tesla are also making significant progress toward producing road-legal driverless cars. While driverless cars themselves won't populate the road within the next year or two, the direction these developments are going certainly seems clear.
Saving Money and Increasing Safety With 3D printing
Within the next few years, 3D printing will begin to appear in areas for commercial applications. One of these applications is constructing car components for mainstream car makers. 3D printing is making it much easier and more cost-effective to build increasingly complicated car parts. The 3D printers themselves are becoming easier and better to use than ever before. They are also using innovative new materials that push the boundaries of weight and strength. In the world of auto repair, this means that auto mechanics of the future can simply "print" a custom auto part, rather than special ordering them. 3D Printing may even challenge today's fundamental approach to car design. Currently, engineers build and design cars with the ability to withstand a few crashes. They also engineer cars so they can last for several years. However, 3D printing will soon enable technicians and auto mechanics to 'print' car parts for use with their vehicles. They could also cost-effectively ‘print' a piece of a car body or any other part on the spot. 3D printing could radically change our concept of auto repair as we know it.
Increased Auto Status Monitoring Makes for a Smart Car
The number of sensors within a vehicle has increased steadily since the early 60s. Currently, cars are manufactured with numerous sensors, which supply lots of information on your vehicle's condition. A car now uses a separate computer on-board to make sense of it all. Engines have started using this data to keep running at peak efficiency. For example, in 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration required car manufacturers to add a a tire-pressure monitoring system to all new passenger vehicles. Sensors at the wheels alert you if the air pressure is too low with a sound, a warning light, or both. In the future, you can see more sensors being placed everywhere throughout an engine. This will help auto mechanics get an even more detailed picture of your car's insides. In addition, increased digital connectivity means that the data from these sensors can be transmitted not only to your phone, but to your auto mechanic, who can make a much better diagnosis of your vehicle.
Run-Flat Tires and Other Car Tire Advances Keep you on the Road
You've probably seen or heard of run-flat tires already. These car tires allow a vehicle to continue to run after the tire punctures, for up to 50-plus miles. In the next few years, you will see more cars with run-flat tires as the standard, and not just an option. In fact, most luxury cars already offer run-flat car tires as standard equipment. There are more innovations coming to your tires, from tank tread-like multi-functional tilting wheels to sophisticated electronic sensors in the treads to improve alignment and measure wear
Get the Latest Car Upgrades With the Best Auto Mechanics in LA
With new technology comes new tools and skills required to install and maintain those upgrades. And when you need the best vehicle upgrades in the Los Angeles area, come to the #1 auto service company for the past 29 years: West Coast Tire and Service. Their knowledgeable auto mechanics have been keeping up on the latest trends for all kinds of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. With a quality auto mechanic on your team, you can be sure technology will always be on your side, for you and your ride.