For many people, the sound of a car engine start is synonymous with the smell of gasoline. But what about today’s cars? Most of us are familiar with electronic ignition, which was first introduced in the 1960s. What is electronic ignition and why did it become popular? Electronic ignition systems rely on computer-controlled spark plugs to start your car. This system has several benefits, including greater fuel efficiency and decreased emissions. So, when did cars get electronic ignition and what are its benefits? Read on to learn more!
History of Cars and Electronic Ignition
For many years, cars were powered by gasoline and coal. Electric motors were developed in the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that they became common in automobiles. At first, electric starters were used, but this method was unreliable and often required manual intervention to start the car.
In 1938, GM developed an electronic ignition system that allowed the engine to be started automatically without any operator involvement. The system was initially only available on high-end models, but within a few years it had become standard on all vehicles. Today, electronic ignition is still the most common method for starting engines in cars.
How Electronic Ignition Works
Electronic ignition systems are now the standard in modern cars. This system runs using a computer to control the spark plugs, much like engines used to. The advantage of this system is that it is much more reliable than a traditional spark-ignition system. In fact, electronic ignition has been found to be almost twice as reliable as a traditional system!
Another benefit of electronic ignition is that it produces less pollution. Older spark-ignition cars relied on the combustion process to produce nitrogen oxides and other pollutants. Electronic ignition eliminates the need for this process, which means that car emissions are lower.
Advantages of Electronic Ignition
Electronic ignition has a number of advantages over traditional ignition systems. First and foremost, electronic ignition is less likely to suffer from the “knocking” noise that can be caused by worn or defective spark plugs. Second, electronic ignition is much more efficient than traditional systems, meaning that it uses less fuel to produce the same amount of power. Finally, electronic ignition is resistant to tampering, meaning that it can’t be easily disabled or hacked.
Disadvantages of Electronic Ignition
Electronic ignition has several advantages over traditional ignition systems, but there are also some disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is that electronic engines require more frequent tune-ups and repairs because they are susceptible to failure due to electrical interference. This can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and shortened engine life. Another disadvantage of electronic ignition is that it can be difficult to diagnose problems with the system.
Conclusion
Automobiles have been getting electronic ignition since the early 1900s. This gave cars a much faster and more reliable start, which in turn led to increased safety and fuel efficiency. Today, most modern cars use electronic ignition, and it is still one of the most important advances in automotive technology.