What is the function of CAN in cars?
2 Answers
The function of CAN in cars is to connect multiple control units such as the car dashboard, transmission, auxiliary braking system, ECU, control modules, and various sensors together to achieve real-time synchronization of information. The CAN communication system significantly reduces the electrical wiring in the vehicle, lowering the cost, weight, and space occupied by cables. Car maintenance items: 1. Replace engine oil and oil filter, clean the air filter, check the generator belt and wiper blades for damage; 2. Check the levels of various fluids to ensure they are normal; 3. Check tire pressure for normal levels, and inspect tires for uneven wear, bulges, or damage; 4. Inspect the car chassis, including brake pads, brake discs, connecting rods, ball joints, and CV joints for any scratches; 5. Check all switches and lights in the car to ensure they are working properly.
I've been driving for twenty years, and I feel that the CAN function in cars is like the nervous system of the vehicle, enabling various electronic components to communicate with each other. It connects the engine control unit, braking system, dashboard, and other components, exchanging data in real-time to ensure smooth operation. For example, when you press the brake, the ABS anti-lock braking system receives signals via CAN to coordinate wheel forces and prevent skidding. Without CAN, older vehicles relied on a mess of wires, which were prone to failure; now, it's simplified, and reliability has improved significantly. During repairs, connecting a scanner to the OBD diagnostic port allows reading fault codes to pinpoint the issue, such as an overheating engine triggering a warning light. This feature became widespread in the 1980s, making driving safer and smarter while reducing human error. If CAN fails, the entire vehicle could malfunction, so regular checks on ECU health are crucial.
