Why can't ETC be removed?
4 Answers
Due to varying toll rates for different vehicle models on highways, ETC is designed for exclusive use with a specific vehicle, ensuring a one-to-one correspondence between the device and the vehicle. The anti-removal feature is implemented to guarantee accurate toll collection. Therefore, ETC cannot be removed and lent to other vehicles; once detached, it will immediately become inactive. Relevant information about ETC is as follows: 1. Introduction: ETC is an Electronic Toll Collection system for automatic charging on highways or bridges without requiring vehicles to stop. 2. Working Principle: ETC operates through dedicated short-range communication between the onboard ETC electronic tag installed on the vehicle and the ETC microwave antenna on the toll station lane. It utilizes computer networking technology to process backend settlements with banks, enabling vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping while still paying the required fees.
The ECU is essentially a computer box that controls engine functions like ignition and fuel injection. I can't just dismantle it casually, mainly because it's specifically programmed with data tailored to each vehicle model. If you remove and reinstall it, the system might get scrambled, causing the car to fail to start or fuel consumption to skyrocket. Like what happened to me as an experienced car owner—once I got itchy fingers and wanted to clean it, but after removal, the engine light kept flashing. The repair shop said it needed reprogramming, costing me several hundred bucks. Plus, with strict environmental regulations nowadays, tampering with the ECU might lead to excessive emissions, failing the annual inspection. I think a car is like a precision instrument—if you don't understand it, don't mess with it to avoid trouble and unnecessary expenses. Safe driving is the right way. Just let the mechanic check it during regular maintenance.
The ECU is like the brain of a car, processing signals from various sensors. Removing it requires specialized equipment for reprogramming and resetting; otherwise, parameter loss could leave the car completely immobilized. I once nearly tampered with it during a modification attempt, only to be warned by a mechanic friend that it could accidentally trigger the anti-theft system, preventing the key from starting the engine. Even more troublesome is the calibration issue—modern car ECUs are interconnected with the transmission and emission control systems. Randomly removing it can affect performance or even increase accident risks. Honestly, it's best not to touch it. Factory settings are already optimized, saving both money and hassle.
Oh, I know a bit about this. The ECU is a small box near the engine that controls how the car runs. Better not remove it, or the car might stop working. At my age, I prefer driving steadily, so I stopped my son who wanted to tinker with it when he was young and reckless. The mechanic once told me that messing with it might make the car not recognize the key, and you'd have to tow it for reprogramming, which takes time and money. Safety first, it's not worth ruining your own car.
