Grille

When it comes to the marketability of an automobile, aesthetics is as important as performance. Sometimes the success of a car model is dependent on its physical attractiveness. Most buyers tend to be impressed by the external appearance. Hence, it is not surprising why car manufacturers invest on the aesthetics. The appearance of a new car model may break or make its economic viability. People will always choose the more beautiful car model over an ordinary-looking vehicle – provided that the two car models have the same level of performance. Aesthetic is a marketing factor that determines the market success of an automobile. The grille, for instance, is an important component that contributes to the overall appeal of an automobile.

Grilles are standard decorative components of automobiles. They are some of the readily identifiable features of cars. Some new car models are even categorized based on their grilles. Superficial as they are, grilles cannot be eliminated without radically changing the overall aesthetics of cars. The front areas of cars will look ridiculously bare without grilles. They are comparable to facial features that identify a person. On the other hand, you can personalize your car by simply customizing the grille. You can choose the shape, size, design, and finish motif of your car.

The grille is a simple structure found on the front area of the engine compartment of your car. It serves the dual roles of being a decorative component and a protective structure. As a decorative component, it accentuates and complements the overall finish of your car. In most cases, grilles are chrome-plated structures. Chrome is a classic finish that is not conspicuous but also not too subdued. As protective component, on the other hand, the grille protects the internal structures against road grits and projectiles. It also serves as access for exchange of airflow. Hot air exits through the spaces of the grille while fresher, cooler air is drawn in.

Radio Frequency Interference

Modern automobiles are not only mere mechanical contraptions. Their operations are also regulated by electrical and electronic components. The process of combustion is initiated, sustained and regulated by electrical and electronic components. Most important of these components is the ECU or engine control system. As the name suggests, it is the built-in computer that controls the operation of the engine. It automates the process of combustion so that it can be more precise and efficient. It is the system that regulates the air intake rate, the spark plug timing rate, and the fuel injection rate. It automatically responds to the mechanical demands of the engine. However, it is susceptible to the radio frequency interference produced by the spark plugs.

Radio frequency interference is the result of the high-voltage electrical discharges of the spark plugs. Although the ECU controls the ignition system, including the spark plugs, it can adversely be affected by radio frequency interference. It can malfunction, leading to engine breakdown and fuel inefficiency. As an electronic system, the ECU can easily be disrupted by radio frequency waves. It can misinterpret data and can inaccurately send signals to the ignition components. If the interpretation of data is inaccurate, the response of the ECU will also be inaccurate.

Radio frequency interference is the direct result of the oscillation of the magnetic field and electrical field. The high-voltage current flowing in the spark plugs and the ignition wires produces magnetic and electrical fields. These fields are perpendicular to each other. When these fields oscillate, radio waves are propagated. Since the distributor rotor alternately distributes the current, it results to current oscillations that also lead to field oscillations. The oscillations create weak radio frequency waves. To prevent these waves from interrupting the operation of the ECU, the ignition system have special, multi-layered insulations. In this manner, the precision and efficiency of the engine is preserved.