Modern Cars (a brief rant)

"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
06/27/2018 at 14:57 • Filed to: rant

I’ve actually written on Oppo how I don’t think all the complexities of modern cars is something to truly groan about. Modern cars are pretty great in just about every way, and they tend to be extremely reliable for many years . I feel at least a little qualified to make a comparison as I vary between a 2003 BMW, a 2012 Volvo, and a 1961 Ford as daily drivers.

But today, our 2012 Volvo was in the shop for a replacement of the radiator anti-tamper sensor , yes that’s a thing, and the part that goes into the radiator broke. Coolant leaking. Long story short, it needs a new radiator. The shop is being apologetic and also very reasonable about this, but let’s back up a second. This is all because the car has a sensor to determine the genuine Volvo-ness of the radiator, and the sensor, not the radiator , failed. Now we’re without the car for probably the weekend while we wait for the part to come in.

This, right as we JUST sold my wife’s car, so we’re down to the ‘03 wagon and the ‘61 Ford as our only vehicles, while yesterday we had the Volvo and the ‘07 X3. Funny how that works. Mind you, I truly cannot complain about having four vehicles being whittled down to two, but still. This thing with the Volvo just.... why. Why!

DISCUSSION (9)

diplodicus > functionoverfashion
06/27/2018 at 15:12

Had to look up more on that. Apparently they use it because the radiator has a coating that converts ozone that comes into contact with the radiator into oxygen. Wild.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > functionoverfashion
06/27/2018 at 15:14

That is unreasonable, but also not surprising. Manufacturers of all things, not just cars, are always finding new ways to make sure you come to them for parts and service. Some of this is a consequence of increased technology, some of it is intentional DRM/ fuckery.

The future is awesome sometimes.

Other times not so much.

Decay buys too many beaters > functionoverfashion
06/27/2018 at 15:14

Reason #5875570 why I find myself drawn more to motorcycles every day.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > diplodicus
06/27/2018 at 15:36

Okay, I get why you would need an ant-tamper sensor for that, but like... why s that a thing? I’m assuming it’s the same vanadium catayst that’s in a catalytic converter, but... why the radiator?

diplodicus > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
06/27/2018 at 15:45

AFAIK it’s just to reduce air pollution.

TorqueToYield > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
06/27/2018 at 16:11

Apparently the radiator breaks down ozone back into oxygen. The outside of the radiator.

http://europe.autonews.com/article/19980622/ANE/806220837/volvo-installs-smog-eating-radiator

That’s pretty amazing actually, the Volvo is reducing pollution as it drives (just ignore the tailpipe, but still). Pretty darn cool.

TheRealBicycleBuck > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
06/27/2018 at 16:17

It’s because of smog.

http://europe.autonews.com/article/19980622/ANE/806220837/volvo-installs-smog-eating-radiator

functionoverfashion > diplodicus
06/27/2018 at 16:44

Yes, and the sensor just senses that it’s the right kind of radiator... I believe it was also causing my “charging system failure” message as those are on the same LIN segment.

functionoverfashion > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
06/27/2018 at 21:26

Well said; it’s cool that I can hook up my laptop to my car and see all kinds of things about what’s going on. On the other hand, it’s cool that I can fix my truck with simple hand tools, every time. And it will never leave me stranded due to a failed sensor. My Volvo also has nice features that my truck does not, such as doors that lock.

Driving my truck while the Volvo is in the shop is like cooking on a wood-fired kitchen range when you’re used to a gas stove. It’s cool. It’s reliable. It’s not faster or better. Side note; my parents have a working kitchen range in their house and they do use it sometimes. It’s awesome.