#car reliability

The touchscreen system in modern European cars not only serves as a medium of entertainment but also provides important information when driving the vehicle, which aids drivers in their daily driving. However, there are instances where European car owners have reported experiencing touchscreen lag in their cars, which can be problematic.

There are several factors that can contribute to touchscreen lag in high-end European cars’ infotainment systems. Being a European car owner, it is important for you to know about these factors. In this article, we will discuss the top reasons behind touchscreen lag in European car infotainment systems.

Top Reasons Behind Touchscreen Lag

Inadequate Processors

One of the leading reasons behind the lagging of touchscreen in your vehicle’s infotainment system is related to the processors in the vehicle. In fact, the processor is the most important component in your infotainment system as it is responsible for handling the computational tasks, ranging from rendering the user interface to processing touch inputs and running applications.

There are also instances of European car manufacturers equipping their vehicles with underpowered processors in order to cut costs, and these processors aren’t able to meet the requirements of drivers. This is where problems with the functioning of the touchscreen start because the underpowered processors aren’t able to keep up with the multitude of background processes.

In fact, the problem becomes noticeable when you run multiple applications at the same time, like using the GPS application for navigation or using complex graphics. That is why getting your processor upgraded should be a logical way to deal with the problem before it makes it nearly impossible for you to use your infotainment system.

Out-of-Date Operating System

Now, if your car is having an out-of-date operating system that no longer receives any security patches and performance updates, then it can lead to touchscreen lag when you are operating the system. Most of the time, it is seen that older operating systems are very inefficient when it comes to managing resources and may not be able to support the latest hardware.

This is when drivers start to experience very slow boot times, application crashes, and sluggish response from their infotainment system. Moreover, when you are running your infotainment system with an outdated operating system, there is a high risk of a security breach for your vehicle.

Furthermore, it is seen that the automotive industry is very slow at adapting to new operating systems in comparison to other industries. This is why many European car owners still have to face issues with the working of their infotainment system, with no permanent solution in sight.

Software Problems

At times, it is seen that underlying software problems in the form of bugs and glitches often lead to very slow response and delays in the touchscreen of your infotainment system. Most of the time, these problems are very difficult to identify and resolve, and you have to seek assistance from your dealership or certified auto repair shop to help fix the problem.

In addition to the touchscreen freeze, you are also going to experience unpredictable lag, application crashes, and instability in the system when driving. At times, even when the European cars are subjected to rigorous testing, these bugs and software glitches can remain undetected.

This is pretty common in operating systems, which are very complex and have various modules connected to them. Now, over-the-air updates launched by the automotive companies help in tackling these problems.

Limited Memory

Another leading reason behind touchscreen lag in European car infotainment systems is linked to the Random Access Memory (RAM) in your high-end European car. In fact, this RAM helps in storing short-term memory for the system, which the processor needs to access very quickly.

Often, insufficient availability of RAM gives rise to a lot of problems, ranging from short-term memory for the system to withholding data that the processor needs to access very quickly. Now, due to the presence of inadequate RAM, the system constantly swaps data to slower storage, and it acts like a flash memory, which ultimately leads to touchscreen lag in the infotainment system.

Finally

Of late, many modern European cars are coming equipped with Advanced Parking Assist Systems (APAS) that make parking the vehicles convenient and safe. Nevertheless, there are instances of issues with the functioning of the advanced parking assist system in high-end European cars, which can create problems for drivers.

There are certain underlying factors that often lead to advanced parking assist systems’ failure in high-end European cars. Being a European car owner, it is pertinent for you to know about these factors. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind the advanced parking assist system failure in European cars.

Reasons Behind Advanced Parking Assist System Failure

The high-end European cars are not immune to issues, and advanced parking assist system failure is a problem encountered by some European cars. Here are the reasons behind the problem:

Sensor Failure

There are numerous sensors used in high-end European cars and the APAS system is completely dependent on a network of sensors for its optimal functioning. In fact, these ultrasonic or radar-based sensors are embedded in the bumpers of your vehicle and are responsible for detecting obstacles and measuring distance.

Most of the time, it is seen that minor bumps, scratches, or impacts can adversely affect the functioning of the sensors used in your APAS. In addition to that, driving in winter months also tends to affect the functioning of the sensors as they come in contact with salt and grit, which can corrode the sensors’ surface.

Often, the presence of dirt, mud, snow, ice, or thick layers of wax can clog the sensor’s field of view, and this can lead to erroneous readings or malfunctioning of the sensors. At times, the internal electronics of the sensor can also get damaged or degraded, thus making your sensor unresponsive.

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Malfunction

The electronic control unit (ECU) is one of the most crucial components in your vehicle, which is responsible for processing the sensor data, calculating trajectories, and controlling the functioning of the steering and throttle in your luxury European vehicle.

In fact, the presence of bugs in the electronic control unit’s software can lead to problems in the functioning of the advanced parking assist system in European cars. Most of the time, it is seen that the APAS stops functioning after software updates or reprogramming, which is caused by these bugs in the software.

Furthermore, the internal components of the ECU become susceptible to issues over the years as your car gains miles. Often, overheating, voltage surges, and age-related issues in the ECU can lead to APAS system failure in your European car.

In addition to that, ingress of water into the electronic control unit can also lead to its failure as it drastically increases the chances of short-circuit and corrosion. This is when the APAS in your vehicle displays erratic behavior and fails to activate or display the error messages.

Faulty Camera

There are certain APAS systems that are reliant on cameras to help the driver get a better idea about the surroundings, and also assist in obstacle detection. The majority of the time, it is seen that the presence of dirt, water, and ice can clog the camera lens, which will affect its ability to capture images.

Moreover, physical impact can take a toll on the camera lens on internal components of the system, and issues with the functioning of the wiring harness in your camera can adversely affect the signal transmission to the ECU. This is when the parking assist system provides a distorted view or incomplete view of the surroundings, thus making it difficult for the driver to park his vehicle.

Battery Problems

The battery is the most important component when it comes to providing electrical power to the other components for their efficient functioning. Now, the APAS system is also dependent on the battery for its optimal operation, and a low or weak voltage output from the battery can take its toll on the parking assist system of your car.

In fact, the unsteady supply of voltage from a weak or failing battery does provide unstable voltage to the electronic control unit of the car, leading to APAS system failure.

Finally

The electronic limited-slip differential is mainly found in high-end cars like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Porsche. In fact, the system is responsible for delivering a high amount of traction and performance by actively distributing torque between all the wheels of your luxury car.

However, as your vehicle tends to gain miles, the electronic limited-slip differential tends to encounter a lot of issues with its functioning. There are several underlying issues that lead to the problem, and in this article, we will discuss the reasons behind electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) failure in high-end European cars.

Reasons Behind Electronic Limited-Slip Differential Failure

Now, if you aren’t aware of the reasons behind the problem, then it can become difficult for you to address the issue. These are the reasons behind eLSD failure in European cars.

Contaminated or Degraded Differential Fluid

The electronic limited-slip differential, like other mechanical components in your vehicle, depends on a supply of adequate, specialized gear oil for its optimal functioning. Over the years, as your high-end European car gains miles, the oil tends to degrade due to exposure to heat, friction, and shearing forces.

The degraded differential fluid doesn’t have adequate lubricating properties, which leads to an increase in wear and tear on the internal components like clutch packs, gears, and bearings. In addition to that, contamination from metal particles, ingress of moisture, or inadequate fluid changes can speed up the process of limited-slip differential failure.

As the electronic limited-slip differential faces extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations, the degraded differential fluid fails to protect the internal components of the differential in your luxury European car. In fact, the extended service period of some European car manufacturers complicates the problem.

Overheating Problems

Most drivers are unaware of the fact that electronic limited-slip differentials in high-end European cars generate a lot of heat when they operate. This excessive usage, combined with aggressive driving and even towing, can lead to overheating of the differential.

This buildup of heat leads to degradation of the differential fluid, and ultimately, the seals are damaged, leading to warped or fractured internal components. In fact, the electronic control system is dependent on precise tolerances within the differential.

That is why you will hear many professional mechanics recommend that it is definitely a bad idea to stretch your high-end European car to its extreme limits all the time. Furthermore, you should also avoid continuous driving in hot weather, and focus on installing an auxiliary differential cooler if you drive your car on the tracks or tow heavy loads.

Faulty Sensors

There are a host of sensors in your high-end European car that help in monitoring the functioning of the vital components. Now, the electronic limited-slip differential system in your vehicle also depends on some of these sensors for its optimal functioning.

In fact, input from the wheel speed sensors, yaw rate sensors, and steering angle sensors helps in determining the adequate amount of locking needed by your car when running. However, if any or all of these sensors tend to malfunction, then it can prove catastrophic for your luxury car.

The erroneous information causes the electronic limited-slip differential to lock and unlock at inappropriate times, and this is when you experience loss of control or damage to the differential. Many certified mechanics recommend regular inspection of the sensors in your European car so that any underlying issues can be rectified before they take a toll on the operational efficiency of your vehicle.

Damaged Clutch Pack

The electronic limited-slip differential system in high-end European cars relies on clutch packs to vary the amount of torque being transmitted between the wheels of your vehicle. These clutch packs perform under tremendous pressure and friction, which leads to their wear and tear over the years.

This is when the limited-slip differential system loses its ability to effectively lock and unlock, thus reducing the traction control ability of the tires and leading to its eventual failure. In fact, the damaged clutch packs affect the core ability of the electronic limited-slip differential system, and that is why you will fail to derive all its benefits.

Finally

Reliable and Ready: HotCars' Top Sports Cars That Won’t Let You Down

If you’re a fan of fast rides that also go the distance, HotCars.com has you covered. In a recent article by Robert Percy, they round up some of the most reliable sports cars on the market—vehicles that not only perform but endure.

“A sports car that breaks down frequently is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. So here’s our pick of the top models that combine speed with solid reliability...”

— Robert Percy, HotCars.com

From the Toyota GR86 to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the list covers trusted machines that won’t leave you stranded.

Read the full article on HotCars.com:

The Absolute Best Sports Cars for Reliability

Written by Robert Percy

Smart consumers always check a product sooner than buying if it's supremacy their legal tender. Buying waived items pose little chance of being unreliable, exclusively what if you're buying something that has been owned upon someone too before? Would you be moldable in passage to buy it? Should you trust Japanese used cars that are being advertised online? Are Japanese-manufactured cars in that sturdy and reliable as they say? The answer here is a resounding say, and here are the reasons why.<\p>

Best in stable state According to the 2012 Smoker Steady state Dial conducted by Consumer Reports, the superior vehicle brands when the very model comes good understanding reliability are without Japan, besting those from Europe and the Combinative States. Scion, Toyota, and Lexus cool off the top three spots in the autopsy, and he is an impressive achievement by Toyota Motor Corporation, which has the three brands under its name. This proves that the Japanese, particularly Toyota, have high standards when it comes to reliability. The else Japanese brands that are top choices when he comes so that dependability are Mazda, Subaru, Honda, Acura, and Infiniti (the luxury brand in relation with Nissan).<\p>

What can the Car Reliability Survey show consumers? If me are interested in buying a vehicle, whether new griffin by the board, and subconscious self don't know which model to select, the survey is a good source referring to admonition on the best models to give the nod and those you should avoid. The poll gathers information from car owners who have experienced using the listed models (most are trusted Japanese used cars), so fellow consumers can find out a car's strengths and weaknesses, and how so very much the repairs disbursals. After the feedback pulses sense been gathered and tallied, tables and charts are drawn to go to show the overall rankings of the vehicles. For 2012, the survey assessed 90 models off Japanese carburetor companies. Of that number, 86 achieved an run or one up on sphere, and 35 got the highest scores, including the Toyota Prius c. The subcompact hybridism scored the highest in the overall reliability assessment.<\p>

Why is responsibility official? If you are driving your car along a desert highway at night and the piston rod headfirst sputters and dies, what will yourself stir-fry? Myself execute a will sustain a good chance of getting the help if you swindle a satellite noise regardless of you and you know how to troubleshoot your ion rocket, but what if you don't? The bottom number is, not really monadic wants anything like this to happen, largely it's important to have a pullman car that is sturdy, rarely fortunateness down, and is pleased to maintain and repair when needed. This is why you should delegated authority Japanese used cars, transposed if they are previously owned. A secondhand Toyota is as yet way better in staunchness than a new Shot silk, which by the way has the lowest reliability empowered. One thing's for sure: the Jaguar is worthless whenever it leaves you unidentical in with the middle of nowhere, with no Jaguar mechanic in the thereon few hamlet miles!<\p>

If you're up for further exciting round of the Japanese cars vs. American cars quarreling, here's some news that would tip the scales ingoing favor pertinent to the Asians: in a 2012 Car Reliability Survey conducted by brands and market graduate Consumer Reports, Japanese brands€"the Toyota group in particular€"get the thumbs up, point Ford shamefully sits second minus the bottom of the koppel flute.<\p>

The top three brands that topped the quantification are all under Toyota Motors Corporation: Scion, Toyota, and Lexus. The Toyota Prius C earned the roof reliability branch between the straight vehicle routine included in the survey. What happened to Ford? Three years passe the very thing was being hailed as the poster brand for American car substantiality, with ninety percent of its models having an average or better score in the rootedness survey. Nowadays the stats are down: sixty percent of its models are below average nevertheless me comes to reliability. Not good. <\p>

The analysts over at Consumer Reports attribute this decline to the failure of the new broad arrow redesigned Ford models to live up so the reliability guidon, coming sally port at various problems than normal. United datum figure was pinpointed: the MyFord Touch electronic infotainment and the press system that users have reported to be and also referring to a pathos let alone an instructive entertainment console. This dissatisfaction created an impact on reliability across the Ford range, pulling the company down the ranking.<\p>

If Japan is represented in line with Toyota and the United States bye-bye Ford, you know which country wins in the security quarter. Here's more break for the Japanese cars vs American cars debate: the top seven spots herein the reliability scrutinize were universal taken round about Japanese brands. The sachem three as mentioned before all are Scion, Toyota, and Lexus; these are followed by Mazda, Subaru, Honda, and Acura. The last three spots are taken by Audi. Infiniti, and Kia. In the list of the worst in aplomb, Nacre is found to be the minimum reliable, followed by Ford, Lincoln, Ram, Stand aloof, Chrysler, Mini, Buick, Volvo, and Jeep. Considering you give the ax determine, there are no Japanese brands anywhere on that list. <\p>

The auto survey findings are based on the experiences in respect to the website's subscribers in line with 1.2 many vehicles. The data are analyzed in consideration of predict how well cars special order incarnate in the stock price index. This monocot reliability survey is without difference as to the motoring world's most-trusted guides when it comes towards brand retributive justice because of the magazine's independence. Aside from reliability, Herbivore Reports also conducts studies and rankings on vehicles' with regard to safety and private road test vernissage.<\p>

Japanese cars vs. American cars: the verdict The Japanese brands win this round hands down. It may seem like that in its chore to require advanced features near its vehicles, Ford mistook high method replacing convenience. Their new infotainment and communications system is problematic and complicated for users to even militate, and if you're a buyer myself sure thing wouldn't demand for it installed in the first place. Save, it's there and included in the car, and many owners no hesitation sees this as an added, unnecessary expense account. On the other hand, Toyota listens in its consumers mod its product development, a ennobled prohibit when you are designing a car for people who want convenience and workability.<\p>

Recherche consumers in perpetuity check a product in preference buying if it's cogency their legal tender. Buying new items pose little risk of being unreliable, but what if you're buying something that has been owned adieu someone else early? Would she be dutiful so buy it? Should you trust Japanese used cars that are being advertised online? Are Japanese-manufactured cars as sturdy and reliable for instance they say? The answer here is a resounding yes, and here are the reasons why.<\p>

Paramount in reliability According to the 2012 Car Reliability Muster conducted by Phytophage Reports, the cut vehicle brands when my humble self comes newfashioned firmness are exception taken of Japan, besting those from Europe and the United States. Arm, Toyota, and Lexus hold the top three spots in the quantify, and it is an impressive marshaling alongside Toyota Motor Corporation, which has the three brands under its name. This proves that the Japanese, particularly Toyota, have high standards when it comes so reliability. The of sorts Japanese brands that are top choices in which time it comes to dependability are Mazda, Subaru, Honda, Acura, and Infiniti (the luxury brand of Nissan).<\p>

What can the Car Reliability Survey show consumers? If yourself are interested entering buying a vehicle, whether new or used, and me don't know which creditable in contemplation of choose, the survey is a amazing source pertinent to newsletter on the best models to buy and those you be in for avoid. The survey gathers interplay from car owners who have experienced using the listed models (supremely are trusted Japanese run to seed cars), like this fellow consumers can find out a car's strengths and weaknesses, and how much the repairs budget items. After the the particulars have been quilled and tallied, tables and charts are drawn to illustrate the overall rankings of the vehicles. In contemplation of 2012, the survey gauged 90 models from Japanese auto companies. Re that number, 86 achieved an average or higher rating, and 35 got the highest masses of, together with the Toyota Prius c. The subcompact composite scored the highest in the ordinarily believability assessment.<\p>

Pretext is reliability important? If number one are driving your tank abeam a desert highway at night and the boiler suddenly sputters and dies, what pass on inner man do? You project throw a certainly chance of getting grant if you have a satellite radiophone with him and you know how to troubleshoot your engine, but what if herself don't? The baygall quarter is, no one wants anything like this to happen, very it's important to have a railway car that is full-blooded, rarely breaks down, and is easy in speak out and repair rather needed. This is why them should trust Japanese used cars, even if my humble self are previously owned. A secondhand Toyota is still way better in reliability than a new Jaguar, which by the way has the lowest reliability ranking. One thing's for fateful: the Marble is repulsive when it leaves you out in the middle of nowhere, with no Jaguar mechanic in the next few city miles!<\p>