The Role of the Ignition Cutoff in Car GPS Trackers
Over the years, the automobile sector has developed several active and passive safety measures. One of those innovations came in the form of an ignition cutoff system.
So what is an ignition cutoff system?
It’s a safety feature designed for all kinds of electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine-equipped vehicles. The ignition cutoff system is designed to automatically turn off an internal combustion engine's ignition under certain conditions such as a collision or an overloaded battery pack (in the case of an EV/HEV).
What other ways do ignition cutoff systems keep vehicles, people, and properties safe?
Prevents fuel flow during an accident
Just like a car GPS tracker helps to keep a vehicle safe, ignition cutoff systems help to keep a vehicle from exploding in the aftermath of an accident.
How?
Ignition cutoff systems turn off the fuel flow from the tank to the engine. In this way, even if the vehicle after crashing has lost structural integrity, the fuel in its fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel tank will not have any source of ignition.
In this way, thanks to the ignition cutoff system, people driving their vehicles don’t end up getting charred in a gasoline-fed fire that often can reach thousands of degrees Fahrenheit!
Get the point?
It’s an effective vehicle theft deterrent
Vehicle theft is a growing problem here in the States. However, there are fleet tracker devices that can double up as theft deterrents. But cut power to the device and it loses its efficacy. However, thanks to ignition cutoff systems, modern vehicles cannot be stolen using old-school methods such as ‘hot wiring’.
High-performance cars or electric vehicles can sustain irreversible damage to their driving units if these parts are not protected against high operational temperatures or extreme load-induced strain. Ignition cutoff systems play a crucial role in these cases where the power to the engine or driving units is cut off when they get too hot or are subjected to extreme load-induced stress.
Ignition cutoff systems can be readily integrated with other safety systems
Ignition cutoff systems can be readily integrated with other automotive active and passive safety mechanics like Electronic Stability Program, ADAS, etc. in a bid to cut power to the wheels of the vehicle when it is on the verge or has already lost traction and maybe on the verge of a rollover.
Ignition cutoff is a crucial safety mechanism in modern automobiles
In the age of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, ignition cutoff systems still enjoys prominence due to their reliability and efficiency in terms of keeping people, vehicles as well as properties safe during an emergency. With that stated, please note that there are GPS trackers out there that can be used to remotely disable the ignition system of a vehicle when it enters or exits a zone that you have set for the vehicle or the driver. If such a device suits your preferences, then buy one but make sure the device is made by a reputed brand, for the best results.