EMF + Water = Sudden Acceleration Of Your Car?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the claim that electromagnetic interference (EMI) from car washes may cause sudden acceleration in vehicles, particularly affecting electronic throttle controls. An independent safety expert suggests that moisture in car washes could act as a conductor for EMI, leading to errant signals. However, participants in the forum largely dismiss this theory as unfounded, citing a lack of verifiable data and questioning the credibility of the claims made. The consensus is that the argument lacks scientific backing and is considered speculative at best.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic interference (EMI) principles
  • Familiarity with electronic throttle control systems in vehicles
  • Knowledge of automotive safety standards and testing
  • Basic concepts of moisture effects on electronic components
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of electromagnetic interference on automotive electronics
  • Investigate the design and function of electronic throttle control systems
  • Explore automotive safety testing protocols regarding environmental factors
  • Learn about moisture protection techniques for vehicle electronics
USEFUL FOR

Automotive engineers, safety analysts, and anyone involved in vehicle electronics design or automotive safety research will benefit from this discussion.

JasonWilliam
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Hey guys. I was reading http://kansascity.injuryboard.com/a...romagnetic-interference.aspx?googleid=277752". This paragraph jumped off the page to me, and I wanted to get your thoughts on how feasible it it. To me, it reads like total bunk. But I don't have the technical expertise to know for sure.
Brett Emison said:
An independent safety expert has told me that a disproportionate number of these sudden acceleration events occur in or around car washes. The data suggest the car wash causes electromagnetic interference with the vehicle electronics, which either initiates or replicates errant signals to the electronic throttle controls. This interference is likely caused by moisture penetrating the electronics and acting as a conductor for electromagnet interference from the car wash machinery.
Thoughts? Is it possible? Does it even make sense?

I mean, if this makes sense, why car washes? Wouldn't we need to look at things like overhead and/or underground power cables, in the rain? Cell phone usage? Nav systems? Etc etc etc...
 
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Crackpot nonsense - it's bad even for a newspaper article (and newspaper articles about science should be expected to be bad)...and the blogger's input is even worse. He's just making it up as he goes along and it is clear he knows little about the relevant science - it's just gibberish. But there is no real need to debunk anything since there isn't any verifiable content in that quote. Ie:
An independent safety expert has told me...
Who?
...disproportionate number of these sudden acceleration events occur in or around car washes. The data suggest...
What data?

After that, it goes from unsubstantiated claims to nonsense.
 
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