What does a car’s computer do? Does it receive input from the car’s mechanical components? And if so, how?

Question

What does a car’s computer do? Does it receive input from the car’s mechanical components? And if so, how?

In: Technology

Answer 1

The most important thing it does is regulate the timing of every part of the car(such as the combustion cycle in the engine) to be more precise than an analog counterpart, and thus increase fuel efficiency. Other than that, it receives general diagnostic input from the car’s components, like low oil level, or something wrong with the engine. All new cars are completely wired up.