How do you ensure automotive components and systems last?

1 Design for durability

The first step to ensure automotive components and systems last is to design them with durability in mind. This means considering the expected loads, stresses, strains, fatigue, wear, corrosion, vibration, noise, and thermal effects that the components and systems will encounter during their service life. It also means selecting the appropriate materials, geometries, tolerances, coatings, and fasteners that can withstand these effects and provide adequate safety margins. Additionally, it means applying design principles such as modularity, redundancy, simplicity, and robustness that can enhance the performance and reliability of the components and systems.

2 Test for durability

The second step to ensure automotive components and systems last is to test them for durability. This means conducting various types of tests, such as static, dynamic, cyclic, impact, environmental, and accelerated tests, that can simulate the real-world conditions and scenarios that the components and systems will face. It also means measuring and analyzing the relevant parameters, such as force, displacement, strain, temperature, pressure, voltage, current, and frequency, that can indicate the behavior and health of the components and systems. Additionally, it means using advanced tools and techniques, such as finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, data acquisition, and signal processing, that can help in the design and evaluation of the tests.

3 Maintain for durability

The third step to ensure automotive components and systems last is to maintain them for durability. This means performing regular inspections, checks, and services that can detect and prevent any potential failures or malfunctions of the components and systems. It also means following the recommended maintenance schedules, procedures, and guidelines that can optimize the performance and efficiency of the components and systems. Additionally, it means using quality spare parts, lubricants, fluids, and filters that can prolong the life and reduce the wear and tear of the components and systems.

4 Improve for durability

The fourth step to ensure automotive components and systems last is to improve them for durability. This means identifying and implementing any possible improvements or modifications that can enhance the durability and reliability of the components and systems. It also means monitoring and collecting feedback, data, and information that can provide insights and suggestions for improvement. Additionally, it means adopting a continuous improvement culture and mindset that can foster innovation and learning in the automotive engineering field.

5 Learn from failures

The fifth step to ensure automotive components and systems last is to learn from failures. This means investigating and analyzing any failures or defects that occur in the components and systems and finding out the root causes and corrective actions. It also means documenting and sharing the lessons learned and best practices that can prevent or minimize the recurrence of similar failures or defects. Additionally, it means embracing failures as opportunities for improvement and growth and not as setbacks or mistakes.

6 Collaborate for durability

The sixth and final step to ensure automotive components and systems last is to collaborate for durability. This means working together with other automotive engineers, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, customers, and stakeholders that are involved in the development, production, and use of the components and systems. It also means communicating and exchanging ideas, knowledge, and feedback that can improve the quality and durability of the components and systems. Additionally, it means building and maintaining strong relationships and partnerships that can support and enhance the automotive engineering profession and industry.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?