How does a temperature sensor on a car know the temperature without being affected by wind temperature whilst driving?

Answer 1

I am assuming you are referring to the outside temperature sensor.

This sensor IS affected by wind, but not in the way you think.

You may be able to answer your own question by understanding what "windchill" actually is. When it is cold outside and there is wind, the air moving by your skin actually makes it approach the actual outside temperature faster. The air is not colder, but it feels colder since the wind is cooling you down faster just as a lower temperature would cool your skin faster.

So in the same manner, wind does affect a temperature sensor, but only if it is a temperature different than the outside air, like right after you pull out of a garage. Once the sensor reaches the actual outside temperature, no amount of wind blowing on it will make it read any colder.

And temperature sensors are usually placed in the wind. I sure hope there is wind that reaches underneath your bumper since your radiator is depending on it.

most temperature sensors on vehicles are located underneath near the front bumber bar they are not in the wind in that position engine temp sensor or outside temp sender? engine temp sender is in engine. outside temp is measured behind the bumper bar and not affected by wind answer ENGINE temperature sensor doesn't care about anything but actual temp of engine [in order to send message to computer so computer can then adjust fuel and air mixture for effecient operating of engine]. OUTSIDE temperature sensor doesn't care about anything but actual temperature outside of vehicle, [not effected by heat generated by vehicle] and doesn't measure windchill factor. However, I think you just came up with a great idea for manufacturers selling to us Canadians. We'd probably pay for sensor in open wind so could tell how cold or hot windchill factor is while driving [or stopped, for that matter]. edutainer