What is a firewall on a car?

A car "firewall" actually refers to two distinct concepts, depending on the context:

  • Mechanical Firewall: This is a physical barrier designed to protect the passenger compartment from engine fires or explosions. It's typically a steel or aluminum panel located between the engine bay and the passenger cabin. The primary function is to delay or prevent the spread of fire and heat, giving occupants time to escape. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Mechanical%20Firewall construction involves fire-resistant materials and sealed openings for wires and hoses to minimize fire propagation.

  • Automotive Network Firewall (Cybersecurity): With the increasing complexity of car electronics and connectivity, vehicles are now vulnerable to cyberattacks. An automotive network firewall is a cybersecurity measure implemented to protect the car's internal network from unauthorized access and malicious activities. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Automotive%20Network%20Firewall%20(Cybersecurity) acts as a gatekeeper, examining data packets entering and leaving the vehicle's network and blocking any suspicious or unauthorized traffic. This helps prevent hackers from gaining control of critical vehicle systems, such as brakes, steering, or engine control, and protects sensitive data stored within the car.