Now Cryogenic Science Is Being Used To Make Your Car More Efficient

Deep cryogenic processing is the craziest science you’ve never heard of, and now it’s shaking up the auto industry.

U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III / Via airman.dodlive.mil

What, you may be asking, is deep cryogenic processing? Isn’t that the freezing dead bodies so you can reanimate them, Young Frankenstein-style? Well, kind of.

Cryogenics is a branch of physics that uses extremely low temperatures to change the properties of materials. Cryogenic gases can be liquefied at temperatures below -180 degrees Celsius (that’s a chilly -292 degrees Fahrenheit). At low enough temperatures, neon, nitrogen, oxygen and other permanent gasses can be liquefied, allowing for all types of experimental applications.

Sure, you can cryogenically freeze a corpse, like Walt Disney, but cryogenic technology isn’t all mad science. In fact, engineers use cryogenic technology for a broad range of applications, including manufacturing equipment, aerospace systems, and now, automotive parts.

For years, deep cryogenic processing has been a secret ingredient for race car drivers, who discovered that cryogenically treated brake rotors are resistant to extreme stress. Now, the process is becoming more widely available, and could be the next step in creating more efficient and durable vehicles.

Auto parts that have been given the deep freeze last up to 7 times longer than traditionally manufactured products. Auto components can change in shape and dimension over time due to heat, vibration, and age. This can cause a buildup of residual stress and change the crystal structure of the material, warping brake rotors and distorting pistons. Deep cryogenic treatment stabilizes these parts, helping cars resist normal wear and tear.

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Cryogenic technology improves performance, reliability and durability of racing engines, transmissions, drive lines, and suspension springs, which is why over half of Sprint Cup racing teams use cryogenically treated parts. Cryogenic processing improves performance and reduces costs; sometimes you truly can have it all. Cryogenic technology also has applications in aviation and boat racing. And the United States Postal Service uses cryogenically treated brakes to reduce operating costs and extend the longevity of their fleet.

If it’s good enough for Sprint Cup drivers (and, sure, Postal Service employees), it’s good enough for your minivan. Cryogenically treated brake rotors that were previously only installed in racecars is now being adapted for the average road vehicle, a development that can potentially save drivers hundreds of dollars per vehicle per year.

Cryogenically treated rotors last three times longer than a traditional rotor, keeping your vehicle in tiptop shape, and reducing waste at the same time. Because cryogenically treated brake pads last longer, the copper is worn off at a slower rate, resulting in less heavy metal pollution.

As cars are becoming smarter, electric, and driverless, they may also be coming a lot cooler in another way: deep cryogenically treated parts.

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