A car's dashboard offers many options in terms of information and functionalities. Among these are gauges that help drivers understand the dynamics of vehicular movement. In addition to the two most prominent gauges on the dashboard—the speedometer and the fuel gauge—some other considerably important ones are the temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, voltmeter, and tachometer gauge.
Each gauge helps the driver monitor the car's specific systems. Thus, understanding them can help a lot in a smooth and safe driving experience. Talking about safety, it is a smart decision to purchase appropriate car insurance.
This article examines the different types of gauges in a car and what to do if any of them stop working.
Types of Gauges on a Car
You can most commonly find six types of car gauges on the vehicle’s dashboard. Each has a specific purpose. In this section, you will understand what they mean and their functions:
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Fuel Gauge
You will see it on the dashboard of almost every car. It acts as an indication of the amount of fuel left in your car’s tank. The standard rule is that ‘F’ indicates the tank is full, and ‘E’ indicates the tank is empty. When the tank is full, you will see the needle point toward the ‘F’ sign. It gradually moves toward the ‘E’ sign as the vehicle starts consuming fuel while being driven from one destination to another.
Sometimes, drivers are too focused on driving to notice where the needle is located in the fuel gauge. To help drivers avoid this situation, manufacturers install warning lights that blink when the fuel tank is about to empty.
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Speedometer
The primary function of this gauge is to inform drivers about the vehicle’s speed. This information is vital from a safety’s perspective. Mostly located right in front of the driver, the speedometer helps in keeping the acceleration in check.
An interesting point is that the speedometer readings are affected by the vehicle's speed and the size of the tyres! Larger tyres rotate at a slower rate, which means the speedometer will register a lower reading than the vehicle’s actual speed.
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Tachometer
The tachometer’s function is to measure the revolutions of your car’s engine each minute. Simply put, it measures the speed at which the engine is rotating. The engine’s speed is measured in RPM (revolution per minute).
The tachometer usually shows numbers from 1 to 8, but to calculate the actual RPM, you need to multiply those numbers by 1,000. The tachometer helps drivers determine the right time to change the gears. In addition, monitoring this gauge can help maintain fuel efficiency with the best acceleration.
Drivers should ensure the tachometer needle doesn’t fall into the red area, which indicates that the engine is under stress.
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Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge helps determine the effectiveness of the engine coolant. When this gauge indicates a rising temperature, pull over and allow the engine to cool for a while. Driving with an overheated engine can permanently damage the car and its engine.
To achieve the best results, it should be ensured that the needle on the temperature gauge stays halfway between hot and cold (H or C). It's one of the car gauges that comes with a warning light to warn the driver about their car’s abnormal thermal state.
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Oil Pressure Gauge
Oil’s pressure on the engine is measured in pounds per square inch. Drivers are always asked not to drive their car with a lower fuel level even for a minute, as it can damage their engine badly.
The oil pressure gauge has a warning light that goes on if your car is running low on fuel. In this case, you should immediately stop the engine and refill the oil.
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Voltmeter
By keeping an eye on the voltmeter gauge, you can gain insights into your car's battery's health (charge). The car’s engine will start only when the battery is fully charged.
Not every passenger car has a voltmeter on its dashboard, but such vehicles usually have a low-battery warning light. If the light goes on, it means the battery charge has dropped, and you might have to recharge it.
What if the Gauge Light Stops Working?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you in case the gauge light of your vehicle stops working:
Step 1: You should look for the detective gauge light and try to locate its sensor.
Step 2: Disconnect the detective gauge light from its sensor.
Step 3: Connect the sensor with the grounded connection.
Step 4: If this step works, you can place the sensor back.
Step 5: If the above steps don’t work, you should ask the expert for help.
Step 6: Is there a loose sensor connection? If so, you should reconnect it.
Conclusion
You should monitor all the gauges on your car’s dashboard to ensure your car remains in good condition. They are an indication of your vehicle’s overall health. If any car gauge malfunctions, you should immediately get your vehicle checked.
Remember that a good car insurance plan provides maximum coverage in the event of accidents, damages, or theft.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.