Did you know that the speedometer and fuel gauge are not the only gauges on your car dashboard? Auto meter gauge are very important in a car because they help monitor car activities, like the temperature. The gauges also provide a wide range of clues about a vehicle’s condition while driving.
Nevertheless, it is recommended that you know about auto meter gauges and the functions they regulate. This guide will discuss everything you should know about auto meter gauges.
What are Car Gauges?
Gauges are dials and sensors that show the various activities from all systems in a car. It also can show if there is a malfunction somewhere.
There are primarily two types of gauges available in the automobile industry: analog and digital. Depending on your car’s manufacturer, you might have either of them.
Types of Gauges Found on the Car Dashboard
Different Gauges
The most common one you may notice is the fuel gauge or speedometer. However, the dashboard has more gauges than you probably know. You will soon understand the different types of gauges and how they work.
Speedometer
A car speedometer
The speedometer is a well-known gauge in cars. It displays the speed of the car’s engine.
Just like other gauges, the speedometer is on the car’s dashboard and it looks like a digital clock. Hence, the numbers will keep changing as the car speeds up. Nevertheless, the speedometer depends on a car’s tires for an accurate reading.
Tachometer
A Tachometer
The tachometer is not a well-known gauge because it is one of the less-used gauges. However, it’s very useful in cars with manual transmissions.
The tachometer shows how fast your car engine rotates. It measures in Revolutions per minute, or RPM.
Hence, when your RPM is high, the engine consumes a lot of fuel, and vice versa.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge is an important dashboard tool. It has two sides: an “empty” and a “full” side. When your fuel tank is empty, the gauge points the indicator to the (E) section.
Otherwise, it points to the (F) section when the fuel tank is full. The fuel gauge has a warning light to alert the driver when the fuel level is very low.
Temperature Gauge
Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge measures the engine’s temperature. The temperature gauge indicator will initially begin on the lower side before moving up. When the warning light indicates overheating, it is important to turn off the car engine immediately.
Oil Pressure Gauge
Oil Pressure Gauge
The oil pressure gauge prevents a car engine from getting damaged. This gauge measures the oil pressure in the car engine and measurement is in pounds per square inch.
A warning light always comes on when the oil pressure is low. If you notice this, turn off the car and check the oil level.
Voltmeter
The voltmeter gauge is there to show the charge level in the car engine. However, for a car engine to start, the battery must be fully charged. When you notice an abnormal reading in the voltmeter, you should quickly check it.
Odometer
An Odometer
The odometer gauge indicates the miles the car has left. If you wish to sell your car or have it inspected, the odometer must be in good shape. One thing you should never do is manipulate the readings, as it’s illegal.
How to Fix Your Car Gauge and Dashboard Problems
A man fixing a car
A bad wiring or a damaged fuse can cause all your car gauges to stop functioning. To diagnose the problem, locate the fuse at the instrument cluster and check if it is faulty.
When you turn on your car, you should check if the right current flows through both sides of the fuse. To do this, use a test light or simply use a professional for help.
After it’s clear that the fuse is working properly, check if the instrument gauges are receiving current. You may have to bring out the instrument cluster for this step. Then, you should individually test their power.
If your gauge fuse is in good shape and your dashboard indicators are not working, it could be a ground problem. To be sure, check under your dashboard with a torch. You may have to remove the instrument cluster to verify the grounding.
For cars with electronic clusters, you should take them to a mechanic for fixing. However, if the reverse is the case, you can try and fix them yourself.
Conclusion
The gauges in a car show the driver every important information about the car. Just as the speedometer can tell you how fast you are driving, other gauges have their functions. The details provided by each gauge vary. So, if your gauges are not working, you should find a solution fast.
