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Understand the Gauges on Your Car Dashboard

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When you look at the dashboard of a modern car, you would notice a lot of symbols and gauges. Though some may appear unfamiliar to you, each of these gauges has a purpose, and hence, it is important to understand them. The most common gauges that you can notice are speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, and temperature gauge. Sometimes, a voltmeter to show the charge of the car and an odometer to display the mileage is also present on the dashboard.

All these gauges are an indicator of your car’s condition. If any of them displays a malfunction, you can claim your car insurance company and get it repaired. In this article, we are going to discuss almost all the modern gauges that you come across on a car dashboard and how to understand them. We will also discuss the warning lights that pair with each component.

1. Speedometer:

A speedometer is a gauge that helps in indicating the speed of your car’s engine. Speedometers can be electronic or mechanical with a needle. It looks much like a digital clock on the dashboard. The car’s computer transforms the rate of the car from the transmission output shaft speed sensor using the algorithm used to show speed. It is then displayed by the speedometer.

Remember: When a car comes from the factory, its speedometer works accurately, however, if you make any modifications to the car, it is suggested to recalibrate your speedometer.

2. Tachometer:

The speed at which your engine is rotating is measured by the tachometer gauge. The motor speed is measured as revolutions per minute, often abbreviated as RPM. Usually, tachometer readings endure up to 100 RPM, where 2 means 2000 RPM.

Once the engine reaches full dimension, the rate should return to the normal range. Higher or lower RPM could be an indication of an issue. Also, make sure your tachometer needle doesn't reach the red area. The tachometer gauge is a very important metric of a car as it indicates most of the things about your car’s engine.

3. Fuel Gauge:

The fuel gauge acts as an indication of how much fuel is left in the tank of your car. There is an empty side and full side of the gauge for easy indication. The fuel gauge is present in every vehicle and is nowadays equipped with a warning light that goes off as soon as the fuel level drops too low.

You will notice that the car can still run for a long time despite any other indication. This is a trick by car manufacturers to make you think that the car has a better fuel economy than it has. When the indicator hits the empty or ‘E’ section, there might still be a few litres left in the tank.

Tip: Do not let the fuel drop lower than 1/4th capacity of the tank. It might be harmful to your fuel pump and might cost expensive repairs.

4. Temperature Gauge/Warning Light:

The temperature gauge or warning light is an indication of how warm or cold the engine is. It measures the temperature of the engine coolant. When the engine is first turned on, you will notice that the indicator is far on the lower side, since the engine is cold at that time and cold air comes out of the vent. After being in action for some time, you will notice that the indicator has moved up a little, indicating the warming up of the engine. You will be able to feel warm air from the vents.

Warning: There is a warning light to warn of extreme warming up. If the light comes on, turn off the car immediately and let the car engine cool down.

5. Oil Pressure Gauge/Warning Light:

The oil pressure gauge measures the pressure of oil in pounds per square inch. It is much similar to blood pressure and the circulatory system. If the engine runs without oil pressure even for a minute, it can damage the engine badly. Most of the cars come with a warning light that goes on to indicate when the oil pressure is extremely low. Dangerously low oil pressure can result in engine failure.

Warning: If the light goes on while you are driving, stop the car engine as soon as it is possible and check the oil level. If it is running low, refill the oil.

6. Voltmeter/Warning Light:

The voltmeter gauge is an indicator of the level of charge in your engine. The battery must be fully charged to start the engine. If the voltmeter starts showing an abnormal reading, i.e., high or low, you should check the system once. The warning light goes on as soon the charge drops low. If you take a little notice, then you might not have to stop immediately in the middle of the road.

7. Odometer:

The odometer gauge is an indicator of how many miles are there on your car for its lifetime and also for the current trip. It must be working if you wish to sell, register or get your car inspected. If you manipulate the odometer, you will be breaking the law.

How to Read Car Gauges?

Apart from understanding how the different car gauges work, it is also necessary to understand to take readings of the little complex gauges like the speedometer and tachometer. Flashing of gauges and warning signs could be an indication of the poor health of the vehicle. You can reach out to your mechanic through your car insurance company and get the servicing of your car done.

Conclusion

To keep your car in a good condition, it is essential to keep all the car gauges in check. They are an indicator of your car’s overall health. If any of the gauges malfunctions or displays one, it means that the car needs a check-up. Sometimes, it can become heavy on your pocket. To avoid paying hefty repair costs all from your pocket, it is best to get car insurance. Car insurance will help in covering the repairing costs of making a claim. Apart from that, car insurance is also necessary for each vehicle as per the Motor Vehicle Act.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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