Understanding dashboard gauges and what your car is telling you can be the difference between a good driver and a bad driver.
As a new driver, when you get into the car and see the dashboard for the very first time, it could be a bit overwhelming. At Legacy Driving Academy, we will review the basic understanding to what is on the dashboard when learning how to to drive.
Understanding Dashboard Gauges: The Speedometer
Shows you how fast the car is going. There are different types of speedometers such as digital, analog, electric and mechanical. At Legacy Driving Academy our instructors will teach you how to reach and maintain a constant speed during your driving lessons.
1. Tachometer
This is the other big gauge on your dashboard; it tells how fast the engine is running in revolutions per minute (rpm). Keep an eye on this gauge to ensure that the engine does not run too fast or it could result in blowing your engine; when the needle “red lines” for an extended period of time
2. Fuel Gauge
This tells you how much fuel or gasoline you have remaining in your gas tank. This gauge can also be correlated with the “range” the car can go before it runs out of fuel. Once the car gets to the last gallon remaining, the “low fuel light” will display. At Legacy Driving Academy, our instructors will walk you through how to fill up the gas tank of a car.
Understanding Dashboard Gauges: Water Temperature Gauge
This tells the driver the temperature of the engine coolant in degrees; also it has the ability to change the quickest which will cause the car to shutdown.
1. Battery/Charging System
This lets the driver be aware of the electrical charging system and whether there is a problem. Some common signs to look out for is the car having difficulty starting. It is important to keep a set of jumper cables in your car should the need arise.
2. Odometer
Shows how many miles the vehicle has driven in its lifetime. This is important when purchasing a vehicle as you do not want to see too many miles.
3. Turn Signal
Driver is signaling a turn to the left or the right. Using the turn signal indicator light is important to communicate your intentions of lane changes or turns to other drivers. As the driver pushes down on the lever it flashes the left turn signal. When the lever is pushed up it flashes the right turn signal.
4. High Beam
The headlights are switched to the brightest setting; used when driving on dark roadways. Also, commonly used to communicate with other drivers.
5. Oil Pressure Level
This gauge indicates low engine oil which might include issues with the oil pump. In addition, oil that is past its recommended service time may also have a clogged filter causing a lower pressure.
Having the understanding to what is on the dashboard when learning how to to drive. Each gauge and light tells the driver what is going on with the car and helps keep them in tune with the car. This is turn causes a more stress free drive and ensures that they drive safe.