Car Speedometer: Function, Parts, and How It Works
To understand the speed performance of a car, you need to know what a car speedometer is. A car speedometer is a device used to measure the speed of a vehicle and is a standard component in every vehicle operating on the road.
This component has several parts, each with its own function and way of working. To understand this component in detail, pay attention to the review below:
Functions of a Car Speedometer
Here are some car speedometer functions you need to know:
- As a monitor of the volume or capacity of fuel in the car. You can know whether the fuel tank is running low and needs refueling or not.
- As a monitor of the car's mileage. You can know how far your journey has reached in kilometers.
- As a monitor of the car's speed while driving. You can adjust the speed to be slower when it reaches the normal limit.
- As an indicator of the car's transmission. You can know which gear the car is in.
- Can monitor the condition of the car's lights, whether the turn signal is on or not, and whether the front lights are off or on.
- Can monitor the air temperature or temperature inside the car.
Read Also: Causes of Automatic Car Speedometer Failure & How to Fix It
Parts of a Car Speedometer
Here are some parts of the speedometer that you need to know:
1. Pointer and Numbers
The first time you see the speedometer in a car, your eyes will surely be drawn to the pointer and the numbers displayed on the speedometer. These two parts serve as indicators of the car's speed and fuel level.
2. Needle Drive Wheel
As the name suggests, the needle drive wheel on the speedometer functions to move the pointer and numbers according to the car's speed and the fuel level, whether full or decreasing.
3. Cable System
The cable system part displayed on the speedometer functions to receive the flow of electric current supplied by the battery through the speedometer cable attached to the car's electrical system.
4. Speedometer Cover or Glass
This part serves to protect the inside of the speedometer from dust, dirt, or water splashes that could potentially damage the speedometer's performance.
5. Speedometer Mount
This part is no less important than other speedometer parts. This part serves as the housing or place for the speedometer glass or cover, ensuring that the speedometer remains stable while the car is in motion.
Read Also: Here are the Differences Between Speedometer, Odometer, & Tachometer
How a Car Speedometer Works
The way a speedometer works can be distinguished based on its type:
1. Analog Speedometer
In an analog speedometer, the speed indicator and fuel indicator use a pointer and numbers.
This speedometer mechanism uses a wheel shaft connected to gears that are also connected to the pointer. The pointer will indicate speeds ranging from 0 to the maximum speed of the car.
2. Digital Speedometer
If you want to experience a speedometer with very detailed results, you can use a digital speedometer.
This speedometer works using a magnetic system and wheel pulses connected to the car's cluster. This causes the coupling wire to rotate, allowing signals to be transmitted properly and the car's speed to be read.
Thus, the working mechanism of a car speedometer based on its type. Make sure you regularly clean this speedometer to avoid dust, water splashes, and direct sunlight exposure.
If problems occur, immediately take your car to an official workshop or the nearest Daihatsu dealer for proper handling. Because if your speedometer is damaged, it can cause problems such as not being able to monitor your fuel condition and car speed. This can potentially threaten your safety while driving.
