In recent times we have been seeing gauge clusters on all modified cars. Even more so on street modified cars as they add a very interesting look and also make a statement. We have also seen some cars with dash boards looking like a cockpit with all the gauges; are these necessary, are they helpful, are they worth it? These are few questions among others you may ask!

Gauges tell the driver a lot of important information but not all are necessary. Below you will find reasons for the use of gauges. Gauges include oil pressure, water temperature, oil temperature, voltmeter, Boost, Fuel pressure, Temperature etc.

Monitoring the instrument panel under race conditions allows drivers to optimize the performance of their cars by maintaining specific temperatures; rpm’s and pressure levels that assist in gaining peak horsepower from a particular combination. Gauges also alert the driver of potential system failures.

The placement of a gauge or gauge cluster is import as driver visibility is important. The selection your gauge is also just as important they are many to choose from.

It’s best to have a bold contrast between the dial face, numbering and gauge pointer. This contrast can be essential; especially when trying to combat factors like sun glare and limited viewing opportunities which arise under many driving conditions. For example while driving you may only be able to view gauges during the straight-aways. Many car builders also keep weight reduction in mind when choosing gauges.

Accuracy is critical. An inaccurate reading could also have catastrophic consequences to the car’s engine and other systems. The response time of the gauge is also important to the driver. Standard gauges include a series of liquid-filled gauges. The gauges are actually filled with a dampening fluid to assist in accuracy.

An important gauge is the Tachometer.
A tachometer is an instrument that measures the rotation speed of a shaft or disk, as in a motor or other machine. The device usually displays the revolutions per minute (RPM) on a calibrated analog dial, but digital displays are increasingly common.

Clear Readings
The use of an oil pressure gauge is crucial in any form of racing or heavily modified cars. A noticeable drop in oil pressure could be an early warning of serious engine problems. So this reading must be accurate and this gauge must be easily read.

Take Your Pick
While you may always find the standard gauges like oil pressure, water temperature and voltage, other gauges are commonly added according to the style of racing and needs of the engine combination.
They are two types of gauges, Mechanical and Electrical.
There is very little difference between the two when measuring accuracy.

A mechanical gauge sends the "substance" (oil, vacuum, expanding liquid in a temperature sensor) to the gauge. This "substance" then directly pushes the needle around the dial. An electrical gauge relies on a "sender", which is usually mounted on the part you want to measure. The sender then converts the physical sensation (heat, pressure, etc) into an electrical quantity, which is then sent to a matched gauge, which then moves a needle via electricity.

They are many manufactures of gauges here are a few of the most known., Auto Meter, VDO, Cyberdyne, Defi, Classic Instruments and ISSPRO.