How Does a Fuel Gauge Work?

1 Answers
KeiraAnn
07/29/25 3:45pm
The working principle of a fuel gauge: When the fuel level in the tank decreases, the float sinks, moving the sliding arm and increasing the resistance. As a result, the current returning to the fuel gauge decreases relatively, causing the fuel gauge reading to drop. The fuel gauge consists of a thin metal rod and a float connected to the rod, with the float typically made of foam plastic. The end of the metal rod is attached to a variable resistor. A resistor is a device used to impede the flow of electric current. The greater the resistance, the smaller the current that passes through. The fuel gauge is a relatively simple device. Current flowing from the sender passes through a resistor, which may be wrapped around or located near a bimetallic strip. The bimetallic strip is connected to the fuel gauge needle via a linkage. When the resistance increases, the current passing through the heating coil decreases, causing the bimetallic strip to cool down. As the strip cools, it straightens, moving the fuel gauge needle from 'full' toward 'empty.'
Was this review help?
14
5
Share
More Forum Discussions

What to Do When Left Turn is Green but Straight is Red?

When the left turn signal is green but the straight signal is red, proceeding straight is considered running a red light. You should stop immediately and wait for the straight signal to turn green before proceeding. Below are the specific regulations: 1. Penalty: According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," violating traffic signal lights results in 6 demerit points and a fine. 2. Judgment Method: If the vehicle has just crossed the stop line when the light turns red but stops immediately, traffic authorities will not impose a penalty. However, if there is obvious movement after crossing the line, a penalty will be issued.
3
3
Share

What is the Volkswagen T-ROC?

Volkswagen T-ROC is the first SUV model launched by FAW-Volkswagen, known as 'Tange' in Chinese, positioned as a compact SUV. Here is some relevant information about the T-ROC: 1. Introduction to the T-ROC: The T-ROC Tange is currently the entry-level SUV model under the Volkswagen brand, with a body length of 4318mm, width of 1819mm, height of 1582mm, and a wheelbase of 2680mm. 2. Target audience: The T-ROC primarily targets the post-85s and post-90s generation. The 'Confidence Philosophy' advocated by the T-ROC—exploration, fearlessness, individuality, and vitality—aligns with the lifestyle and values of young people.
16
4
Share

Is it okay to cover the car with a car cover on rainy days?

It is okay to cover the car with a car cover on rainy days, but it is not good for the car. Here are the relevant details: 1. The function of a car cover: Avoid scratches on the car paint when parked for a long time. It prevents corrosion from insect droppings, tree sap, acid rain, etc.; it is not meant for rain protection, and the car paint itself is not afraid of water—heavy rain can even wash the car. 2. Additional information: The car paint surface can be corroded, dampened, and develop mold. In China, pollution is widespread, and some areas suffer from severe pollution, making most rain acid rain. Therefore, rain exposes the car paint to acid rain, which can corrode the paint, leading to rain marks, oxidation, and even cracking. Compared to sunny days, the interior of the car is more prone to dampness and mold after rain. Additionally, rainwater can seep into the car body seams during rainy days, causing iron parts to rust and corrode. Therefore, after the rain stops, accumulated moisture should be removed as soon as possible to prevent mold and other issues.
19
0
Share

What to Do If the Car's Fuel Consumption Is High?

Here are the solutions for high fuel consumption in cars: 1. Method 1: Check the tire pressure. If the tire pressure is too low, the sinking amount increases, the load on the tire edges increases, the tire shoulders wear prematurely, and the rolling resistance increases, which is unfavorable for both fuel economy and tire longevity. 2. Method 2: Check if the engine oil type matches your car. Oil with higher viscosity increases the internal resistance of the engine, slows down the oil flow rate, and leads to increased fuel consumption. Choosing the right viscosity of oil can effectively control fuel consumption. If you are unsure about the suitable oil viscosity for your car, you can refer to the vehicle's manual. 3. Method 3: Ensure regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and fuel filter. The air filter is a device that removes particulate impurities from the air. When piston machinery (such as internal combustion engines, reciprocating compressors, etc.) operates, if the inhaled air contains dust or other impurities, it will accelerate the wear of parts, so an air filter is essential. If the car's air filter is not replaced for a long time, it will severely affect the engine's air intake, leading to insufficient engine power and increased fuel consumption. If the fuel filter is not replaced for a long time, it will provide incorrect signals to the engine control unit, also resulting in increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners replace the air filter and fuel filter on schedule.
10
3
Share

What are the symbols for external and internal air circulation in car air conditioning?

The internal circulation symbol is a circular arrow inside a car graphic; the external circulation symbol is an arrow pointing from outside the car into the car. Below is some introduction about internal and external circulation: 1. Internal circulation: The purpose of internal circulation is to prevent dust and odors from being drawn into the car through external circulation, so a control system is set up to close the external circulation air duct and block polluted air from outside the car. 2. External circulation: Since the interior of the car forms a relatively sealed environment, people can easily suffer from oxygen deprivation if they stay in this environment for a long time. Therefore, the air conditioning system adds an air duct to draw in fresh air from outside the car, which then passes through the air conditioning evaporator or heater core to blow out cold or warm air respectively.
15
2
Share

The Hazards of Coasting in Neutral on a Downhill Slope?

Coasting in neutral on a downhill slope can damage the transmission. The specific impacts are as follows: 1. Inability to supply oil normally: When an automatic transmission vehicle is shifted into neutral (N) while driving, the oil pump in the automatic transmission will not be able to supply oil normally for lubrication, causing the internal components of the transmission to heat up and leading to complete damage. 2. Increased fuel consumption: Coasting in neutral does not save fuel; sometimes it even consumes more. This is mainly related to the working mode of electronic fuel injection engines. Electronic fuel injection engines can determine the amount of fuel injection based on the computer program. If coasting in neutral is selected, the computer will put the vehicle into idle mode, and the engine will still inject fuel.
19
5
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.