Is the temperature displayed on the car dashboard the interior temperature?
3 Answers
Car dashboard displays the external temperature. The dashboard also shows coolant temperature and engine oil temperature. The normal operating temperature range for coolant is generally between 90-105 degrees Celsius, while engine oil typically operates between 70-90 degrees Celsius. Relevant information about car dashboards is as follows: 1. Introduction: The instrument panel is a rigid plate or structural component used for installing instruments and related devices. It can be categorized by type into screen-type, frame-type, passage-type, and cabinet-type instrument panels. 2. Function: The instrument panel can come with external lighting and may include an attached control console. Available in various forms and specifications, it can be equipped with different instruments as needed, or multiple instrument panels can be combined into a single unit according to requirements.
A couple of days ago while driving, I noticed the dashboard temperature display showed 26°C, but the car interior felt sweltering. Later I realized the dashboard displays the external ambient temperature, with the sensor usually mounted near the grille. This reading can be inaccurate during traffic jams with poor airflow or right after starting the engine. Once at a red light it suddenly showed 39°C, startling me, but dropped to 32°C after just two minutes of driving. To know the actual cabin temperature, it's best to place a mini thermometer on the dashboard - especially useful in summer. Last time it helped me detect weak AC cooling, so I promptly went to recharge the refrigerant.
A seasoned driver with ten years of experience tells you the honest truth: that temperature number on your dashboard is just a reference. The sensor is actually mounted at the front of the car to measure outside air temperature, but engine heat can interfere with the reading during traffic jams or idling. To gauge the real interior temperature, the most reliable method is to feel the air vents directly: if it's still blowing natural air after five minutes in summer, it's time to check the AC compressor. Also, pay extra attention when the windshield fogs up—the displayed outside temperature might be 3-4 degrees lower than actual, so don't rush to shed layers.
