What are the three gauges in a modified car?
3 Answers
The three gauges in a modified car are the water temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and voltage gauge. Water temperature gauge: The sensor of the water temperature gauge is a thermistor-type sensor. It is fixed with threads on the engine cooling water passage. The thermistor determines the current flowing through the coil winding of the water temperature gauge, thereby driving the gauge pointer to swing. In the past, tap water was used as the coolant for car engines. Nowadays, many car engine cooling systems use specialized coolant. Therefore, it is also called the coolant temperature gauge. Oil pressure gauge: The sensor of the oil pressure gauge is a piezoresistive sensor. It is fixed with threads on the engine oil pipeline. The oil pressure pushes the contact piece to move on the resistor, changing the resistance value and thus affecting the amount of current passing through the gauge to the ground, driving the pointer to swing. Since oil pressure has a certain range, for clarity, many cars now use an indicator light for the oil pressure gauge. If it remains lit while the engine is running, it indicates that the engine lubrication system may be abnormal. Voltage gauge: It is used to alert when the battery voltage is insufficient, prompting timely charging.
Oh, this is a topic I often discuss in car enthusiast groups. Those triple gauges in modified cars generally refer to oil temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and voltage gauge, or sometimes replaced with water temperature gauge. The oil temperature gauge monitors engine oil temperature to prevent overheating and engine damage - if it's too high, you should stop and check. The oil pressure gauge displays oil pressure to ensure the lubrication system works properly; too low pressure can damage the car. The voltage gauge checks battery and circuit stability, preventing breakdowns due to battery drain. Installing these gauges lets you monitor your car's condition in real-time, especially after performance modifications like adding a turbocharger. They're often mounted on the A-pillar or dashboard for a cool look. But remember to buy from reputable brands - don't cheap out on low-quality products that give inaccurate readings. For installation, it's best to have professionals handle the wiring to avoid short circuits and fires. I've installed them a few times myself, and these gauges have saved me from many issues, especially during long highway drives by providing early warnings. Regular cleaning and calibration are also important for long-term reliability. Simply put, they're the health monitors of modified cars - both practical and stylish.
I've seen many modification cases where the three gauges are usually oil temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The oil temperature gauge shows engine load, and you need to pay attention to the cooling system when the temperature spikes during high-speed driving. The oil pressure gauge monitors lubrication conditions; low pressure indicates issues with the pump or oil filter. The voltage gauge displays battery status—if it's low, charge it immediately to prevent stalling. Why install them? Modified car engines undergo significant changes, and the factory gauges aren't sufficient, so the three gauges provide additional data. The installation position is usually within the driver's line of sight, often using A-pillar modification kits. DIY installation is relatively easy, but beginners should consult experienced hands first. I tried installing them myself once and nearly caused a short circuit while wiring—I learned my lesson and used heat shrink tubing to protect the wires afterward. When purchasing, prioritize gauges with backlit dials for clear nighttime readings. Don’t forget to add fuses to avoid overload. Safety first—don’t sacrifice protection for a flashy gauge casing. After modification, remember to road-test and calibrate the gauges to ensure accurate readings and worry-free driving.
