What do 'L' and 'H' on the car dashboard refer to?
3 Answers
On the car dashboard, 'L' and 'H' refer to the lower and upper limits of engine oil. Here are the specific details about engine oil: 1. Types of Engine Oil: Engine oil grades are divided into gasoline-type, diesel-type, and universal gasoline-diesel type: Those starting with the letter 'S' represent oils for gasoline engines, with specifications including API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, SN; those starting with the letter 'C' represent oils for diesel engines, with specifications including API CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CF-2, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, CI-4. If both are present, such as SM/CF, it indicates that the oil is a universal gasoline-diesel type. 2. Meaning of the Letters: The further the letter after 'S' or 'C' is in the alphabet, the higher the quality grade of the oil, indicating more stable performance and a higher oil grade. Currently, the market also categorizes engine oils into three types: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and synthetic oil. The corresponding oil grades are SA to SJ for mineral oil, SJ and SL for semi-synthetic oil, and SM and SN for fully synthetic oil. In addition to the oil grade identification, some oil packaging may have the SAE label. SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers in the United States, which sets the standard viscosity values for engine oil, such as 5W-30.
I'm the kind of young person who's really into cars, always curious about the various symbols on the dashboard during drives. Take L and H for example—they usually appear in the temperature gauge area. L stands for Low, indicating the lower end of the temperature range, and it's common to see the needle there during a cold start. H stands for High, meaning the temperature is too elevated. I remember once on a road trip, the needle suddenly slid into the H zone, which instantly made me nervous because it signaled potential engine overheating. I quickly pulled over to check the coolant level and found it nearly depleted. After topping it up, everything returned to normal, averting a bigger breakdown. I think these little icons are incredibly practical, offering real-time alerts about the car's condition. Routine maintenance is straightforward too: just regularly replenish coolant and inspect the cooling system to keep the needle steady in the middle zone. Never ignore an H warning—it could save you from hefty repair bills later.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I know every detail on the dashboard like the back of my hand. The L and H markings are the two ends of the temperature gauge. L stands for low temperature, where the needle usually sits when you start the car in the morning, gradually rising to the normal range. H, on the other hand, is the high-temperature warning, indicating engine overheating. I remember several long trips where the needle crept toward H, prompting me to pull over immediately to let the engine cool—like that time when the water pump failed and the fan stopped working. Ignoring the H warning can lead to engine failure, costing thousands in repairs. So, I recommend making it a habit: glance at the dashboard before starting the car, check the coolant level monthly, and nip potential issues in the bud. Also, these small design elements serve as crucial safety reminders—don’t dismiss them as trivial; they can save your wallet and time.
