What is the area between the windshield and the steering wheel called?
4 Answers
The area between the windshield and the steering wheel is called the dashboard. Dashboard Introduction: The dashboard is the most complex interior component in a passenger vehicle. From design to installation, it undergoes essential processes including conceptual styling, structural design, model making, and prototype fitting—none of which can be omitted. For instance, while roof interior components may skip styling design and proceed directly to modeling, the dashboard cannot. Without styling renderings, model production is impossible. Additionally, the dashboard involves considerations such as ergonomics, material engineering, manufacturing methods, and process flows. Consequently, the dashboard is the most time-consuming element in passenger vehicle interiors. Dashboard Function: The dashboard serves as the control panel for drivers to operate the vehicle and access other functions. The instrument panel in the driving area should use non-reflective materials or covers, and interior lighting devices—along with their reflections on the windshield, rearview mirrors, etc.—must not cause glare for the driver.
After driving for so many years, I've gotten used to calling the area between the windshield and the steering wheel the dashboard, or some people simply refer to it as the center console area. It mainly houses instruments and displays, like the speedometer and tachometer, allowing drivers to check the vehicle's status at a glance while driving. It has quite a few functions, connecting to the radio, air conditioning controls, and more, making daily use very convenient. However, it's important not to clutter it with too many items, as obstructing the view can be dangerous—especially at night when poor visibility can lead to accidents. I've learned this the hard way myself—once, my phone fell in and got stuck, taking forever to retrieve and causing a hassle. So now, I always remind others to keep that area clean and tidy.
When I was a beginner learning to drive, the instructor always pointed to the area between the windshield and the steering wheel and called it the dashboard, which is used to display important information like speed and fuel level. It's simple to operate, but at first, it's easy to get distracted by staring at it for too long, which affects safety. I was thinking, actually, while driving, you just need to take a quick glance and not fixate on it. You can also place a small coin box or a navigation holder there, but if things fall, it's troublesome—you have to fish them out slowly with a hook.
Veteran drivers who have driven all kinds of cars know that the area between the windshield and the steering wheel, which we call the dashboard, is the driver's visual domain. It's where you check the speedometer and warning lights. Its function isn't fancy—it's all about monitoring the car's operation. Just make sure not to let clutter pile up there and block your view, as safe driving is crucial. During my own maintenance routine, I regularly clean off the dust to prevent the scales from becoming hard to read.
