Gauges or Lights, what's actually better for average driver?

[tkruger]

I prefer actual gauges in my vehicles but recent events may have proven to me that idiot lights are actually superior. Person gets in my truck, looks at the dash and ask what all the gauges are for an then starts to drive. With this question the thought crosses my mind, 'What good are the gauges if the drive does not know how to read them?' Now knowing this and also knowing how many people panic when a check engine light goes on it it better to have the mystery light illuminate brightly or a gauge that is always there that they ignore since it means nothing to them? They at least might ask about the light since it is new on the dash. This said some just don't care till the car starts smoking regardless of what the dash says.

Just a thought.

 

[565bbchevy]

Well there is a reason why they call them "idiot lights" if you go aftermarket you can get the gauges that have built in warning lights, I have never been a fan of having just warning lights, I want to know what things like engine temp. or oil pressure are not just "hot" and "low" when the light comes on.

 

[69hurstolds]

Normally, idiot lights may just tell you that yes, you have a problem, but get out your wallet because your oil pressure was way to low to sustain safe bearing life...

stuff like that. I agree that you are far better with BOTH as 565bbchevy mentioned. If you're not familiar with an airplane's instruments, you shouldn't be flying it. So once he asked what all the other stuff was, he would no longer be allowed to drive my truck. Idiot lights are NOT superior to actual gages, provided they read somewhat accurately. Learn the vehicle's indicators or get in the passenger seat.

 

[Gwarren79]

Now you know why there is a Gauge and a Light on the newer cars for the gas .........

 

[tkruger]

Now you know why there is a Gauge and a Light on the newer cars for the gas .........

I still don't trust a gas gauge. First car the gas gauge did not work. I just filled up after the odometer said I gad traveled 200 miles. No cash to fix the gauge in high school. Still have that habit to this day.

 

[Jakefromstatefarm]

I still don't trust a gas gauge. First car the gas gauge did not work. I just filled up after the odometer said I gad traveled 200 miles. No cash to fix the gauge in high school. Still have that habit to this day.

The fuel gauge on my g-body vs the fuel gauge on my 2014 Ram.

G-Body, E = EMPTY!!!!!! Get ready to push this thing or walk

Ram - Eventually stop and get some fuel.

 

[rfpowerdude]

I have a 2014 RAM also. It went to 0 miles to empty this morning on my way to work. When I did stop for gas, I only got 29.4 gallons into it. It has a 32 gallon tank. So, now I know that I have a reserve of about 2.5 gallons AFTER the miles to empty says 0. And around town, that's about 48 miles.

 

[liquidh8]

I think it depends as the OP stated. I've had plenty of customers, and users in the military, not have a single clue about the gauges. The idiot lights light up and there's and issue, but has as been stated, usually they light AFTER the damage is done. I like how the new vehicle have the DIC (Driver Information Center) and gauges, so you get the best of both worlds. My wagon only uses gauges, no lights. My Deuce has both.

 

[pontiac guy]

I am firmly of the opinion that idiot lights are perfectly adequate for almost every driving application. We like gauges because we feel like we are more in control and informed. Does it really matter if it's running 10 degrees hotter today? Do you care that you are making 40 psi of oil pressure while cruising. You only care if it gets to the bad spots. By then the idiot light is on. I can say that I rarely look at the dash at all unless I'm worried about something. Am I speeding? Look at the speedo, then everything else since I'm there. I've been driving for hours, do I have gas? Same answer. Unless you just gotta have the look and feel of a gauge dash your lights are fine. Save yourself the work and just go for a drive instead

 

[Ribbedroof]

AVERAGE drivers? Lights. People will be more likely to see it even if peripherally, especiailly if they have no clue what a gauge should be at normally