Driver's Ed Instrument Panel Terms

Speedometer

Shows the driver the current speed the vehicle is going

Tachometer (RPM)

Indicates the engine revolutions per minute. Should never go into the red zone

Odometer

Indicates the total number of miles the car has been driven

Temperature Light Gauge

Warns when the coolant in the engine is too hot

Fuel Gauge

Shows amount of fuel in the car. Below 1/4 has a great risk of running out

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Warns when oil is not circulating at the proper pressure

Brake System Warning Light

Red warning light means that there is a problem with the brake hydraulic system

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

An automobile safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to maintain tractive contact with the road surface according to driver inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up (ceasing rotation) and avoiding uncontrolled skidding.

Seat belt Warning Light

Lights up when the drivers seat belt id not on

Air Bag Warning Light

Lights up to show there is an issue with the airbags

High Beam (Indicators)

The brightest setting of a vehicle's headlights which should only be used when there is no oncoming traffic in the right weather conditions.

Cruise Control

(Sometimes known as speed control or auto cruise, or tempomat in some countries) is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.

Steering Wheel

Wheel used to control direction of the vehicle

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light

A warning light that alerts the driver when tire pressure is low or inconsistent, indicating potential hazards.

check engine light

A warning that indicates a potential problem with the engine or emissions system, prompting the driver to seek vehicle diagnostics.

Battery alert

A warning light that indicates a problem with the vehicle's battery or charging system