Dashboard

A dashboard is a display or dashboard with indicators measuring and control levers ( fittings ) of a machine. Even if the cars instruments are no longer mounted on a board with a few exceptions, this is called a dashboard, formerly of a panel. In a truck, it is often referred to as an instrument panel.

This article describes below a dashboard in a Central European, designed for right-hand traffic cars without any special restrictions such as a maximum design speed. In countries with left-hand traffic such as the UK and Japan, the arrangement is done partly reversed. In Germany, a part of the instruments and equipment required by the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations.

Instruments

Basically the important instruments are centrally located in front of the driver. In most modern cars, these instruments are above the steering wheel in a so-called instrument cluster.

In any case, here is a speedometer indicating the speed with built-in odometer ( correct: odometer ) to find ( in Germany § 57 Road Traffic Licensing Regulations ). Also in this area there are three indicator lamps for directional signals (often for directions separately ), headlights, alternator, on most vehicles also have oil pressure and other warning lights on the vehicle state, the gauge for the fuel facilities such as speed meter ( in revolutions per minute, U / min. 1/min), trip odometer or, increasingly, the display of the onboard computer. In older models, a econometer may be provided to display the consumption state. On vehicles with automatic transmission is also mentioned frequently a mechanical or electronic display of the currently engaged gear stage. There may be additional pilot lights, dressed as for a parking brake or seat belts, be present.

For some years there is a trend towards fully digital displays. These are often mounted in the center of the dashboard. The value in use of such instruments is controversial, in particular, some critics think that can be analog instruments intuitive grasp and therefore does not distract the driver as much. Some manufacturers fully digital speed indicators were not much more than fads; the vehicles from General Motors were, for example, well- equipped in the 1990s, so that, in the last few years, however, there returned to analog displays.

As a new development head-up displays are increasingly used, bedazzle on lens and mirror systems, the messages directly into the driver's field of vision. This display is also usually to the more existing conventional displays on the dashboard.

Steering wheel

Immediately on the steering wheel are usually mounted as the lever switches for the direction indicators, often in combination with the switch for the high beam and the headlight flasher, as well as for the windshield wiper. Depending on the type, age and type of vehicle, in addition to these two levers mounted another, for example, the vehicle lights or cruise control. However, these controls can also be combined into so-called satellite operation. The middle part of the steering wheel is often provided with an air bag and also serves as a switch for the horn ( " horn "). Some manufacturers, however, the horn is controlled via separate push buttons right on the steering wheel. Other upgrade the steering wheel with additional control elements; become increasingly popular controllers for the car radio or car phone.

On older vehicles, the switch for the hazard warning lights is often mounted on top of the steering column. The steering wheel itself is adjustable in height or width adjustable on most new vehicles to provide more comfort to the driver and to counteract fatigue. A popular extra is also an electric steering wheel adjustment.

Environment

Outside this central region, namely in the center console, there are other controls that have to be reached by the driver. This includes, for example, the switches for lighting, heating ( this is in Germany in § 35 c of the Road Traffic prescribed ) or air conditioning, car stereo, power windows, unless they are housed in the doors, and the rear window defroster. In more modern vehicles also the switch for the hazard warning lights are often placed in the center of the dashboard and clearly marked, so that in an emergency, find the switch and press it and the front passenger. Even for the central locking can be present here a switch.

Below the dashboard, rare in the engine compartment of the vehicle, the fuses for the board electrics are usually mounted. In the footwell three pedals (accelerator, brake and clutch ) are usually installed; On vehicles with automatic transmission, the clutch pedal is not necessary. Some manufacturers such as Mercedes -Benz, the parking brake is not operated as a hand brake, but on a pedal. Usually Also in this area, the release for the hood; the remote release for fuel cap and boot are usually attached to the side skirts.

Circuit / transmission

Most the gear lever on the transmission tunnel underneath the dashboard. This version of the shift lever is also called stock or floor shift. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the trapdoor from the driver's to the passenger space is not free.

To allow free trapdoor and possibly three seats in the front row of seats, transmission circuits are designed with gear lever on the steering column, the column shift, as it is found primarily in U.S. vehicles, but also in European cars up to approx built in 1970. Even with some recent models such as the BMW 7 Series or M- Class from Mercedes- Benz, the automatic gear selector on the steering wheel. A special feature was the only a few centimeters large button in the dashboard of the Goggomobil for the gear change of Vorwählgetriebes.

In the so-called turret indexing of some passenger cars with front-wheel drive, for example, Citroën 2CV and Renault R 4, the shift lever is mounted on the dashboard; which also applies to the rather similar Krückstockschaltung, with the example, the first models of DKW and Lloyd and the satellite are equipped. These circuits require a less complex linkages to far forward rails for transmission as a means circuit.

Parking brake

Some manufacturers such as Citroën (GSA ), Volkswagen (Type 2 T2) or Honda ( CR- V), and the parking brake accommodated in their vehicles in the dashboard. Often, the vehicles were equipped with bunk hand brakes that were mounted underneath the dashboard on the left or right of the steering column. Modern vehicles are increasingly being supplied with electric hand brake. However, these have the disadvantage compared to a conventional handbrake that you can dose the braking force so no longer.

Others

The dashboard is complemented by the many things that have only secondarily to do with the operation of the vehicle slightly. Limits are set only by the imagination of the vehicle manufacturer or holder. A common type of speakers and air vents, an ashtray, cigarette lighter (which usually also serves as a socket for 12 volt appliances), a holder for a cell phone, a clock (analog or digital), passenger airbag, glove compartment and more shelves and cup holders. Recently, also occur more and more car air conditioning and navigation systems as an additional matter of course.

Special

• For vehicles with tachograph tachometer is coupled with this and often combined in one device.
• In taxis, the taximeter is also on the dashboard (for new vehicles is he partly integrated in the rear-view mirror ).