What is the arrow on the dashboard actually for? It has an unsuspected function
Many people do not know the true meaning of the red arrow on the dashboard: the function of this instrument is surprising.
Arrow in the dashboard
When you start driving a car, you must not only scrupulously follow all the rules of the highway code but also know every aspect of the car . The systems present inside the vehicle are in fact very important to allow us to drive safely and with maximum comfort. An aspect that can be more complicated with more modern cars, which have more complex and not immediately understandable instruments , especially for those used to slightly older cars. Among the many things that it is good to know perfectly, there are also the signals and warning lights that appear on the car’s dashboard.
What does the arrow on the dashboard mean? The reason will surprise you.
In particular, there is an arrow on the dashboard that has a specific function that not everyone is aware of. However, before discussing this topic, it is worth remembering that despite the many technological developments that have also affected the automotive sector, the dashboard remains a fundamental element for driving safely.
Car dashboard
Today, cars can rely on electric motors, assisted driving and many other innovative features that make driving more and more comfortable and enjoyable.
However, aspects such as the fuel level, odometer and rev counter never seem to go out of fashion and it is no coincidence that they are still very present on car dashboards.
Focusing on the petrol (or diesel) level indicator, this signal is very useful to inform us when we need to refuel . This indicator allows us to always know what level the fuel is at thanks to the float.
The vast majority of cars have this indicator on the dashboard, characterized by the upper part with the word Full written and the lower part with the word Empty written (or with the initials F and E).
When the arrow is at Full (or F) it means the tank is full and you can travel without worries for a good while. As the fuel is consumed, the arrow begins to descend until it reaches Empty (or E).
When the arrow reaches the last notch, it means that we have entered the reserve and therefore we must go to the nearest gas station to avoid the risk of getting stuck.
With the red arrow you can refuel more easily: here’s why
Although technological advances have equipped cars with increasingly innovative tools, the arrow system that lets you know the amount of gasoline or diesel in the car has remained unchanged. The reason for this will soon be revealed.
Fuel level
In fact, not everyone is aware of the secondary function of the red arrow on the dashboard. Thanks to this tool, we can refuel much more easily.
In the past, to get petrol you had to go to the gas station attendant, but for several decades now drivers have become accustomed to self-service. Today we prefer to get petrol ourselves , also because the service costs much more (on average about 30 cents more per litre).
The red arrow on the dashboard helps you understand where the gas cap is . Depending on where the arrow is pointing – left or right – you will immediately understand where to fill up. This is especially useful when driving a car that doesn’t belong to you.