A car’s tachometer (also known as a revolution counter or rev counter) is an important component that helps to ensure that the driver of the vehicle does not work its engine too hard. 

Positioned within the dashboard panel and displaying information either in analogue form or digitally, the tachometer displays the number of engine crankshaft revolutions per minute. This helps the driver to see when the engine is straining, or over-revving, and to change gear to alleviate this. The tachometer display is marked to show when the engine revolutions reach a point where they need to be reduced.

Some more modern tachometers have warning lights integrated into them which light up to show when the gear should be changed as and when a defined number of revolutions have been reached.

The main benefit of a tachometer is to provide overall protection for the vehicle’s engine. Engine wear can be expensive and result in ancillary problems that will affect the running of the vehicle. Additionally, properly observing the tachometer readings will reduce running costs by minimising fuel consumption. It may also have a positive impact on the level of exhaust emissions.

The tachometer is therefore an invaluable vehicle component that assists the driver in maintaining the health of the vehicle’s engine.