{"id":109522,"date":"2024-06-28T00:11:08","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T07:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=109522"},"modified":"2024-08-07T19:43:36","modified_gmt":"2024-08-08T02:43:36","slug":"car-temperature-gauges-mechanical-vs-electric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/car-temperature-gauges-mechanical-vs-electric\/","title":{"rendered":"Car Temperature Gauges: Mechanical vs. Electric"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column109522_76a409-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column109522_76a409-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column109522_76a409-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column109522_76a409-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column109522_76a409-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column109522_76a409-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column109522_76a409-29{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column109522_76a409-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column109522_76a409-29 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column109522_76a409-29 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-618f0f  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-29755f\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading109522_818320-01, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading109522_818320-01[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading109522_818320-01\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading109522_818320-01 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading109522_818320-01[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading109522_818320-01\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading109522_818320-01 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading109522_818320-01[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading109522_818320-01\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading109522_818320-01 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading109522_818320-01\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your vehicle&rsquo;s temperature gauge is a part of its emissions control system. The gauge measures engine coolant temperatures, relaying the information to you through the gauge cluster.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mechanical temperature gauges work by detecting changes in engine pressure, which fluctuates depending on the engine&rsquo;s internal temperature. Mechanical gauges use a capillary tube affixed to its back connected to a probe in one of the engine&rsquo;s coolant passages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electric temperature gauges are made up of a gauge and a sending unit with a wire connecting the two parts. The sending unit fits in one of the engine&rsquo;s coolant passages and relays information electrically through the wire back to the gauge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electric temperature gauges are more customizable, easier to install, and more accurate than mechanical gauges. Mechanical temperature gauges are more affordable and relay coolant temperature changes more quickly than electric gauges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Your vehicle&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/coolant-antifreeze\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"coolant\">coolant<\/a> needs to run at certain temperatures for the engine to function optimally. Vehicles have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/temperature-gauge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"temperature gauge\">temperature gauge<\/a> on their gauge cluster to make it easier to keep track of coolant temperatures. These gauges indicate when your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-type-of-damage-to-expect-from-an-overheating-car\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"engine is overheating\">engine is overheating<\/a>. Today, we&rsquo;ll be looking at car temperature gauges, the different types, and how they compare to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is a Car Temperature Gauge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your vehicle&rsquo;s temperature gauge is a part of its emissions control system. The gauge measures engine coolant temperatures, relaying the information to you through the gauge cluster. Engine coolant absorbs heat from the engine&rsquo;s cylinders, cooling the engine in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The coolant absorbs heat from the head and cylinder walls by conduction, then by convection it carries and releases this heat through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/radiator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"radiator\">radiator<\/a>. Both mechanical and electric temperature gauges act as thermometers for the coolant, indicating when the engine coolant is running too hot. Car temperature gauges are sometimes called water temperature gauges despite the fact that they measure coolant temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mechanical Temperature Gauges Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mechanical temperature gauges work by detecting changes in engine pressure, which fluctuates depending on the engine&rsquo;s internal temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mechanical-temp-gauge.jpg\" alt=\"mechanical temp gauge diagram\" class=\"wp-image-115916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mechanical-temp-gauge.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mechanical-temp-gauge-300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mechanical-temp-gauge-150x127.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A mechanical temperature gauge has a sealed tube permanently affixed on its back, called the capillary tube, which, by way of the fluid in its probe and in the tube, delivers pressure to the hollow brass &ldquo;Bourdon Tube&rdquo; in the gauge (see illustration). The Bourdon Tube responds to the pressure created in the capillary tube&rsquo;s liquid bulb as the coolant gets hot and expands, moving the needle to indicate the temperature on the gauge. This is very carefully calculated when the gauge is made. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mechanical Temperature Gauge Benefits&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mechanical temperature gauges don&rsquo;t need electricity to work. You don&rsquo;t need to worry too much about matching up sending units, you only need to screw the probe into a coolant passage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mechanical gauges also deliver accurate readings even when the vehicle is off. When conducting repairs, this makes it especially easy to check how the heat in the engine dissipates while the engine isn&rsquo;t running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mechanical Temperature Gauge Drawbacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, mechanical temperature gauges are a little more complex to install. You need to route the capillary tube that the gauge attaches to through the engine and dash. There can&rsquo;t be any sharp bends or you risk damaging the tube either during installation or over time. In addition, you need to keep the tube away from header tubes and other heat sources that might affect the gauge&rsquo;s accuracy. The mechanical gauge is also larger than an electric temperature gauge sending unit, making plugging it into the engine&rsquo;s water jacket impossible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electric Temperature Gauges Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Electric temperature gauges are made up of a gauge and a sending unit with a wire connecting the two parts. Where you place the sending unit typically depends on its design. Some have the sending unit go into one of the engine&rsquo;s coolant passages, where it sends its temperature readings to the gauge through the connecting wire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following schematics show how OEM coolant temperature gauges are wired. Schematic 2 is the simplest, with the sender wired directly to the gauge unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-schematic-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"schematic of a coolant temperature gauge\" class=\"wp-image-115918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-schematic-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-schematic-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-schematic-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-schematic-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-schematic-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-schematic-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-schematic.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Schematic showing how an OEM coolant temperature gauge is wired | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"762\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-diagram-762x1024.jpg\" alt=\"diagram of a coolant temperature gauge wiring\" class=\"wp-image-115919\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-diagram-762x1024.jpg 762w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-diagram-223x300.jpg 223w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-diagram-768x1032.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-diagram-150x202.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-diagram.jpg 1116w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 762px) 100vw, 762px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Simple coolant temperature gauge wiring, with the sender wired directly to the gauge unit. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-schematic-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"schematic of a coolant temperature gauge wiring\" class=\"wp-image-115921\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-schematic-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-schematic-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-schematic-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-schematic-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-schematic-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-schematic-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/coolant-temperature-gauge-wiring-schematic.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Another coolant temperature gauge wiring schematic | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The sending unit uses a thermal-sensitive electrical resistor called a thermistor. The thermistor&rsquo;s electrical resistance changes as the temperature around it fluctuates, and the gauge reads these changes accordingly. The gauge interprets the information into a temperature reading to display on its face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electric Temperature Gauge Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because electric temperature gauges use an electric signal instead of a capillary tube to relay temperature info back and forth between the gauge and the sending unit in the engine coolant passage or water jacket, it&rsquo;s much easier to route the wire between the two. You don&rsquo;t need to worry about bending the wire into sharp corners or near other heat sources. Electric temperature gauges also have more customization options and are highly precise and accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electric Temperature Gauge Drawbacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Electric temperature gauges rely on resistance, meaning if anything happens to their electrical connections, it will likely affect their readings. Grounding or continuity issues between the engine and the gauge can also cause erratic readings because the sending units in electric gauges often rely on a chassis or engine ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mechanical vs. Electric Temperature Gauge Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When comparing mechanical vs. electrical temp gauges, you&rsquo;ll need to consider different factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customizability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned earlier, there are more styles of electric gauges than mechanical gauges, meaning you have more options if you want a gauge with different colors or display styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connection Style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that electric gauges connect to a sending unit via electricity makes them incredibly accurate, allowing electric temperature gauges to show reliable and consistent real-time readings with minimal fluctuations. Mechanical gauges, on the other hand, link directly to the coolant passage through the capillary tube. The direct link allows these gauges to respond faster and provide instant readings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While certain steps to installing mechanical gauges are simpler, it&rsquo;s ultimately easier to install an electric gauge thanks to its connection style and electrical system compatibility. You might still need to make additional modifications when installing a mechanical gauge in vehicles that didn&rsquo;t originally have one. Neither process is for a DIY beginner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pricing and Reliability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to their complexity, electric gauges tend to be more expensive than mechanical gauges. Electric temperature gauges are also more susceptible to electrical system malfunctions, but they&rsquo;re often more accurate and precise. Mechanical gauges, while incredibly durable, tend to suffer from mechanical wear over time, losing accuracy as they age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Testing Temperature Gauges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to test your temperature gauges, you can use a boiling pot of water. On a mechanical gauge, you&rsquo;ll need to place the temperature probe into the pot while the gauge and the capillary tube sit away from the heat. The gauge should show 212 degrees fahrenheit when the water begins boiling.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column109522_e68dd6-db kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id109522_e9f5c8-0a alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column109522_4bda2a-73 kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image109522_8909a3-34.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image109522_8909a3-34 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image109522_8909a3-34.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image109522_8909a3-34 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image109522_8909a3-34 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image109522_8909a3-34 .image-is-svg, .kb-image109522_8909a3-34 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image109522_8909a3-34 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image109522_8909a3-34\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column109522_42f97b-ce inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\n            When testing an electric temperature gauge, you can simply use a potentiometer that has a range corresponding to the sending unit. You connect the potentiometer to ground and to the gauge sending unit wire and manipulate the resistance to see if the gauge responds appropriately.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We don&rsquo;t recommend testing an electric temperature gauge yourself if you&rsquo;re unfamiliar with electronic testing in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, the choice between automotive temperature gauge types depends on your preferences. If you want a reliable, easy-to-install gauge, go for an electric gauge. For a more affordable, durable gauge, purchase a mechanical gauge.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Your vehicle&rsquo;s coolant needs to run at certain temperatures for the engine to function optimally. Vehicles have a temperature gauge&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/car-temperature-gauges-mechanical-vs-electric\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":109661,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3753,52],"tags":[1214],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-109522","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cooling-system","8":"category-diy","9":"tag-temperature-gauge","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Car Temperature Gauges: Mechanical vs. Electric - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What\u2019s the difference between a mechanical and an electric car temperature gauge? 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