Gauge pods are places where you can place gauges that will provide detailed information about all aspects of your vehicle's engine performance, from oil pressure and water temperatures to turbo boost levels and air-to-fuel ratios.

Types

Gauge pods come in many different configurations. Popular styles fit on the A pillar to the left of the windshield or on the center dash. However many people have found a number of other creative places to put gauges, such the center console or even behind air vents. They can hold any number of gauges, but most hold between one and four.

Uses

Most modern cars have substituted warning lights for manual gauges. While warning lights are sufficient for most drivers in most situations, high-performance engines often require the accuracy of a gauge. Gauge pods allow drivers to place these gauges in their car for easy reference. Gauge pods can also be used to relocate hard-to-see gauges.

Installation

Gauge pods are usually easy to mount. Most popular styles can be installed by someone with a basic knowledge of hand tools in the space of an afternoon. However, pods placed in unconventional places can require extensive body work--a job best left to professionals.

Benefits

Gauges are significantly more accurate than warning lights and can often allow an observant driver to catch, diagnose and fix a potential problem long before it would have become critical enough to trigger a warning light. By installing a gauge pod, a driver can place these gauges in a convenient place and keep track of much more information about the automobile than regular warning lights offer.

Precautions

As with any sort of modification to a motor vehicle, installing gauge pods can potentially void warranties and increase insurance costs. It's always best to check with your manufacturer and your insurance agent before making any modification to your car.

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Installing gauge pods