Tachometer

What is a tachometer? A tachometer is the instrument found in vehicles that measures and displays the engine's rotational speed, commonly known as RPM (revolutions per minute).

The tachometer is connected to the engine's crankshaft or ignition system, where it measures how many rotations the engine makes in a minute. That information is then displayed in your dashboard, either on a dial with a needle, or on a digital screen.

If you drive a car with manual transmission, the tachometer is particularly helpful. It helps you shift gears at the optimal RPM range, which is good for both engine performance and fuel efficiency.

In addition to helping with gear shifting, the tachometer provides insight into the overall health of the engine. Unusually high or low RPM could indicate issues that require the attention of a mechanic.

Overall, the tachometer is a valuable tool that can help you get the most performance out of your engine, improve fuel efficiency, and give you insights into the engine’s wellbeing.

Speaking of wellbeing - with the Driversnote mileage tracker you can eliminate the worry of keeping a tax compliant mileage log, and spend your time on something more meaningful to you.

Track business driving with ease

Trusted by millions of drivers

Automate your logbook Automate your logbook

Claim your deductions

Reclaim your time

Automatic mileage tracking and CRA-compliant reporting.

Get started for free Get started for free

FAQ about tachometers

Do all cars have a tachometer?

Most cars, but actually not all. With automatic transmissions and a plethora of sensors and warning lights available to the manufacturer, the tachometer might be deemed redundant. This is to say that the car will still monitor its RPM, it just doesn’t display it for the driver to see.

What does RPM stand for?

RPM stand for revolutions per minute. It is a term used for almost all machines, including vehicle engines. It is a measure of how many times per minute the crankshaft rotates around itself.

What is revving?

Revving gets its name from RPM, which stands for Revolutions Per Minute. When you rev an engine, you increase the speed at which the engine is turning. Revving the engine of a car doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in driving speed, as you can rev an engine without engaging the clutch.