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-   -   How often do you check the instrument cluster/MID while driving? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/212380-how-often-do-you-check-instrument-cluster-mid-while-driving-6.html)

I keep checking looking at the MID most of the time. Am always looking at the speedo and always have an eye out for any warning lights lighting up! I hate having any of the lights lit up and ensure i get any such warning taken care of at the earliest!

If you have ever owned an offroad vehicle especially the Mahindras, you will continue to look at the gauges every few minutes even if you graduate to a Honda City. #truestory

Only thing I look at is the Range left, I don't like refueling at random Bunks hence this has become an habit to plan for fuel stops. Rest of it doesn't matter much.

I keep checking the MID frequently to check speed, rpm, instantaneous FE, DTE and tyre pressure once in a while.

Constantly to change music, to look at the range, to look at the speed and transmission behaviour.

I look at the instrument cluster not for FE, fuel level nor speed. I automatically look at the cluster for any warning signals like heat meter, and any tell tale signals.

For me, temperature gauge tells more than half the story.

I do this because, my old Honda Civic had coolant leak, I was unaware of it and which caused overheating and failing two of the ignition coils. That experience helped in saving my Gypsy as well. My brand new Gypsy had a leaking water pump and temperature was always up. Since it was a brand new, I got it replaced under warranty. And one of the things I don't like about my beloved E90 330i is, it doesn't even have a temperature gauge. I have to goto hidden menu to see the coolant temperature.

I do keep checking out mid for rpm levels,instantaneous FE, speed etc. Off and on when you speed or rev the engine and rpm needle going berserk it gives a certain thrill .

With the traffic as it is, the more often one takes eyes of the road to look at the instrument cluster the greater the frequency of an accident happening. I'd rather enjoy the view of the road from the drivers seat and scan the road and wing mirrors for a safe drive.

After a cold start, I keep monitoring the temp gauge till it reaches the normal operating temp. So that I know when it's okay to push :D

And while driving, I frequently take a glance mainly at the speedo and tacho. But my bad habit is that I don't check the temp that frequently :Frustrati

I really feel that vehicles should also include an audible prompt to tell the driver if something needs their attention. Just imagine a situation which demands extreme driver attention and that moment something happens. It's very possible that even the most vigilant ones might miss to see it in time.

Very frequently—for RPM, specially when the engine asks for an up shift.

Agree, however the question will be what readings should prompt an audible warning, as it distracts the driver from the car operation. Taking the example you quote, in a situation which demands extreme driver attention, an audible warning could be detrimental.

For E.g. an overheating engine will not seize immediately, the red light prompt should be heeded when the 'extreme' situation as ebbed.

Very valid point of audible warning being detrimental in extreme situations.

Regarding what should prompt an audible warning, it would something that requires urgent/immediate attention, like engine temp nearing the max operation temp, sudden loss of oil pressure, etc.
And about the point of audible warning causing distraction at unwanted moments, I would suggest to have a Do Not Disturb switch in the vehicle to suppress all audible alerts :)

Am sure there can be some valid cases for audible warning while vehicle is in operation, e.g. speed warning is already implemented.

There may be some more like proximity warning, lane departure warning, continued high engine temperature, low fuel, low tire pressure etc.

There are some innovative solutions already available, like the S-Class has a lane departure warning, where the brakes are applied on one side to steer the car back into the lane (the steering is not moved as a dozing drivers instinct would be to straighten the wheel on waking up).

I start my drive by looking at the oil temp which needs to hit at least 80-85 deg before I switch over the MID to speed. Then, it is a constant peek at the tacho throughout my drive even if my tranny is automatic. Which is why I get really ticked off when I see private car owners ignoring MID alerts lit up - it either shows they dont care about the car or they are ignorant of their car.