An instrument control panel, or instrument cluster, on a vehicle contains information and warning lamps that provide useful information about the relative health of a vehicle and its engine.
Instrument control panels evolve with the technology available to vehicle manufacturers. Gauges, such as the speedometer, remain a constant on the majority of vehicles. A speedometer tells the driver of a vehicle the speed at which he is traveling, while a fuel gauge measures and displays the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.
A number of warning lamps usually are included on an instrument control panel, including an engine diagnostics warning lamp that lets the driver know of an engine problem before the engine breaks down. Other warning lamps include seat belt warnings and an oil pressure warning light.
The instrument control panel reflects the technology available on a vehicle, according to Edmunds. In 2010, instrument control panels on newly constructed vehicles include a tire pressure gauge and information on hybrid power trains on cars powered by hybrid technology.
