Bränslevågsindikatorer

Bränslevågsindikatorer, or fuel wave indicators, are devices used in certain types of vehicles, particularly older ones and some specialized equipment, to provide a visual representation of the fuel level. Unlike modern digital gauges or simple float-based pointers, these indicators rely on the physical movement of fuel within a tank.

The principle behind a bränslevågsindikator is the observation of fuel sloshing or "waves" within the tank. As the vehicle moves, accelerates, or decelerates, the fuel's inertia causes it to shift and create waves. A transparent or partially transparent section of the fuel tank, or a connected viewing port, allows these waves to be seen. A simple marking or scale adjacent to this viewing area can then indicate the approximate fuel level based on the height the waves reach.

These indicators are often found on agricultural machinery, boats, and some classic cars where simplicity and mechanical reliability were prioritized over electronic sophistication. They offer a direct, albeit less precise, method of monitoring fuel. The advantage is their robustness and lack of complex electrical components, which can be prone to failure in harsh environments. However, they are sensitive to the vehicle's motion, meaning the reading can fluctuate significantly, and the accuracy is generally lower compared to modern fuel level sensors. They require the observer to visually interpret the wave's highest point against a calibration scale.