DESIGN OF A DIGITAL DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR MONITORING RADIATOR TEMPERATURE ON FOUR-WHEELED VEHICLES

Abstract

Engine overheating can develop when radiator coolant temperature is not monitored adequately, while conventional dashboard indicators may provide limited numerical information. This study designed and evaluated an Arduino Uno-based digital display prototype for monitoring radiator coolant temperature in four-wheeled vehicles. The system integrated a DS18B20 temperature sensor, Arduino Uno, TM1637 driver, 3-digit 7-segment display, buzzer, and regulated power supply. Evaluation consisted of a three-point comparison against a digital thermometer and vehicle-scenario observations under idling, normal driving, and traffic-jam conditions with the air conditioning on. At reference temperatures of 30, 40, and 50°C, the sensor differed from the reference by 0–1°C, giving a mean absolute error of 0.33°C and a mean absolute percentage error of approximately 0.83%. Vehicle observations covered 32–94°C; the audible alarm remained inactive at 94°C because the programmed threshold was above 95°C. The findings demonstrate proof-of-concept feasibility for direct numerical coolant-temperature display under the reported conditions. However, the evidence does not establish universal vehicle applicability or superiority to factory indicators. Multi-vehicle calibration, repeated trials, quantitative response-time measurement, and durability testing are required before broader deployment.