Econometer

nounStandard termAutomotive

A dashboard gauge that indicates real-time fuel efficiency.

An analog or digital instrument cluster gauge that displays the vehicle's current fuel consumption rate. Older mechanical versions relied directly on intake manifold vacuum to swing a needle, while newer digital versions calculate injector pulse widths and vehicle speed to display miles per gallon.

Heard on the job

He keeps his eye glued to the econometer trying to squeeze out an extra mile per gallon.