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A trip computer is an onboard computer device fitted to cars which can generally record distance travelled, average speed, average fuel consumption, and display real time fuel consumption information. This computer can be found in various vehicles. Thus sometimes called the "car calculator", it can be very handy on long trips. Image File history File links Wiki_letter_w. ... A BlueGene supercomputer cabinet. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... It has been suggested that Real-time computing be merged into this article or section. ...

Trip computer function showing fuel and trip distance information.

The first trip computers were installed in late 1970's General Motors products and are still usually reserved for more upscale cars although some lower-end models are fitted with them, often as an option. They can range from basic to complex. The most basic varieties of the trip computer incorporate average fuel mileage and perhaps an outside temperature display. Middle-of-the-road versions will often incorporate trip information into a bundle and include information on fuel, speed, distance, cardinal heading (compass), and elapsed time. The most advanced trip computers are reserved for high-end cars and often feature average calculations for two drivers, a stop watch, tire pressure information, an over-speed warning tone, as well as a multitude of other features. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1024x768, 289 KB) The actual trip computer function in a 2004 Acura TL shows the drivers average fuel consumption, speed, distance, and elapsed ignition on time since the last reset. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1024x768, 289 KB) The actual trip computer function in a 2004 Acura TL shows the drivers average fuel consumption, speed, distance, and elapsed ignition on time since the last reset. ... General Motors Corporation, also known as GM, is the worlds largest car manufacturer. ...

Sometimes the trip computer display will be incorporated into the gauge cluster, into the dashboard or navigation system screen, or in an overhead console. Some vehicles will convey maintenance information to the driver to inform them of scheduled maintenance. The current Acura TL does this in stages, first alerting the driver with a 'Due Soon' message. Once the programmed mileage is reached, it alerts 'Due Now'. If the vehicle is driven past a certain point, the message will change to 'Past Due'. Mercedes-Benz vehicles constantly monitor the quality of the oil and alert the driver of the need of a change when the oil degrades to a certain extent. The Acura TL is a compact executive car from Hondas luxury Acura marque. ...