Are Stepper Motors Accurate?

The short answer is yes, they're very accurate motors. But why? We'll explain below.

If you've ever wondered how your car's instrument cluster does such a fantastic job of showing you the exact speed you're going or how much gas you have left, stepper motors are the answer (find more FAQs about them here). Most of that information on your gauges comes from these tiny devices called. Read on for a better understanding of why stepper motors are so accurate, especially in car gauges.

How Stepper Motors Work

First up, let's break down what a stepper motor is. Imagine a motor that instead of spinning around smoothly like a fan, moves in small steps. It's like the hands of a clock that move from one second to the next – very precise and controlled. This type of motor can turn to exact positions as part of a circle, which makes it perfect for tasks that need great accuracy.

The secret behind their accuracy lies in their design. Stepper motors are built with multiple "teeth" or gear-like structures that are magnetically controlled. Each time you send an electric pulse through the motor, it moves from one tooth to the next. Think of it as clicking a pen to get to the next click stop – that's how a stepper motor moves from one step to another.

Why does this matter? Because each "click" or step is a known movement, the motor can be extremely precise. You can tell the motor to move two steps, twenty steps, or two hundred steps, and it will move exactly that amount. This step-by-step motion allows for incredible control over the motor’s position.

Why Use Stepper Motors In Instrument Clusters?

Now, let's shift our focus to cars. In your vehicle's instrument cluster, the gauges that show your speed, fuel level, and other important information must be very accurate. You wouldn't want your speedometer telling you that you're driving at 50 miles per hour when you're actually cruising at 65. That’s where stepper motors come in.

In auto gauges, stepper motors are used because they can point to the exact number on the dial without any error. Each pulse sent to the stepper motor moves it a tiny fraction of a degree, allowing the gauge needles to point to the precise values drivers need to see. You need accuracy when your tachometer measuring engine speed. Your speedometer has to show exactly how fast you're going. You need a dependable fuel gauge to let you know when it's time to fill up. Only a high-quality stepper motor will ensure that all these readings are spot on.

Next time you glance down at your dashboard, remember there’s a stepper motor working hard behind the scenes to keep you accurately informed on the road.

Stepper Motors From ISS Automotive

At ISS we carry a huge selection of stepper motors from 1995 on:

ISS stepper motors give you:

• A Tailored Fit - Stepper motors from ISS are custom fit to slide directly into the motor slot in your gauge. Your new motor will match the original fitment, and will install easily without any modifications.
• Quality Construction - Stepper motors are constant-use parts. The robust construction of our stepper motors means you get precise operation and a long life.
• A Huge Selection - Instrument cluster gauge stepper motors can sometimes be hard to find. ISS Automotive offers a large selection of stepper motors for a wide variety of Chevy and GMC models from 1995 on.

Stepper motors can last the life of a vehicle. However, if you find you do need to replace a stepper motor in your instrument cluster, ISS has a huge selection to choose from. They are important parts, so quality and dependability matter. Refer to the chart above and order your stepper motor today.