Belt temperature gauges are arguably the single most important aftermarket gauge for any UTV with a CVT transmission. Belt failure is one of the most common mechanical issues, and by the time you smell a burning belt, damage is already done. A belt temp gauge gives you early warning that your belt is getting too hot, letting you back off before you cook it. For riders with bigger tires, lift kits, or who do aggressive riding, this gauge is basically mandatory. It pays for itself the first time it prevents a costly belt and clutch cleaning.
If you’re the type to run with a bunch of performance mods that crank up the heat in your machine, and/or if you ride in really hot conditions, it’s never a bad idea to invest in a coolant temperature gauge. These will allow you to sense if there is a problem well before your stock temp does. Boost gauges are also a big deal for those with supercharged or turbocharged rigs, empowering you to see the actual boost pressure and prevent a detonation.
Finally, fuel pressure gauges, air/fuel ratio gauges and voltmeters are a bit more niche, but they’re still nice to have. Fuel pressure matters if you're running upgraded fuel systems or fighting fuel delivery issues. Air/fuel ratio gauges help with tuning, but aren't necessary once your tune is dialed. Voltmeters catch charging system problems before they strand you. Oil pressure and trans temp gauges matter for machines being pushed hard or running big power, but most riders can live without them. Start with what addresses your biggest concerns, then add additional gauges if specific issues or modifications warrant them.
It’s not one or the other, but both: how you mount your gauges will impact aesthetics as well as their overall usability. In other words, you definitely don’t want to sleep on the value that a solid mount can provide. For starters, let’s talk about custom dash panels. These look incredibly professional when done right, like they came from the factory, and they put everything in one logical location. Quality dash panels are designed for specific UTV models, so mounting is straightforward and everything fits properly.
Gauge pods are handy in that they can mount to lots of locations, including your roll bars. It also doesn’t hurt that they’re affordable, and if you like your first one, go ahead and build upon your setup however you like. On the other end of the spectrum, integrated displays are incredibly versatile and space-efficient, though they're not as affordable.
Mechanical gauges are really accurate because they read actual physical properties. The downside is that installation is more involved since you're running lines from the gauge to whatever you're measuring. Electrical gauges use sensors that send signals to the gauge via wiring. Installation is typically cleaner since you're just running wires rather than fluid lines, and electrical gauges can be more compact. Modern electrical gauges are quite accurate if you're using quality sensors.
The whole analog vs digital question doesn’t really have a universally right answer, as it comes down to preference. Analog gauges give you an easier way to assess your levels at a quick glance, while digital gauges will give you a higher degree of precision. For parameters you're monitoring constantly (like belt temp during hard riding), analog often works better. For parameters you just check occasionally (like fuel pressure), digital is fine.
What’s the temp ceiling for my CVT belt?
Typically, you want to stay below a hundred and eighty degrees. Anything higher may shorten the life of your belt.
Is it a hassle to install gauges on your own?
Nowadays, not by any means, so long as you have basic tools and know-how.
What about my warranty? Will a gauge void it?
It’s not so much the gauge itself, but rather, accessing certain systems and areas to install sensors that might (not a guarantee!) affect your warranty. Always check before doing any work!