3 ms·

I would imagine that LED backlit LCD screens are some of the longest lasting computer parts in the world. Gauges are physical devices and can go bad too.

• Symbiote 7y ago
  Even if the screen itself is reliable, you also need the soldering connections and all other components to stay good (on a moving vehicle, exposed to a wide temperature range, direct sunlight for many hours, water etc) Plus you need the software to be reliable, which probably isn't the case even when the system is new.
  • novok 7y ago
    Most car radio software from the 90s and 2000s are very reliable. Most software bugs come from change, and since embedded system stuff doesn't really change after delivery, it stays fairly reliable. I estimate 2010s basic software is fine too. And wiring harnesses / solder points being secure is an issue with normal car dials, buttons, gauges, engine / emissions control chips and more for quite a long time. I think you have to go back to the 80s or even 70s to get non-electronic gauges in mass market cars. The entire wiring point stuff is mostly a solved point. Yes some VW cars and other less reliable manufacturers do have solder or microswitches go bad after 20 years, but I'm fairly certain it isn't much of an issue in makes like toyota. And by that time in 20 years, some chinese manufacturer has made a clone part for $30 and it's mostly a non issue.
• leetcrew 7y ago
  analog gauges tend to degrade gracefully though. I'm reminded of my highschool friend's '82 volvo whose speedometer read about 15% too low. inconvenient, but you could at least compensate for it once you understood the flaw. a group of dead pixels in a digital speedometer would make it totally useless if they obscured the ten's place.