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How to Read an Air Fuel Ratio Gauge

Posted by Matt P. on Jun 25, 2025

How to Read Air Fuel Gauges
  • How to Read an AFR Gauge
  • Rich, Lean and Optimal Levels
  • Designed for Performance Vehicles
  • Essential to Wideband Tuning
  • Achieve the Right Air to Fuel Mixture
  • Better Fuel Economy
  • Prevent Engine Damage
  • Maximize Performance

Wideband AFR Gauge Kits at GlowShift are key to helping drivers monitor the air fuel ratios of their performance vehicle. As the name suggests, this ratio is a matter of properly balancing the amount of air being mixed with the level of fuel.

How to read AFR involves understanding the difference between Rich, Optimal and Lean Levels, which will determine if your air to fuel ratio is maximized for stronger engine performance and better fuel efficiency.

A Rich mixture means there is too much fuel in relation to the amount of air. This is definitively something to avoid for your car or truck since it could lead to increased emissions, reduced fuel economy and possible damage to the engine.

Optimal, as the name suggests, is the sweet spot where you achieve the right air/fuel balance. It is also called the Stoichiometric Ratio and is ideal for peak performance and fuel efficiency.

Lean Levels are when there is more air than fuel in the mixture going into your vehicle’s engine. Potential effects include power loss and increased combustion temperatures which could cause engine knocking.

Accurately understanding how to read an AFR gauge will help you get the most out of your turbocharged or supercharged application. If you have a race car, pull truck, long-distance hauler or another kind of modified or high-performance vehicle, wideband tuning is integral.

If you picked up a GlowShift Wideband Air and Fuel Gauge and have any additional questions about how to read air fuel gauges, our Customer Support and Tech Support Teams are here to help and will gladly walk you through the process. We’re on standby via phone, email or chat.

Knowing how to read AFR gauges is essential to getting the most out of your AFR wideband gauge kit. The result will be an enhanced drive when you hit the streets or the track with your modified application.