Speedometer Calibration and Its Advantages – All You Need to Know

Speedometer calibration is the term that is associated with positive and negative attitudes at the same time. For some individuals, it is the process that can help them to save some money. For others, it is a thing that is not worth mentioning until facing an enormous number of speedometer tickets. Shortly, the term seems very confusing for those individuals who have never calibrated the speedometer. However, the topic is very important for any driver.

Owning a vehicle requests taking good care of each part. Otherwise, it is impossible to experience comfortable and reliable rides. Speedometers, similar to other parts, can become out of tune over time. As a result, if the part doesn’t work properly, you might get a lot of speeding tickets. On the one hand, you might see certain numbers on the dashboard that are far away from reality. As a result, you end up receiving tickets and paying for exceeding the speed limit. Finally, the only solution is to search for “speedometer calibration near me”. As a rule, receiving unexpected speeding tickets is the main reason why individuals get interested in speedometer calibration. Below we will discuss in detail what the process means, reasons that cause speedometer inaccuracy, how to calibrate the speedometer, and many other details. So, let’s start exploring!

What Does the Speedometer Calibration Mean?

You will come across a lot of different types of speedo corrector tools on the market while searching the meaning of speedometer calibration. Owning a vehicle doesn’t mean knowing all details of mechanic parts. For that reason, I’ll try to explain the whole process in simple words. The speedometer is one of the main parts of a vehicle. With the help of the part, we can control the speed on the dashboard, to be in line with speed limits. It shows us how many miles are covered within an hour. Unsurprisingly, similar to other parts the speedometer can be worn out. As a result, If the part is not registering the data correctly you might get speeding tickets. And there is no way to end up paying for tickets with a speedometer inaccuracy. 

In simple words, speedometer calibration is a process of checking whether the wheels are aligned to the reading on the speedometer. For instance, if the wheels are moving at a 60mph speed, then the same data should be shown on the dashboard. If you see any number, other than that, then it needs immediate action. 

Reasons that can cause speedometer misleading

One of the most popular reasons why people face speedo calibration is adjusting the speedometer for tire size. Changing tires can affect the speedometer misleading. If you are using different size tires other than what the manufacturer recommended, then you should calibrate the speedo. No matter, using a bigger or smaller size of tires can lead to inaccuracy. 

Another reason that can lead to speedometer correction is driving a used vehicle. 

Reasons to Calibrate Speedometer – Do I Really Need to Calibrate the Speedometer?

Speedometer calibration can have only a positive impact. There are two main reasons why drivers calibrate speedometer:

• To avoid extra costs and unforeseen circumstances – Purchasing an old used vehicle is quite risky. Even after a thorough pre-purchase checkup, there can be left some details that can cause unforeseen circumstances later. It’s always better to calibrate the speedometer and be sure that the wheel speed is aligned to the speedometer reading. That way, you can avoid paying for extra tickets.
• To get admissible evidence – After receiving speed tickets, speedometer calibration can be admissible evidence in a trial. That can help you to prove that the speedometer was showing a different speed than the actual one, which was misleading. That’s proof that you were not intentionally violating the speed limits. 

After clarifying reasons, I’m sure the only thing you are interested in is “speedometer calibration near me”. Keep reading, we are going to explore how to calibrate the speedometer. 

The Speedometer Calibration Process – How to Do It by Yourself?

Notably, speedometer calibration can be done in a different way for electric and mechanical speedometers. Calibration on an electronic speedometer can be done in the following way. Press and hold the calibration button located on the speedometer. After this start the automobile, and then release the button. Again press that button and then take the test drive. Recommended distance should be indicated in the vehicle supporting documents. After covering the distance, press the button once more and the speedometer will calibrate itself. That way you won’t need any speedo corrector tools.

In case you have a mechanical speedometer, then the process is a bit harder than for the electronic one. You should open the hood and unscrew the speedometer cable and the bolt holding the gear housing cover. Besides, you should get the needed driver gear for a vehicle. That way you can replace the old driver gear by pulling it out. Adjusting speedometer for tire size in a mechanical speedo can be very complicated. For that reason, there are many mechanics who can do it for you. 

The cost of speedometer calibration depends on many factors. Even though, mostly the average cost is between $50-$100. The process takes a short time. Mechanics can easily find the accuracy of a speedometer. They check whether the speed of your rotating tires is equivalent to what’s showing on your speedometer.

Takeaway

All in all, as you can see speedometer correction to avoid extra costs and unforeseen circumstances is very important for any driver. There are many cases when speedometer inaccuracy can bring a lot of trouble. No matter how detail-oriented you are, there is always a chance to miss checking some details while purchasing a used car, or while changing tire size. In both cases, it is mandatory to check if the tire’s speed is aligning with the dashboard data.

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Used sources:

https://myvacriminallawyer.com/arlington-criminal/reckless-driving-lawyer/speedometer-calibration/ 

https://www.safetyrestore.com/blog/how-to-change-speedometer-calibration/

http://www.speedright.com/