Are you learning how to drive or plan to buy a car? Then it is likely that you are also curious about this question that, “How does a car speedometer work?” A speedometer is an important gauge in a car and one on which the driver has to keep a constant eye while driving.
That’s why you must know about the speedometer and how it works. The speedometer is there to tell us about our speed while we are driving. Interestingly, the basic principles of speedometers have not changed over the years, but the technology behind it and the display have changed with time.
How Does a Car Speedometer Work:
The speedometer works by utilizing the principles of magnetic rotation and the generation of currents via said rotation. The faster the car moves, the faster the magnet rotates. Which in turn generates a higher volume of current. So, the faster the car, the higher the current generated, which means the higher the measured speed will be displayed.
What are types of Speedometer:
There are two types of speedometers which are:
1. Mechanical Speedometers:
The mechanical speedometers check the speed in kilometers or miles per hour. It tells the speed based on measuring the speed of spinning of the wheels by using electromagnetism. However, the spinning of the car wheels depends on how much fuel is provided to the engine cylinders.
Therefore, the cable connects to the driving train. The magnet is turned at the same speed when it spins freely with the transmission. Within the cup, the rotating magnet generates a magnetic field, which changes by the vehicle velocity and cable turning.
From here, the speed cup creates power. The electricity that doesn’t actually have to leave. This is when Eddy Current Speedometer is given its moniker. These spinning electric currents rotate the speed cup, and the speed of the rotating magnet is matched.
The tiny coil inhibits a complete rotation of the speed cup, which causes the pointer to draw up the speed meter. The quicker the automobile moves, the sooner the whole reaction starts with the spinning wires.
2. Electric Speedometers
However, these are not common speedometers because they are less used in cars. It works differently and also has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Mechanical speedometers, however, have their downsides, for instance, inaccuracy and mechanical failure, much more often than not.
New technologies, electronic speedometers, replace their mechanical parts fast. An electronic analog speedometer utilizes a pointer and indicator dial to represent the vehicle’s speed when digital numerals are shown on a screen.
FAQs related to “How does a car speedometer work.”
How Speedometer Works?
The velocity meter is the equipment in a car that collects the speed and presents the information to the driver via the vehicle dashboard. Many types of speedometers function in different ways. For example, everyone measures how fast the wheels revolve. The odometer is another component like the speedometer. How far the car has driven is recorded by the odometer.
How To Read A Speedometer?
The speedometer is part of your vehicle’s instrument cluster that contains important statistics for vehicles such as velocity, traversed miles, vehicle temperature, and fuel levels. You can also find warning lights for your car in the instrument cluster.
Two different semicircles containing a number set are in the speedometer. The smaller semicircle shows numbers in kilometers and typically shows figures in kilometers. As the control hand swings through the circles, the current velocity of the vehicle is where it sits.
Which car has the best speedometers?
Therefore, to provide some best example of the speedometer for the car. I am sharing a list of cars that have the best speedometers. Let’s start reading the list:
- Ferrari 599 GTO
- Koenigsegg Agera
- Vauxhall Astra GTE
- Citroen BX GT Digit
- Honda CR-Z
- Fiat 500
- Lancia Orca
- Lexus LFA
- Packard 12
- Lamborghini Reventon
- TVR Tuscan
- Pagani Zonda R
These are some cars with the best speedometers. If you prefer a speedometer while buying a car, you can consider these best cars known for having the best speedometers.
What to check if a speedometer is not working?
However, sometimes the speedometer stops working; that’s why it is important to inspect it regularly. For example, if your speedometer dashboard remains at zero, it means something might be broken. The speedometer stops working in most cases due to worn-down gear, faulty engine control unit, damaged wiring, and faulty speed sensor. If it stops working, you’ll need to consult a mechanic and get it replaced or repaired.
Are odometers and speedometers the same?
Odometers and speedometers are not the same. The odometer is a device that is used to measure the distance your car has traveled. On the other hand, speedometers measure the speed at which your car is traveling at any given instants.
What are some of the best GPS speedometers?
Interestingly, no article about speedometers is complete without a mention of GPS speedometers. So, the three best GPS speedometer picks for you are as follows:
- LeaningTech Original Digital Universal Car HUD GPS Speedometer.
- Timprove T600 Universal Car HUD Head Up Display Digital GPS Speedometer.
- ELING Universal MPH GPS Speedometer Odometer.
What is the cost to repair a speedometer?
You can expect to pay between $100 and $250 if you’re hiring a mechanic. A damaged sensor or speed meter would not be as costly to repair. However, if the fault is a more critical or sensitive component, you can expect to pay up to $400.
Do you think car repairs are absurdly expensive?
Yes, car repairs can be expensive. These days, visiting a car repair shop in case of unexpected repairs can be costly. However, the cost also depends on your car type, ranging from 100 dollars to 10,000 dollars.
