What is the actual speed when the dashboard shows 60?
2 Answers
Many dashboard displays show a speed higher than the actual speed. For example, when the displayed speed is 60 km/h, the actual speed is less than 60 km/h, likely between 57-59 km/h. This is done to provide better warning and enhance safety. There are two units for speed: km/h and mph. In China, the unit used is km/h. 1 mph = 1.609344 km/h. Below are some related details: 1. Different units for different car types: Generally, Japanese, Korean, and German cars use kilometers per hour (km/h) to indicate speed, while American cars typically use miles per hour (mph). This depends on the country. 2. Explanation of horsepower: Horsepower is an important parameter of an engine, referring to the work done by the engine per unit of time. This means that for cars of the same mass, a higher engine power results in a higher speed. 3. Speed regulations for vehicles: Motor vehicles must not exceed the speed limit indicated by road signs. On roads without a centerline, the speed limit is 30 km/h in urban areas and 40 km/h on highways. On roads with only one lane in the same direction, the speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 70 km/h on highways. When turning, the maximum speed for a motor vehicle must not exceed 30 km/h.
When the dashboard displays 60 km/h, the actual speed is usually lower, roughly between 55 to 57 km/h. Based on my over ten years of driving experience, this is a common safety design measure—automakers intentionally set the speedometer to read slightly higher to prevent speeding risks. The discrepancy mainly stems from changes in tire size or unstable tire pressure. For example, after installing new tires, the actual speed may be even lower. I’ve tested this multiple times with a mobile GPS app—when the display shows 60, the GPS reading is around 56 km/h, a difference of about 5%. It’s advisable to regularly check tire wear and pressure to keep the margin of error within a reasonable range and avoid unintentional violations in speed-limited zones. Additionally, the speed signal comes from wheel sensors, which may degrade over long-term use, increasing inconsistency. During maintenance, it’s safest to have a technician calibrate them.