What is the actual speed when the display shows 60 mph?
2 Answers
The speed displayed on the dashboard is 60, while the actual speed is 53.2 mph. The dashboard speed is generally 5 to 6 km/h faster than the actual speed. The displayed speed of a vehicle is higher than its actual driving speed, and the margin of error varies across different speed ranges. Generally speaking, exceeding 10% of the speed limit above 60 mph will not result in penalty points or fines. For speeds at or below 60 mph, exceeding up to 50% of the speed limit without causing an accident will also not incur penalties. Current vehicle models primarily calculate speed based on the number of tire rotations. For example, Suzuki models convert ABS wheel speed signals into speed signals to calculate average fuel consumption and mileage. Simply put, they also use tire rotation counts for statistics. Although the speedometer indicates a higher speed, standard values are still used for calculating average fuel consumption and mileage. Therefore, the indicated speed being higher than the actual speed does not affect the average fuel consumption value or mileage. In China, automobile production regulations clearly stipulate that the dashboard must display a speed higher than the actual speed. However, since different manufacturers have varying design standards during production, there may be some discrepancies in the speeds displayed on dashboards.
When the speedometer shows 60 mph, the actual speed is usually around 50 km/h. Based on my experience driving many cars, I've noticed that the speed displayed on the dashboard is always slightly higher than the real speed. This is intentionally designed by manufacturers to prevent drivers from accidentally speeding. The reason lies in the calibration margin of the speedometer. The international standard allows for an error of no more than 10% of the actual speed. So, if it shows 60, the actual speed might be between 55 to 58 km/h, especially when tires are worn or road conditions are poor, the difference becomes more noticeable. It's advisable not to rely too much on the displayed speed while driving. Occasionally checking the real speed with a mobile navigation app can be more reassuring, helping you avoid speeding and ensuring driving safety.
