Speedometer reads too fast

[samman11]

I was told that ALL foreign cars have speedometers that read anywhere from 3 to 5 mph too fast. Is this true? My 2005 New Beetle Convertible reads 3 mph too fast. I have tested it with my GPS (which, by the way, is dead on with my two Chevy vehicles)and with posted radar sites and my ACTUAL speed is always 3 mph SLOWER than what is indicated on the VW speedometer. I asked my VW mechanic if there was a way to calibrate the speed and he stated no. He was the one who made the statement above about all foreign cars. My concern is that I am adding false miles to the VW everytime I drive it. As the years go on, this will add up. Any thoughts?

[Smileybug]

All NBs read a few mph faster, but they are calibrated so that the actual miles put on to the car are what is actually put on. It isn't based off the mph. You're good to go.

[samman11]

Really, so the actual miles registered on a car is hooked up to a separate system apart from the speedometer? I didn't know. Can someone explain more?

[bigcoyote]

I don't know about the speedo vs. odometer readings actual miles but I do know that most car companies consider a speedo error of 5mph or less to be "normal" and they do tend to read faster that the car is going so that if you get a ticket , say for 75mph - but your speedo was reading 78, you can't blame it on the speedo.

I do know Honda recently was sued for odometer error and had to give a bunch of owners extended warranties because they were reading more miles than the car actually traveled, by 10% or more ( I think ).

If you live in or near a major city look for a Speedometer / odometer shop ( here in Phoenix it is "Dicks Speed-o-Tach" ). They may have some ideas.

Good Luck

[Lov3Bug]

all three of my nb's read too fast

[DZLBUG]

Originally Posted by samman11

Really, so the actual miles registered on a car is hooked up to a separate system apart from the speedometer? I didn't know. Can someone explain more?

Its all based off the vehicle speed sensor in the transmission. The ECU just causes the speedo to display a slower speed by design. The odometer readings are correct.

[FreqWiz]

My NB Speed-O reads faster then my GPS but the O-Meter reads 3 mils per 100 lower then the GPS. I use the trip meter on my NUVI not the one in the NB.

Your Speed-O can be effected by things like tire size and even tire pressure.

If you have a GPS, just set your cruse off it and go.

[Fowvay]

Confirmed with GPS cruise set at 60mph indicated.

Speedo off 3 mph
Odometer off 0 mph

Just tested it.

[Zann]

Most car companies get them close but never exact - they don't have to. Police Interceptor Crown Vics actually do have certified calibrated speedometers as part of the police package as seen in this image: