Why Does the Speedometer Show Higher Speeds than the Actual Top Speed?
Many drivers are familiar with the frustration of seeing their car's speedometer max out at a specific high value, only to wonder if they were truly going that fast. This phenomenon is influenced by both psychological and practical reasons, with manufacturers intentionally setting speedometer scales to indicate higher speeds for various reasons.
Reasons for Higher Speedometer Readings
One common reason for speedometers to indicate higher speeds than the actual top speed is for safety reasons. Manufacturers calibrate speedometers to read higher than the actual speed of the vehicle to alert drivers to their speeding, preventing them from going beyond the safe limit. This is akin to leaving sufficient space on a scale to provide an illusion that the user could potentially achieve even greater performance in the future.
Psychosocial and Public Demand
The trend of speedometers reflecting higher speeds has also been influenced by public demand and psychosocial factors. During the 1980s, cars had speedometers that typically did not exceed 85 mph, a device intended to discourage drivers from pushing their cars to their limits. This measure was partially aimed at saving fuel during periods of low oil supply.
However, as gasoline supplies increased, the need for such restrictions diminished, and speedometers began to reflect higher speeds again. Interestingly, the impact on national fuel consumption was minimal, as only a small percentage of drivers would exceed 85 mph regardless of the speedometer reading. For example, muscle cars from the 1960s often had 150 mph speedometers, which many drivers never approached, although it served as a bragging point for the car's capability.
Electronic Speedometer Limitations
Modern vehicles often come with electronic speedometers that incorporate limitations set by the car's computer. For instance, a vehicle with a 130 mph speedometer might be electronically limited to 115 mph, enhancing safety while still allowing drivers to feel confident in their vehicle's performance.
Conclusion
The higher readings on speedometers serve multiple purposes, from enhancing safety and preventing over-speeding to catering to the desires of psychosocial factors and public demand. Despite the occasional frustration of seeing maximum readings, these calibrated speeds provide a valuable tool for drivers to stay within safe limits and enjoy their cars to the fullest extent within legal and safety regulations.