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07 Jul 2025
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A car speedometer is one of the most essential instruments on your vehicle's dashboard. It displays how fast your car is travelling and helps you stay within speed limits, ensuring road safety. Whether you’re driving through city traffic or cruising on highways, the speedometer plays a crucial role in monitoring your car's speed in real time.
Over the years, speedometers have evolved from simple mechanical devices to advanced digital displays. Understanding its functionality can prevent accidents, fines, and even complications with insurance claims in the event of an incident.
The speedometer of a car measures the real-time speed at which the vehicle is travelling. It displays this speed in kilometres per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph), depending on your country. The system works by calculating the rotational speed of the wheels or the driveshaft and converting that into a readable speed output. Modern digital speedometers get data from sensors and transmitters located in the vehicle’s gearbox or wheels. This information is crucial for safe driving, as exceeding speed limits can not only result in legal fines but also affect your car insurance terms.
A car speedometer functions to inform the driver of the vehicle’s current speed, helping maintain safe and legal driving practices. It assists in avoiding speeding tickets and allows better control of the vehicle in varying traffic and weather conditions. By constantly keeping the driver aware, it contributes to road safety for both the driver and others. In the context of insurance, data around car speed can sometimes play a role in claim evaluations, especially in accidents or speeding violations.
The first mechanical speedometers were introduced in the early 1900s. Initially, they were cable-driven and operated through gears linked to the transmission. As automobile technology progressed, car speedometers evolved into electronic and then digital forms.
Today, many vehicles feature GPS-based digital speedometers for enhanced accuracy. Some modern dashboards even integrate augmented reality with speed information. Manufacturers and insurers often support cars equipped with smart dashboards for added safety and claim transparency.
What are the Types of Speedometers?
If your car speedometer fails while driving, it becomes challenging to judge your speed, increasing the risk of accidents or speeding tickets. It could also make cruise control unreliable. If involved in an accident, a failed speedometer might impact your insurance claim, especially if speed was a factor. Always have such issues fixed promptly. If you’re insured with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, their wide network of 7,200+ cashless garages can assist in speedy and hassle-free repairs.
Calibrating your car speedometer involves resetting or adjusting the device so it reflects accurate speed. Here’s how:
Also Read: Hydrogen Cars in India: Meaning, Benefits & Types
The car speedometer is more than just a number on your dashboard—it’s a critical tool for road safety and compliance. A properly functioning speedometer helps avoid accidents, fines, and complications during insurance claims. Keep your speedometer in good shape with regular maintenance and address any issues without delay. Choosing the right insurance partner, like Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, ensures access to expert care through 7,200+ cashless garages, giving you confidence every time you hit the road.
A car speedometer measures the real-time speed at which a vehicle is travelling, usually displayed in kilometres per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Most car speedometers are accurate within a margin of 2–10%, but tyre changes or faulty sensors can affect their readings.
Yes, if speed was a factor in the incident, a malfunctioning speedometer may complicate the claim assessment.
Signs include erratic needle movement, no reading, dashboard warnings, or backlight failure.
Repair costs in India can range from ₹1,500 to ₹6,000, depending on the issue and the car model.
Technically, yes, but it’s unsafe and illegal in many regions. Always get it repaired immediately.
Digital speed variations may result from sensor delays, GPS lags, or tyre size mismatches affecting calibration.
*Standard T&C apply
**Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.
****Disclaimer: Vehicle specifications, features, and pricing may vary, and it is essential for readers to verify the latest information from authorised dealerships, manufacturers, or reliable sources before making any purchasing decisions.
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