Why a Broken Speedometer Can Put You and Your Car at Risk
The Phoenix sun is brutal, and when beating down on our parked vehicles temperatures can soar to upward of 150°-170°F during the summertime. This heat can slowly destroy the electrical components behind the dashboard, which can ultimately lead to speedometer failure. When your speedometer is not working properly, it can lead to inaccurate readings, speed discrepancies, and increased risk to you and your family on the road. Without something to clearly communicate your speed, you have lost your connection to your car and the pavement. This connection is crucial for safe driving, and for mitigating legal risks.
Signs Your Speedometer is Failing
Understanding and being able to recognize the signs of a failing speedometer is the first step of the auto repair process. These signs point towards repairs that are more invasive than your typical “speedometer recalibration” efforts and suggest something bigger is at play.
- The Dead Needle: Bad wiring, faulty vehicle sensors (VSS), or a blown fuses can all result in a “dead” (non-moving) needle
- Erratic Needle Bouncing: Sporadic needle behavior could be caused by many different mechanical issues such as frayed or loose mechanical cables, failing stepper motor, or malfunctioning sensor
- Sticky Gauge: If the needle is sticking at certain speeds, and needs a tap to “un-stick” itself, the components may be suffering from heat warpage
- Noises Coming from Dashboard: Any clicking, whirring, or other cries coming for the dashboard is a clear sign there may be some diagnostics that need to be done.
If you think you are experiencing any of these, it may be time to get your vehicle inspected at your local auto repair shop. These signs can point to a variety of different mechanical issues, requiring proper diagnostics to find the root of the problem.
Risks of a Broken Speedometer
The cost of electrical diagnostics can be high, so it may be temping to ignore the issue or use other methods of monitoring your speed. However, a malfunctioning speedometer may be the least of your issues and could run much deeper, putting your entire system at risk. Additional ways a broken speedometer can impact your car include:
- Cruise Control Function
Without a properly functioning speed monitor, your cruise control function could unexpectedly disengage or fail, causing you to lose speed without noticing.
2. Transmission Stress & Steering Issues
A failing or faulty speedometer sensor can miscommunicate to the transmission when to shift. Staying in a low gear for too long puts a lot of strain on the engine, which can lead to overheating, burnout, or cooling system failures.
3. ABS and Stability Systems
Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Traction Control relies on accurate speed data to work properly. A bad speed senor would not be able to communicate the speed properly, which can affect how the system engages if you need to slam on your brakes.
Addressing any speedometer concerns early on not only eases your mind but also protects your vehicles components from additional wear-and-tear.
My Speedometer is Broken, Now What?
Don’t put off a speedometer repair because you are worried about the cost to fix it. The longer you wait, the bigger the risk of turning a minor issue into a major one. At Precision Tire and Auto Center, your safety is our number one concern. Our ASE-certified technicians are experienced in proper diagnosis to uncover where the mechanical or electrical problem is occurring and make the necessary repairs to give you peace of mind on the road ahead.
If you think your speedometer needs a check, give us a call at 623-582-4545 to schedule your appointment at our North Phoenix auto repair shop.
