A speedometer is a device that shows the driver the speed at which a car, tractor, motorcycle or other vehicle is moving. It helps to control not only the speed limit established by the traffic rules, but is also necessary for timely gear shifting in a manual transmission. This helps save fuel and extend the life of both the internal combustion engine and the gearbox. Therefore, the speed measuring device, like all other devices, must be in good condition.
One of the most common problems with the speedometer is that the needle starts jumping, making it impossible to determine the speed. And this is also dangerous for the reason that you can misjudge it and fly into a ditch without calculating the possibility of entering a sharp turn. If you notice that the speedometer has started jumping, you need to immediately go to a car service center.
Advantages and disadvantages
A GPS speedometer, like any electronic device, has a lot of advantages, without which its use would make neither technical nor economic sense. At the same time, these devices are not without drawbacks, which it is better for owners of motorcycles, boats, and cars to know about before rather than after purchase.
Pros of GPS speedometer:
- not related to the mechanics of the car;
- the operation of the device is based on satellite navigation;
- compact and characterized by high performance and accuracy of readings;
- can be installed both on cars and on any other transport - bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, scooters, boats, boats, aircraft, etc.
Flaws:
- in cold weather it may give incorrect readings or fail altogether; it is not recommended to turn on the GPS speedometer until the car warms up;
- may lose contact with the satellite - this often happens when driving across bridges, tunnels, overpasses, at these moments the device does not count the kilometers traveled;
- if the electronic part of the device fails, the speedometer data will be lost forever;
- the device produces readings with a delay, which is inconvenient for the driver; moreover, they can change sharply without any connection with the gas pedal;
- There are always measurement errors, and on the larger side.
Possible causes of needle twitching
Qualified specialists with the necessary equipment will quickly figure out and fix the problem. But, as often happens, all malfunctions appear when there is not a single service station nearby. Therefore, it is better to find out in advance what could be the cause of a particular malfunction, including the speedometer. After all, sometimes this is really critical and can lead to big problems.
First, you need to make sure that the reason why the speedometer jumps is not hidden in a faulty dashboard. It may happen that there is simply a breakdown in contact. If the contacts are in order, you should pay attention to the integrity of the plastic gears and the reliability of the odometer connector. The fact that the reason for the twitching of the speedometer needle lies in the dashboard can be assumed based on several signs:
- Simultaneously with the failure of the speed measuring device and odometer, the backlight stopped working;
- An extraneous sound is coming from the panel, similar to a buzzing or crunching sound.
Such problems arise due to the lack of proper maintenance over a long period of time and, as a rule, result from:
- Problems with electrical wires, which can fray due to age or heavy use, which leads to a short circuit;
- Water getting into the instrument panel, causing the electronics to fail;
- Breakdowns of plastic gears that operated under increased loads or were manufactured in violation of technology;
- Failure of the cable fastening that transmits the torque from the shaft to the speedometer.
Although fixing such faults is quite easy and inexpensive, car enthusiasts often replace the speedometer with a new one. And sometimes they buy a new dashboard. Having spent, in the latter case, quite significant funds, the owner of the car does not at all guarantee that everything will start working. After all, there may be other reasons why the speedometer needle began to jump and twitch.
Let's figure out why else the speedometer might stop working.
Types of GPS speedometers
Speedometers that determine speed based on satellite data can be either a separate specialized device or an application installed on a mobile phone.
GPS speedometer as a separate device
All GPS speedometers sold on the market as separate devices are devices that perform only one function - measuring speed. They are enclosed in a separate housing and may differ in appearance, power supply, and receiver sensitivity.
Navigation speedometers may differ in protection class and antenna features. There are models with built-in and remote antennas, as well as the ability to connect them.
GPS speedometer in smartphone
An alternative to a GPS speedometer is an application that can be downloaded to most Android smartphones. You can get them from Google Play Market or F-Droid.
Functions of GPS speedometers for Android:
- informing the driver about various driving parameters;
- mileage recording;
- control of time, distance traveled, average and maximum speed, fuel consumption;
- location tracking;
- notification of speeding by sound or light alarm.
These are convenient programs that work primarily with Android or iOS. They allow you to record the speed of movement of any object - a person, a car, a boat, a bicycle, etc. The program you like is installed on a smartphone, launched and connected to the GPS system.
Other causes of speedometer malfunction
There are other reasons why the speedometer needle twitches. We have already mentioned the plastic gears in the instrument panel, which can easily be damaged due to mechanical stress. Even knowing this, it is better not to disassemble the dashboard of a modern and technically complex car yourself, but to immediately contact a specialist.
It is unlikely that you will be able to find problems in the electrical network on your own. After all, in order to understand which of the numerous wiring has stopped conducting current, you need special equipment, for example, a multimeter. And, besides this, you need to know how to use this device. Now we have listed two possible reasons for the speedometer malfunction, but there may be others, for example:
- The analogue speedometer needle may simply get stuck in a certain position;
- Twisting the instrument readings often leads to breakdown, as it damages the rotating gears in mechanical devices or blocks the system in electronic devices;
- The speedometer often stops working as it should when trying to tune the engine.
What is listed in the article makes it possible to understand what exactly can lead to the car driving at a constant speed, and the speedometer needle starting to twitch. Once again, it’s worth saying that you can diagnose the problem yourself and even try to solve it only on the simplest devices. But this is not recommended on modern speedometers equipped with microcircuits. This can only harm the car and turn a cheap repair into an expensive replacement of many parts.
In fairness, it should be noted that speedometer failure rarely affects the vital characteristics of the car and does not particularly affect its service life. Unless, of course, you delay the repairs. This has a much greater impact on the size of fines for speeding. But situations are different and all devices of a source of increased danger, which is a car, must be in good condition.
Criteria for selecting individual GPS speedometers
The GPS speedometer market is quite diverse and offers motorists, as well as owners of other vehicles, a large selection of models. To decide on the device that is optimally suited for your tasks, pay attention to the features that determine the quality and functionality of the speedometer.
Indication
The most familiar and convenient option for the driver is GPS speedometers with digital indicators on an LCD display.
Along with digital display, navigation speedometers can use other methods of displaying information:
- segment panels;
- classic analog arrow.
For a better viewing experience, manufacturers can install backlighting on the screen. One of the interesting solutions is the projection of readings directly onto the windshield of the car.
The speedometer, in addition to the main parameter, can also show additional values - the speed of a car, motorcycle, boat above the ground, course, engine temperature, power supply parameters.
When choosing a GPS speedometer, pay attention to the units of measurement. There are devices on the market that display speed not in the usual kilometers per hour, but in miles, knots and other units of distance per unit of time. But most speedometers are universal; the units of measurement can be changed at the touch of a button.
Receiver sensitivity
The sensitivity of the receiver determines the number of satellites that can be connected to the device, which determines the speed in real time. A device with poor sensitivity is not able to provide accurate positioning.
What to pay attention to:
- does the device have an external antenna?
- if the speedometer is not equipped with an external antenna, pay attention to whether there is a connector for it;
- if the device does not even have a connector, this means that the measurements in it will be based only on the operation of the built-in antenna, and will not be accurate enough.
Powerful and sensitive receivers work better with radio signals, regardless of obstacles - car body, buildings or other communication barriers. An external antenna can increase the sensitivity of the device - it is often attached to the GPS speedometer.
Power and ODB-2
Most GPS speedometers are designed for 12 V or 24 V power supply. Any of the listed voltages is suitable for universal devices. You should definitely pay attention to this characteristic - there must be compliance with the vehicle's on-board network.
If the power supply is inappropriate – too little or too much – the device will quickly break down. A good option is to supplement the GPS speedometer with built-in batteries. They store energy when the engine is running, and when idle they give it to the measuring device.
If a GPS speedometer is purchased for a vehicle that does not have a generator, an individual power source is needed. This applies, for example, to a bicycle, yacht, glider.
ODBII (ODB-2) is an interface aimed at vehicle diagnostics. With its help, the GPS speedometer is combined with the car’s internal networks through a special connector. This is not mandatory, but a useful system that will come in handy if, for example, the on-board computer has a navigator.
Housing and protection class
The case affects not only the appearance of a separate GPS speedometer, but also the strength of the device, the level of protection of its electronic “filling” from mechanical and other types of influences. The best option is a body made of non-magnetic metal and indicator glass (if available) made of quartz.
The protection class is not particularly important if the device is purchased for use inside a car. For outdoor installation - on motorcycles, mopeds and other open vehicles, this parameter is important. You can find out about the protection class by the marking - it is indicated on the case, on the packaging or in the technical documentation.
The parameter is denoted by the abbreviation IP and numbers, the first of which is the ability of the case to resist the penetration of dust, the second - moisture. The higher the numbers, the better the protection. If the device says IP69, this means that it is sealed and can work both in a dust storm and under thick water.
How does a motorcycle speedometer work?
For its operation, the speedometer is integrated with a speed sensor, which plays a major role. Therefore, the operation changes depending on the position of the speed sensors. The latter are actually located either at the level of the wheels or at the level of the gearbox.
Sensors located at the wheels
When the sensors are located on the wheels, the speedometer works using the rotation speed of the tires. Indeed, the speedometer directly calculates the speed of the motorcycle with each rotation of its tires. Speed sensors located on the anti-lock brake system transmit a signal to the speedometer, converting speed into information. It is this information that the driver can read on his speedometer.
Sensors located on the gearbox
The sensors located on the transmission also include an electrical sensor that converts engine speed into electrical information. This information is then transmitted to the main dashboard unit. Thanks to the information received, the box will rotate the needle on the meter to display the speed of the moving car on the digital screen.
TOP 4 individual GPS speedometers
Having looked through the GPS speedometer market, we can state that the choice of devices is small. These are specific devices that have their own narrow target audience. They differ not only in the method of indication, but also in appearance, price, accuracy, purpose, and other features.
Vjoycar C60
Autonomous GPS speedometer with LED indicator, which displays readings in the form of numbers. The device, in addition to speed, informs the driver about travel time and distance, and connects to the network through the cigarette lighter. There is a microUSB connector.
Main characteristics:
- current consumption: 450 mA;
- input voltage: 5-12 V;
- indicator type: segment;
- speed range: from 0 to 250 km/h;
- size: 110x55x15 mm.
- weight: 230 g.
Pros:
- speed is displayed not only on the screen, but also on the windshield;
- compatible with all cars;
- speed measurement in miles or kilometers per hour - your choice;
- There is a light sensor, thanks to which the brightness is automatically adjusted;
- green indication is favorable for the eyes and is easy for them to perceive;
- Exceeding the speed limit is accompanied by a sound signal.
Minuses:
- some users have difficulty setting up;
- there are complaints about the error within 10 km/h.
Price: from 3,500 rubles.
Dynamite Passport GPS Speed Meter 2.0
A universal GPS speedometer that not only measures speed, but also tracks the location of a moving object. The device has a built-in LCD display and a waterproof plastic case. The screen displays speed - current, average and maximum, distance traveled and coordinates.
Main characteristics:
- operating voltage: 5 V;
- measurement range: from 0 to 900 km/h;
- dimensions: 65x40x20 mm;
- weight: 45 g.
Pros:
- compactness;
- light weight;
- can work anywhere in the world;
- quickly responds to changes;
- there is a switching of measurement systems;
- records the routes taken;
- there is a built-in antenna;
- charging via USB.
Minuses:
- short continuous operation time – up to 4 hours;
- relatively high cost.
Price: from 9,000 rubles.
KUS K-Y08011
This is an analog device with a dial and a needle. There is a splash-proof housing, allowing the speedometer to be used on boats and boats. There is a digital compass next to the analogue speedometer scale. The readings are controlled by GPS signals.
Main characteristics:
- operating voltage: 12 V;
- measurement range: from 0 to 110 km/h;
- bore diameter: 85 mm.
Pros:
- high measurement accuracy;
- reliable housing with a high protection class;
- versatility - the device can be used in both water and land transport.
Minuses:
- high price;
- there is a risk of losing the satellite signal;
- small measurement range.
Price: from 12,000 rubles.
KUS K-Y08021
A universal device with a built-in GPS receiver, a black dial and an external antenna included (length 5 m). Here the waterproof housing is IP 67/65, and the error is about 3%.
Main characteristics:
- operating voltage: 12/24 V;
- measurement range: from 0 to 999 km/h;
- landing diameter: 85 mm;
- device diameter: 97 mm.
Pros:
- there is a red/yellow backlight;
- high degree of protection;
- sufficiently high measurement accuracy;
Currently, neither users nor experts have found any disadvantages of this speedometer. Just the cost.
Price: from 10,500 rubles.
What is a motorcycle speedometer?
The motorcycle speedometer is made in the form of a dial and is mounted on the handlebars of the motorcycle. Its role is to indicate the speed and provide the car's tachometer . This part allows the driver to be safe, particularly by not exceeding the speed limit.
Depending on the model, the speedometer may also display other information such as time, temperature and fuel gauge. Although it is a road code obligation, when motocross is not equipped, the driver must be able to clearly distinguish the pace in order to be able to adhere to speed limits. This accessory is one of the best selling mechanical parts. There are several shapes and models.
TOP 5 GPS speedometers for smartphones
A variety of smartphone apps have become an excellent alternative to separate GPS speedometers. They can be downloaded from Google Play, and most of them are completely free. The fee is usually charged only for the absence of advertising.
DigiHUD Speedometer
This is a digital projection speedometer for Android that shows the speed of any movement. The application is free. It is suitable for any transport and just for running. Measures current, average and maximum speed.
The application, in addition to speed, records the distance traveled, compass location, time and battery level. There are two operating modes - normal and background. Here you can adjust the brightness and lock the screen rotation.
Pros:
- versatility;
- simple and concise interface;
- can display results on the car windshield;
- you can change the speed units - km/h, mph, knots;
- there is a sound signal that sounds if the car exceeds the speed limit;
- when the speed is exceeded, the numbers on the screen change color - this is convenient for drivers;
- records and exports routes;
- there is a day and night mode;
- creates profiles for different vehicles;
- places marks on the map;
- no advertising.
This free application does not have any specific disadvantages, except that it, like most speedometers - individual or for Android, does not provide 100% accuracy.
GPS Distance Meter
A free speed meter suitable for running and riding any type of transport. The application measures the distance traveled and gives a signal if the speed is exaggerated - vibration or sound.
Pros:
- the ability to change the units of measurement of path and speed;
- setting the acceptable speed value for notifications;
- turning on and off the warning signal;
- two operating modes – day and night;
- the ability to change the interface language;
- allows you to avoid speeding when driving a car.
Minuses:
- there is advertising;
- measurement error cannot be ruled out.
GPS Speedometer and Odometer
This is an extremely accurate and feature-rich application with GPS speedometer and odometer (trip meter). It measures speed, distance, time and other parameters of movement, and tracks the location of a moving object.
There is a paid and free version of GPS Speedometer and Odometer.
Pros:
- versatility - suitable for bicycles, trucks and cars;
- there are notifications about speeding;
- switching from digital to analogue mode;
- profiles for different vehicles;
- changing units of measurement.
Minuses:
- The free version of GPS Speedometer contains advertising;
- measurement error cannot be ruled out.
GPS Speedometer (No Ads)
This is a simple application for which you need to pay from 0.99 to 2.09 USD. – for the lack of advertising. The application shows the speed of an object's movement and has several additional functions.
Pros:
- there is a HUD - dashboard interface;
- there is a compass;
- The application comes with 5 different themes based on popular car brands - Ferrari and Lexus.
Minuses:
- no kilometers traveled per day;
- limited functionality.
How to check the speedometer of a motorcycle?
Not all motorcycle speedometers are effective. Some of them are fake and others provide false information. To do this, it is important to check your speedometer to make sure it is not faulty. You can do the test at home or take your car to a mechanic. Remember that to check the speedometer you need to check the condition of the speed sensor .
