Why do most cars have speedometers that go up to at least 130 when you legally can't go that fast on any road?

Old Man Dirt

Because some of us attend track days at race tracks, and the presence of such a speedometer helps us to know when we maybe approaching a turn too fast.

Max L

Marketing - it helps sell cars if people think that 'this is a really fast car'.

EmiCat

That's how fast the car can go, not how fast you're supposed to go. Making good cars that are fuel efficient and don't stall or break down and stuff, means that a side effect will mean a faster car. The reason for the speedometer going that high is IF some idiot went over the speed limit, or someone had to for some reason, it would be better if they knew the speed at which they were travelling.

StephenWeinstein

So that the middle of the meter will be at 65-70 mph, which is the most common (although not always legal) speed on major highways.

ms_beehayven

If the speedometer didn't show speeds in excess of 100 MPH then how on earth would I know when I reached that speed? And how would I know what the top end of my car is unless I can read it on the speedo? Sheesh...how simple is that?

Barry

Same reason many cars have spoilers. It makes the car look faster to the buyer, thus selling more cars.

olgreybuzzard

To massage a driver`s ego. Speedometers always show at least 20 mph more than the vehicle will go.

Richard H

So that people can ask this question at least twice a week. Try searching already answered questions rather than posting an already resolved question.

excelblue

If you're going above the speed limit, wouldn't it be important to know how fast you're going?

Also, laws may change at any time. Say, you bought a car in the state of California, where the maximum speed limit is 70mph. If the speedometer was limited to 70mph, what happens if the speed limit changes and allows you to go 85mph? After all, Texas has freeways in which the speed limit is 80mph, and 85mph is no stretch.

Also, one last point: what if you decide to ship your car to Germany? You can legally go 130mph on the autobahn.

The Beast

people associate speedometers with power. the most they see on the speedometer the more power they think the car has and people always love to buy more POWER!

Or for the fact that some people race their cars and actually do need it. Most cars are electronically limited to a little over 100 even though the speedometer might say 150 and the car might be capable of 130.

UCANTCME

Because someday you will need that speed if an emergency arises plus speed sells vehicles.

U R Sofa King

its only illegal if you get caught.

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