How long does the speedometer cable last?
Auto repair

How long does the speedometer cable last?

09.11.2022 /

Speed ​​limits exist to ensure greater safety on the road. They are not set arbitrarily. You need to know how fast you are driving to make sure you are safe and legal. The speedometer shows you the information you need.

Old style speedometers use a cable that runs from the back of the speedometer assembly to the transmission. The new styles do not use a mechanical cable - they are electronic. The switch from mechanical to electronic was largely made due to the tendency of mechanical speedometer cables to stretch and eventually break, rendering the speedometer itself useless.

In a mechanical speedometer, a cable is used every time your vehicle is in motion. If the wheels are spinning, the speedometer cable works, transferring motion from the transmission mount to the needle so you know how fast you're going.

There is no set lifespan for a speedometer cable, and in theory your cable could last the lifetime of the car, especially if you don't drive very often. However, if you ride frequently, you will increase the wear on the cable and it will eventually stretch and possibly break.

Of course, if your speedometer is acting up, it could be another component of the system. Mechanical speedometers also include a magnet, springs, pointers, and other components that can fail due to wear and tear.

Given the importance of the speedometer and the likelihood that it will eventually fail, it would be wise to know a few of the most common symptoms to look out for. This includes:

  • The speedometer needle bounces
  • The speedometer is very noisy, especially at high speeds.
  • The speedometer does not work at all (most likely a broken cable, but there may be other problems)
  • Speedometer fluctuates between different speeds (different from bouncing)
  • The speedometer regularly shows speed above or below the true

If you suspect that you have a sprained or broken speedometer cable, AvtoTachki can help. One of our mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to inspect the speedometer and repair the speedometer cable if needed.

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