Why do they have the speedometer gage go up so high if it is illegal to go that high?

Question

The speed limit usually is like 55 on the highway 65...so why does cars let you go like 120 mph when its illegal?

Answer 1

It's a good question. I will try and give my opinion as an engineer.

A car is a machine it is designed to go faster than the speed limit because if it could only achieve the limit the engine would be working flat out. The engine would be very inefficient using large amounts of fuel and would also suffer increased wear and fail sooner.

So it is good practice for the speedometer to reflect the capabilities of the car (if you wanted to measure the boiling point of water you wouldn't use a 0-20deg C thermometer). It is also important to realise that the speed limit varies greatly around the world the autobahns in germany are derestricted believe it or not. Unless they have changed their laws in recent times.

What you may see in the future is speed limiter devices that prevent cars going over the speed limt. However there is a safety implication whereby it may be dangerous for a car to have a sudden lapse in acceleration and lead to a collision. I am sure they are working on a safety measure to combat this if not I expect it soon.

I hope this answers your question :)

Answer 2

If everyone else on the freeway is going 85 in a 65 zone, you're a lot safer going 85 and keeping up with them than going the speed limit and being way slower than traffic. I wouldn't want a car with a regulated top speed that I'm likely to hit while driving - and definitely wouldn't want a car with an engine with just enough horsepower to reach 75 mph. It'd take way too long to get up to freeway speeds.

As for why the speedometers go up to illegal speeds... back in the early '80s, they didn't. Most speedometers only went up to 85. Which was kind of silly on a Mustang with over 200 hp. There just isn't much point to it - other than being able to truthfully say, "No, officer, I had no idea I was going that fast!"

Answer 3

Several reasons. There used to be a time when, for instance, portions of Montana's highways had no speed limit. Similarly, the German Autobahn (their highway system) has no speed limit.

Foreign auto makers are not going to adjust their production (at great cost) simply to cater to U.S. speed limit rules. Not just that, but U.S. auto makers won't change now there are speed limits in place. You are the one with the responsibility to not break the law.

In some countries, they place governors on the vehicle engine to ensure it doesn't speed. In the good ol' U.S. of A, the population would view that as a huge breach of freedom.

Bottom line: Americans have always enjoyed large cars that go fast. No manufacturer will inhibit that, and if you are in the middle of the desert, some people just want to go fast. Same with TV's. Why would anyone need a 70 inch TV in a living room, when 55" is good enough? Why does anyone need 64 oz of soda in the movies? Sometimes the reason is, "because we can".

Regards,

Mysstere

Answer 4

That's the speed limit on government roads, yes. It would be awfully presumptuous of them to assume that's the only place you'll be driving now isn't it? On back roads and private roads the speed limit is the cars limit. I know I have pushed my hunk of junk to 110 mph before.

Also, it's good to know how much you're speeding when you're on the freeway.

Answer 5

To sell more cars! People like to think they could get away if they need too!

Answer 6

silly question silly questions are for kids you must be a Rabbit

Answer 7

what a retawd.