Correcting Speedometer With Tire Size
01-31-2010, 06:56 PM
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Correcting Speedometer With Tire Size
According to my GPS, my speedo is off 5mph in my civic stock 14in wheels and tires. Im going to be putting my 16s on come spring. I was thinking of going with a either a 205/50/16 or a 215/45/16 to correct some of this. Anyone have any other suggestions or any reason this would not work?
02-01-2010, 05:51 AM
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Re: Correcting Speedometer With Tire Size
It's a bad idea to use the wrong tire size to correct speedometer error. That's just making a second mistake to try to "fix" another problem, one that really isn't a problem.
It's normal for speedometers to be off by up to 5 mph. There are many sources of inaccuracy. For example, the difference between a new tire and one that is worn and needing replacement is about 2 percent. Also, not all tires labeled as the same size are exactly the same size.
Some cars can have the accuracy of the speedometer and speed sensor adjusted; I don't know if yours is one.
On a 2000 Civic with 16" wheels, you can use 205/45-16 or 215/45-16 tires. Don't use 205/50-16, which are too big in diameter and may rub.
It's normal for speedometers to be off by up to 5 mph. There are many sources of inaccuracy. For example, the difference between a new tire and one that is worn and needing replacement is about 2 percent. Also, not all tires labeled as the same size are exactly the same size.
Some cars can have the accuracy of the speedometer and speed sensor adjusted; I don't know if yours is one.
On a 2000 Civic with 16" wheels, you can use 205/45-16 or 215/45-16 tires. Don't use 205/50-16, which are too big in diameter and may rub.
02-01-2010, 10:31 AM
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Re: Correcting Speedometer With Tire Size
It's a bad idea to use the wrong tire size to correct speedometer error. That's just making a second mistake to try to "fix" another problem, one that really isn't a problem.
It's normal for speedometers to be off by up to 5 mph. There are many sources of inaccuracy. For example, the difference between a new tire and one that is worn and needing replacement is about 2 percent. Also, not all tires labeled as the same size are exactly the same size.
Some cars can have the accuracy of the speedometer and speed sensor adjusted; I don't know if yours is one.
On a 2000 Civic with 16" wheels, you can use 205/45-16 or 215/45-16 tires. Don't use 205/50-16, which are too big in diameter and may rub.
It's normal for speedometers to be off by up to 5 mph. There are many sources of inaccuracy. For example, the difference between a new tire and one that is worn and needing replacement is about 2 percent. Also, not all tires labeled as the same size are exactly the same size.
Some cars can have the accuracy of the speedometer and speed sensor adjusted; I don't know if yours is one.
On a 2000 Civic with 16" wheels, you can use 205/45-16 or 215/45-16 tires. Don't use 205/50-16, which are too big in diameter and may rub.
every speed no matter how fast or slow im going
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02-01-2010, 12:25 PM
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Re: Correcting Speedometer With Tire Size
The calculated outer diameter of 215/45-16 is 0.64 percent (less than 1 percent) larger than that of the stock size of 185/65-15. So you would have to be going 156 mph for the difference to be as much as 1 mph. 
And that's assuming that both tires are exactly the size they are labeled, without any variation (which is rarely true).
And that's assuming that both tires are exactly the size they are labeled, without any variation (which is rarely true).
02-01-2010, 01:37 PM
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02-01-2010, 06:44 PM
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Re: Correcting Speedometer With Tire Size
no the speedo is at 0 at a stop. the Tach is off too, i can hear VTEC engage as the tach says 5800, whereas i should be at 5500. Its just a nuisance more than anything to me
02-01-2010, 06:58 PM
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Re: Correcting Speedometer With Tire Size
Ever checked the VSS? I would assume that an issue with it could cause the speedo to read low, but that is simply an assumption...
02-02-2010, 06:04 AM
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Re: Correcting Speedometer With Tire Size
Have you ever considered the accuracy of your GPS unit? Just a thought. Your speedo might be off a negligible amount but your GPS adds to the inaccuracy making you think that you have a problem.
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