Do New Tires Affect Speedometer Calibration?

Don’t wait to get your speedometer recalibration!

Did you know that there is no single speedometer that is 100 percent accurate? As a matter of fact, most automotive manufacturers create speedometers that fall in between a pretty narrow tolerance range, no more than 1 percent to 5 percent too fast or too slow. The thing is, providing that a car is maintained at factory specs, its speedometer should keep on registering car speed within this range. However, if a vehicle is altered or modified in some way, it may affect the speedometer and call for a speedometer recalibration to reverse the problem.

One of the most performed car repairs—switching out the tires—is a very common, if not the most common way for a car owner to alter the speedometer accuracy in their vehicle. This is because switching out the tires for larger ones leaves the vehicle with more ground to cover in one complete revolution. Think about this following scenario.

Your brand new car that you purchased came with factory installed tires that each measured 21.8 inches in diameter, leaving a circumference of each tire to be 68.5 inches. If you decide to replace those stock tires with new ones, you may end up purchasing tires that are 24.6 inches in diameter. The new circumference would be 77.3 inches per tire. From that, it is evident that your vehicle will travel about 10 inches farther every time a revolution is completed. This, as a result, will tremendously affect your speedometer because it will now signify a vehicle speed that is too slow by almost 13 percent! If you see the number 60 as your speed limit, this will be deceiving you, as you’ll actually be driving 67.7 miles per hour!

What this comes down to is that you’ll definitely want to get a speedometer calibration for larger tires immediately upon purchasing them. After all, you do not want to get pulled over and receive a ticket when you thought you were traveling at the appropriate speed all along! A quality speedometer recalibration repair shop is Safety Restore. Safety Restore not only guarantees quality speedometer recalibration, but great prices, fast turnaround, and lifetime warranty as well!

Speedometer Not Working

Is your speedometer not working? Your problem can be as simple as sticking or fluttering gauges to something large like improperly reading gauges or gauges that are completely dead. Regardless of the issues you are facing with you speedometer, Safety Restore can help!

Safety Restore is a company that specializes in repairing any and all gauge-related issues. When it comes to faulty instrument clusters, there is nothing the company hasn’t seen before. Safety Restore makes sure to disassemble all units sent in and then meticulously reset each gauge so that there are no more faulty mechanisms. It resets everything from the tachometer gauge to the transmission temperature gauge. If you have a speedometer not working, you better believe it will be fixed after being sent to Safety Restore!

To perform the instrument cluster gauges repair, Safety Restore employs experienced and well-trained engineers. It also makes sure that only industry standard tools and 100% OEM parts are used. The company carefully maintains its quality and makes sure to always meet FMVSS standards.

Don’t continue driving your vehicle with your speedometer not working. Log onto safetyrestore.com today and purchase the speedometer reset service. It will only come out to $118.99 and you’ll be left with a lifetime warranty. Plus, it will only take the company 24 hours to complete the repairs and ship the unit back out to you.

After purchasing the service online, you can follow the directions posted to remove the instrument cluster out of your vehicle and ship it out to the company. First, you’ll have to engage your emergency brake. Next, you should remove the plastic trim around the cluster and tilt down the steering wheel. You can then engage your shifter into 1st gear. After that, remove the trim by pulling it out, and make sure to remove the screws holding the cluster. After that is done, you can finally pull the cluster out and disconnect the wiring! For additional assistance, you can contact Safety Restore via text, phone call, or instant chat online!

3 Indications That Your Vehicle Needs An Oil Change

Most people know how often they should be getting an oil change but still hold off for weeks, if not months, to get one. Whether out of laziness or simply not knowing the extent of the consequences, these people are not doing what is best for their vehicle. A vehicle should be well maintained, including its oil, for it to run smoothly and properly. If you feel like you may have extended the time for an oil change on your own vehicle, perhaps reading below will help. I will describe three signs that a car displays to indicate that an oil change is needed.

One sign that an oil change is needed is an oil smell coming from inside the cabin. This is a big warning sign. Motor oil is strong and if it can be smelled, that means there may possibly be an oil leak. However, the smell can also be combined with the scent of gas or exhaust fumes, in which case it would show that your car is overheating and that the oil is burning into the area of the exhaust. Your car can suffer extensive damage from an overheated engine, and can even ignite flames! Your best bet would be to get an oil change as soon as you smell oil inside your vehicle.

A second indication that the oil needs to be changed is when it takes on a dark or dirty appearance. Normally, it should be an amber color, so if you see that it has begun to darken or has collected particles from the engine, get it replaced immediately.
A third potential sign of an oil change needed is exhaust smoke. Now, you may well know that translucent vapors typically come out of a tailpipe in colder conditions, and that is normal. However, if smoke is emitted from the tailpipe, that may be a warning sign that the oil is leaking in your engine. Smoke may also tell you that there are broken or faulty parts inside of your engine. It would be wise for you to contact a professional and have them perform a diagnostics test on your vehicle. If any problems are detected, have them repaired immediately.

Just as your car gives out warning signs that an oil change should be performed, it does the same for a variety of other components inside as well—such as when instrument panel repair is needed. You’ll realize that instrument panel repair is needed if you start noticing dead or sticking gauges on your instrument cluster, if your check engine light turns on, or if the power weakens inside your vehicle. When these things happen, turn to one of the best instrument cluster repair shops in the business—Safety Restore. At Safety Restore, you’ll be guaranteed quality instrument panel repair for an affordable price.

4 Different Types Of Slow Drivers

While speeding occurs on the daily, slow driving is another dangerous habit that can be spotted every once in a while too. You may think that slow driving is not as dangerous as speeding, but studies show that the exact opposite may be the case! They say that driving below the speed of surrounding traffic can lead to more car accidents than driving faster than surrounding vehicles! Below I will describe 4 different types of slow drivers.

One type of slow driver is someone who is distracted. When a driver takes their eyes off of the road and what is ahead of them—and instead chooses to reach for their phone, turn to a passenger, or look at the passing scenery—they may intentionally or unintentionally lower their speed. They may do so in order to better process the information they are distracted by, like thinking of the right words to write in a text.

A second type of slow driver is someone who is a tourist or new to an area. The exciting sights or new surroundings may cause the driver to want to slow down to take it all in. Or, they simply may be unfamiliar with the road and don’t want to drive too fast during their first time passing through the area.

A third type of slow driver may be someone who is newly licensed. Whereas there are definitely folks who start speeding right off the bat, many people take it easy when they first start operating a vehicle. They may have the consequences of speeding fresh on their mind after driving school, want to avoid getting a speeding ticket immediately, or are simply unaccustomed to operating a vehicle and therefore want to take it slow.

A fourth category of slow drivers is senior citizens. Aging can lead mature drivers to be extra cautious, if not too cautious, on the road. As a result, they may feel inclined to drive much slower than the posted speed limit.

Of course, another reason why a driver may be driving too slowly is because their speedometer is not working correctly and is in need of a tachometer rebuild. Perhaps their vehicle displays the speed shown on the roadside signs, but is not actually driving at that speed. A tachometer rebuild would completely fix this problem and reset the vehicle to accurate readings. If you suspect this problem may be found in your own car, consider getting your tachometer rebuild at the company Safety Restore. There, you can expect a reasonable tachometer repair cost and quality work!

Signs of A Faulty Speedometer Sensor

Today, vehicles are manufactured with very complex electronic systems. However, one of the simplest mechanisms in our vehicles that we rely so heavily on is the instrument cluster, or speedometer. The instrument cluster is made up of three very important components: the speedometer found on the dashboard, the cable attached from the speedometer to the actual driveshaft, and the sensors of the speedometer attached to the driveshaft, which measure speed. Sometimes, a fault may present itself on the speedometer sensors. Below I will describe a few signs of a faulty speedometer sensor, including the speedometer not working, the check engine light coming on, the loss of power, and cruise control not engaging.

As mentioned, one indication of a faulty speedometer sensor is the speedometer not working. The speedometer may start displaying false readings, or the digital numbers or needle will not move whatsoever on the speedometer display. A malfunctioning speedometer sensor may also cause a speedometer to work erratically, switching the display from one speed to another, even when the vehicle is not speeding up or slowing down.

Another sign of a bad speedometer sensor is the check engine light turning on. A vehicle’s CPU may turn on the check engine light if it thinks that there is something wrong with the speedometer sensor. Regardless of why the light may be illuminated, it is never a good thing or something that should just be ignored.

A third sign of a faulty speedometer sensor is the loss of power. If a car begins to lose power, particularly when pressure is applied on the throttle, this may be the result of a damaged or malfunctioning speedometer sensor. Even worse, if left ignored, this problem can potentially harm other mechanical components in the vehicle.

Finally, when cruise control is not engaging in a vehicle, this may also be a sign of a broken speedometer sensor. If a speedometer sensor is not working properly, it will not be able to send a signal to the CPU. This impacts the car’s ability to set the throttle for an intended speed.

As is evident, the speedometer sensor plays a role in the operation of several components that allow a driver to efficiently operate their vehicle. If your car starts displaying any of the issues mentioned above, a gauge cluster repair should be immediately sought after. A proper gauge cluster repair should eradicate any and all gauge related issues on an instrument cluster. A company you can turn to for quality gauge cluster repair and an affordable instrument cluster repair cost is Safety Restore.

A Few Different Ways That Your Car Is Telling You That Your Battery Needs To Be Changed

Instrument Cluster Repair Cost – *$118.99*

Sometimes, we know that there are things in our cars that need to be repaired or replaced, but we just don’t have the energy—or money—to actually go through with it. Instead, we wait until the problem can no longer be ignored. Unfortunately, that often leads to even greater problems, or a chain reaction of issues in our vehicles, plus it usually ends up costing us more. It is much wiser to perform the necessary repairs or replacements immediately, as soon as you find them there. Below I will describe a few indications of your car battery needing to be replaced. Hopefully, if you see these signs in your own vehicle, you purchase a new battery immediately.

One sign of a bad battery is a slow starting engine. As time goes by, the parts inside of a battery wear away and become less effective. This causes the battery to take a longer time to create a charge for the starter. A longer wait will be expected for the engine to turn over.

Dim lights and electrical issues are another indication that a battery replacement may be needed. The battery is the power source of all the vehicle’s electronics. If the battery is losing its charge, it will be much more difficult for it to run the different electronic components at full power. Essentially, the more electronics plugged in, the faster the battery will die.

When your check engine light turns on, that may be another way your vehicle is telling you to switch out the battery. Even though it can turn on for any number of reasons, it certainly does turn on when a battery is losing its juice. The best way to find out if the battery is the problem is to bring the unit to a mechanic or auto shop.

A bad smell is another symptom of an old battery. The bad rotten egg smell can be a result of the battery leaking gas.

Finally, corroded connectors and a misshapen battery case are also obvious signs that a car battery needs to be switched out for a new one. If you see an ashy white material building up on the metal parts of your battery or if the actual battery case has turned into a weird shape, chances are you need a new battery—and you need one soon!

Similar to these signs indicating that your battery needs to be switched out, your car may be showing signs that you need to pay the instrument cluster repair cost for speedometer repair. If your check engine light has turned on, your speedometer is not functioning properly, your cruise control is not working, or your vehicle loses power—these may all be signs that your instrument cluster is faulty. You can be spared from paying a high instrument cluster repair cost at the dealer by turning to the company Safety Restore. Safety Restore is one of the best instrument cluster repair shops in the nation—with an affordable instrument cluster repair cost and a quality guarantee.

The Importance Of A Car’s Tires

When individuals look to buy a used car, they are typically concerned with finding a specific make or model, body style, amenities, performance package, or sometimes even color. However, the tires are not often something people give much thought to. Whereas the tires are replaceable and therefore may not be the first thing on the check-off list when purchasing a vehicle, they are one of the most important components in a vehicle. After all, the tires are what allow a vehicle to move along the road in the first place. Below I will describe in a little more detail why the tires are so important and how they should be maintained.

Some of the reasons why the tires play such a significant role is because they support the vehicle load, transmit braking forces and traction on the road surface, absorb all of the road shocks, and maintain the direction of travel. In order for these functions to be adequately met, there are certain things you should be inspecting on each of your tires—regularly. That includes the tread depth of the tires, the air pressure, the wear, and any other damage or signs of deterioration. You should also make sure that the tires are properly inflated—over-inflation and under-inflation are both bad and can negatively impact your vehicle. The placement and balance of your tires is quite crucial, too. These aspects affect the handling of your vehicle and can potentially leave you with costly repairs if left unchecked.

It would also be wise for you to inspect your car’s spare tire and make sure it is ready to be used if needed. Know where your car’s jack and lug wrench are supposed to be, and ensure that they are there.

If you see that new tires are needed on your car, make sure to do your research. Not all tires and brands are alike. Research the best tires for your car in terms of geographical location, weather conditions, your driving habits, and your budget, of course. When purchasing new tires, also make sure to have new valve stems installed.

The tires hold a significant role in the function of a vehicle, but all the other components of the vehicle must be functioning properly as well for a car to run well. You should make it a point to inspect everything in your vehicle periodically, including the instrument cluster. If there are any dead or sticking gauges, you should consider getting speedometer calibration. Speedometer calibration will bring your unit back to factory settings and restore all of the broken gauges. For a quality and affordable speedometer calibration service, you can turn to the company Safety Restore. The speedometer calibration there will also come with a lifetime warranty guarantee!

The Dangers Of A Faulty Speedometer

Automotive manufacturers strategically place each and every component of a vehicle in a specific area. No matter how small or how large the component is, it is carefully considered with the engineering of the entire vehicle in mind, it is carefully researched, and it goes through thorough testing. The speedometer—a small but crucial part of the vehicle—goes through this process, just like every other part of the vehicle. When it is placed into a new vehicle, it operates correctly and displays the correct reading every time. However, once a driver has driven their vehicle for quite some time, the speedometer can start presenting with faults, or even display incorrect readings. Not only can this serve as a hassle for the driver, it can also prove quite dangerous. Below I will describe some of the dangers of an inaccurate or faulty speedometer.

One danger of owning an inaccurate speedometer is running the risk of driving too slow. Driving too slow can be dangerous because it can cause collisions, especially on highways. Interestingly, research shows that driving at a slower speed than surrounding traffic is more likely to cause an accident than driving too fast!

Likewise, driving with an incorrectly displaying speedometer can also result in speeding. Driving too fast can obviously be very dangerous, and even fatal. When drivers operate their vehicle at too high of a speed, they may lose control of their vehicle and end up colliding into another vehicle or an object near the road. They may even run the risk of accidentally running over a pedestrian!

Another danger of having an incorrect speedometer is attracting unwanted attention from the police. You may get pulled over for not correctly following the speed limit, even if you thought you were!

Of course, if your personal speedometer is displaying any faults, you should get speedometer gauge repair immediately. You can turn to one of the best instrument cluster repair shops there are, Safety Restore, for the speedometer gauge repair. You’ll be charged an affordable price for the speedometer gauge repair, and in return you’ll receive quality work, a fast turnaround time, and a lifetime warranty guarantee.

3 Signs That The Oil Needs To Be Changed In A Vehicle

Many people tend to dismiss the importance of fresh, clean oil in their cars. Oftentimes, even when they know that they should get an oil change, they push it off for weeks, if not months. Unfortunately, that is not only lazy behavior, but very detrimental to the vehicle as well. Oil enhances the function and performance of a vehicle by keeping the engine in check and lubricating all the parts. With time, though, oil breaks down and has a harder time doing its job. It therefore needs to be replaced regularly for optimal function. Below I will describe a few different warning signs that a car shows to indicate that the oil needs to be changed.

One sign that the oil needs to be changed in a vehicle is dark and dirty oil. When oil is clean, it takes on an amber color—this is the way you want it to be. After a while, however, it begins to darken and collect dirt from the engine. To be safe, you should check your oil’s condition every month. All you have to do is remove the dipstick from the engine, wipe it, and place it back in. When removing it again, see if the stick is visible through the oil. If it is, then you are all set. If the oil is actually thick and dark, then you should schedule an oil change immediately.

Another sign that the oil is old and needs replacing in a vehicle is if you notice a louder engine noise or a knocking sound. Fresh, new oil offers a thin protectant between engine parts that shields against metal-on-metal contact. It also keeps the engine quiet when the vehicle is driving. If the oil hasn’t been changed for a while, though, and begins to break down, it does not provide as great of lubrication as it was meant to. As a result, you’ll hear some loud knocking or engine noise.

A third, and obvious indication that the oil needs to be switched out in a vehicle is if the oil change light turns on in the dash. When the light turns on in the dash, it means that there is not enough oil in the system. Check your oil level as soon as you see this light turn on.

Similar to how your car may be displaying these warning signs for an oil change, it might do the same for when instrument panel repair is needed. Your car will indicate that instrument panel repair is needed by your cruise control not working, your vehicle losing power, or your check engine light turning on. If you see any of these signs, turn to Safety Restore immediately—it is one of the best instrument cluster repair shops in the country and will be able to help you with the issues you are having. Simply log onto safetyrestore.com and select the option for instrument panel repair.

Speedometer Calibration Cost

Each individual who owns a vehicle must get his or her speedometer calibrated periodically. This should be done to ensure that the torque created by the magnetic field appropriately matches the actual speed of the car. This calibration must keep several factors in mind, such as the proportions of the gears in the drive cable, the final drive proportion in the differential, and the tires’ diameter. Each of these factors plays a role in the overall speed of a vehicle.

Think about tire size, for one. When the axle of a wheel completes one full spin, the tire that it is attached to is able to make one revolution. The thing is, if a vehicle is equipped with larger tires—that have a large diameter—it will travel a greater distance than a car equipped with smaller diameter tires. This is because the distance covered by a tire in one revolution is equal to its circumference. A tire with a 20 inch diameter will travel 62.8 inches of ground in one revolution, while a 30 inch diameter tire will cover approximately 94.2 inches, which is clearly more ground.

Paying the speedometer calibration cost will adjust for these variances. The speedometer gear is set up to correspond with the factory installed ring and pinion proportion, as well as tire size. The owner of a vehicle may have to get his speedometer recalibrated if he makes changes that will no longer qualify the vehicle as factory specifications.

If you do not want to pay the speedometer calibration cost at the dealer, you can try to do the reset from home. Recalibration can be accomplished by tinkering with the hairspring, the permanent magnet, or both. The strength of the magnetic field is typically the simplest component to change. However, it requires a strong electromagnet that can be used to adjust the permanent magnet’s strength in the speedometer. This has to be done until the needle balances the input from the rotating drive cable.

Of course, there is another option besides attempting recalibration from home or paying the expensive calibration cost at the dealer. The smart thing to do would be to send the unit in to the company Safety Restore. Safety Restore provides quality and affordable speedometer calibration services.