Speed Calibration Service Notes:
- This is first-come, first served. Appointments are not available for this service.
- It takes 20-30 minutes once your vehicle is taken into the service area.
- You will receive a notarized copy of the report
- This service is available at both of our Warrenton and Chantilly locations
Per State Law, this service is first come first served – no appointments can be made. Because of this, even if you attempt to make an appointment for this service, please be mindful that you are not guaranteed to be seen at the appointment time, as other customers may be waiting for the same service.
We Calibrate All Types of Speedometers
No matter how new your car is or what kind of speedo it uses, the speedometer can get miscalibrated. The expert technicians at Advanced Automotive know the ins and out of all speedometer types. We accurately calibrate both mechanical and electronic speedos using the latest tools and technologies.
Mechanical Speedometer Calibration
Mechanical or eddy-current speedometers connect with a cable to a speed cup that houses a strong rotating magnet. The rotations create a magnetic field that turns the speed cup in the opposite direction, moving the needle on your speedo. Mechanical speedometers have remained unchanged for decades and are still used in modern cars.
Electronic Speedometer Calibration
Electronic speedometers feature a magnet attached to the driveshaft. As the driveshaft rotates, the magnet passes another one and triggers a sensor that sends a reading to the speedometer. Electronic speedos are very accurate, but because of their high price, they’re still relatively uncommon.
Walk-In Speedo Calibration in Less than an Hour
As per Virginia law, you can’t make appointments for speedometer calibration services. This means you won’t have to bother making an appointment with Advanced Automotive, either!
You can call ahead to see how busy we are, but all you need to do is drop off your car at our car repair shop. One of our technicians will calibrate your speedo as soon as possible.
Speedometer calibration is one of the fastest car repair processes. Thanks to our technicians’ expert skills, we’ll get the job done in 20-40 minutes on average. While you wait, you can enjoy the comforts of our dedicated waiting area.
Got a Speeding Ticket? WE CAN HELP
Have you received a speeding ticket that you believe is incorrect? Come to Advanced Automotive and let us calibrate your speedometer. We can help you prove your speedo was malfunctioning.
You’ll leave our shop with two notarized copies of our calibration report. In Virginia, these official documents are admissible evidence in traffic court and the judge may lower your fine or reduce your charges.
Only properly prepared, signed, and notarized calibration reports can be accepted in court. Advanced Automotive always gives you meticulously prepared documents to help your case.
6 Most Common Reasons You Need Speedometer Calibration
Why does a car speedometer become inaccurate? Many problems and incidents can knock these sensitive devices out of whack. Some of the most common issues include:
- Wear and Tear: Mechanical speedometers have many moving parts that wear out over time. The sensors of electronic speedos can malfunction or get caked in dirt, affecting their accuracy.
- Damage or Accidents: Just a minor bump on a curb or another can be enough to jolt or damage speedo components. Get your speedometer calibrated after every accident.
- New Rims or Tires: Larger or smaller wheel sizes rotate at a different speed than your vehicle’s stock tires, which leads to inaccurate speedo readings. You should recalibrate your speedometer after swapping tires.
- Worn Tires: Heavy or irregular tire wear can affect your wheels’ rotation rate and confuse your speedometer.
- Manufacturer Design: Some carmakers intentionally make their speedometers show a slightly faster speed than you’re actually traveling in the name of increased traffic safety.
- Heavy Load: Transporting a heavy load can slow down the rate at which your wheels turn and result in inaccurate speedo readings. Fortunately, this issue should fix itself after you unload the car.
CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPEEDOMETER CALIBRATION