Speedometer MPH to KPH

Tipsy McSwagger

What is the best way for learning to drive in KPH? My car is a 03 so has MPH in big numbers and KPH in smaller numbers. I'm still learning so this is another issue i have to contend with, converting on the go. The speedometer doesn't have 30KPH for instance which is around 18MPH. Is there a system you use for converting or just study and learn the different conversions?

Valetta

Tipsy McSwagger wrote: »

What is the best way for learning to drive in KPH? My car is a 03 so has MPH in big numbers and KPH in smaller numbers. I'm still learning so this is another issue i have to contend with. The speedometer doesn't have 30KPH for instance which is around 18MPH. Is there a system you use for converting or just study and learn the different conversions?

Rough rule of thumb:

30kph = 18mph

50kph= 30moh

60kph= 40mph

80kph= 50mph

100kph= 60mph

120kph= 75mph

These roughly relate to the various speed limits.

thesimpsons

when the change over to kph came, I got a sheet (from insurance company I think) with a few stickers to put on the speedometer dial. they are small enough not to block anything else and clearly show the main limits needed (50kpm, 80 and 100). something like this should be easy to make up.

BuffyBot

Lots of folks will be in your position. My own car is MPH vs small KPH.

You just get an instinctive feel the more you drive. You'll look at the MPH and make the conversion in a flash before you know it.

dubscottie

It depends on the road surface also.. Nice new tarmac and you will find yourself going quicker than you think..

Be aware also that if you have small KPH on your speedo it will be out..

For example, Approaching one of the yokes that flash up your speed outside schools etc, I was doing 60 kph according to the small numbers on my speedo..

It flashed up 67kph (twice as there is 2 going from Stepaside towards Dundrum)

However it is spot on with the same yokes in NI when I am looking at MPH.

You are allowed 10% either way I think with regards speeding to take into account tyre wear etc.

Its is a pity that they don't still do the wee stickers for conversion.. They were handy!

Tipsy McSwagger

It's a bit of a pain to be honest. I might get one of those iPhone holders and use a speedometer app. Are they reliable? Or maybe get this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KPH-stickers-for-your-MPH-speedo-speedometer-for-bike-car-truck-/161129997371?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item258418a43b


Edit - Think the best thing is just to memorise the converted speeds.

OttoPilot

Tipsy McSwagger wrote: »

It's a bit of a pain to be honest. I might get one of those iPhone holders and use a speedometer app. Are they reliable?

And mount it? Sounds a bit pointless and maybe even distracting. Also, if a Garda decided it was distracting, you could also be prosecuted...

You're still only learning to drive so I wouldn't worry about it as you will start to automatically know the conversions soon enough. Most important thing is judgement of appropriate speed rather than looking at the speedo constantly. Saying you were below the limit won't help if you cause a crash with poor speed management, but noticing when you have less than enough control of the car due to speed will help prevent crashes.

TheChizler

Is it very difficult to estimate just looking at the km/h scale? Eg. 30 is halfway between 20 and 40? Same as if you were using literally any analog measuring device. Don't even see the miles/h scale any more myself. I'd advise against learning the conversions and relying on the mile scale, what happens if you ever change cars?

spurious

After a while you can sort of 'feel' what speed you're doing, but if you could get some sort of an overlay for your speedo, (depends on the car I suppose if this is possible) that would be the way to go.