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Not Waze or Google Maps, which is why neither of these apps can tell you how fast your car is going.

advanced to unprecedented levels in recent decades, and one of the most noticeable aspects of this is how we move around. Nowadays, apps like Waze and Google Maps not only help us find the best, fastest, or toll-free route, but they also provide real-time information on traffic, speed cameras, and even our driving speed. However, despite these advancements, one detail often raises questions among drivers: the difference between the speed indicated by these apps and the speedometer reading in our cars.

The truth is that car speedometers are not 100% accurate. These devices calculate speed based on wheel rotation, meaning any change in wheel size—whether due to wear, inflation, pressure, or tire modifications—can alter the reading. Furthermore, many safety regulations require manufacturers to calibrate speedometers with a small margin of error to minimize the chance of drivers unintentionally exceeding the speed limit.

- Speedometer on Google Maps and Waze: An unreliable option 

On the other hand, if we focus on Google Maps, Waze, or other apps that indicate a car's speed, they do so using a GPS signal from the phone or its built-in navigation system. The system calculates the speed based on the device's position and the time elapsed between successive measurements. This means that, under ideal conditions, this technology provides a fairly accurate reading, sometimes even closer to the actual speed than a speedometer indicates.

However, GPS also has its limitations. In areas with poor signal strength, such as tunnels or overpasses, accuracy may be affected. Conversely, more traditional versions may have slight delays in update speed.

Ultimately, if you're looking for maximum accuracy, there are devices known as GPS speedometers, specifically designed to measure speed with high precision. These devices have a margin of error of just 1 km/h, a much smaller margin than that of a traditional speedometer or mobile phone app. Their reliability makes them ideal for drivers of classic or modified vehicles, or simply for those who want to know their exact speed without relying on the inaccuracies of a car's speedometer or their phone's GPS.