Not Google Maps, not Waze. Because of this, neither of these apps can tell you how fast your car is moving
Technology has evolved to a very low level in recent decades, and one aspect where this can be most noticeable is the way we move. Nowadays, applications such as Waze and Google Maps not only help us find the best route, the fastest route, or the one that avoids tolls, but they also provide us with real-time information about traffic, radars, and even the speed at which we are driving. However, despite these advances, there is one detail that often raises doubts among drivers: the difference between the speed indicated by these applications and the speed indicated by the speedometer in the car.
The truth is that car speedometers are not 100% accurate. These devices calculate speed by the rotation of the wheels, which means that any change in their size, whether due to wear, inflation, pressure, or tire adjustments, can alter the reading. Additionally, many safety regulations require manufacturers to set speedometers with a small margin of error in order to reduce the chance of drivers inadvertently exceeding the speed limit.
- Speedometer on Google Maps and Waze: Unreliable option
On the other hand, if we focus on Google Maps, Waze, or other applications that indicate the speed of the car, they do so using the GPS signal from the phone or built-in navigation device. The system calculates the speed based on the position of the device and the time elapsed between successive measurements. This means that under ideal conditions, this technology gives a fairly accurate reading, sometimes closer to the actual speed than the speedometer indicates.
However, GPS also has its limitations. In areas where connectivity is poor, such as tunnels or overpasses, accuracy may suffer. In contrast, more traditional versions may have small delays in updating speed.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for the ultimate in accuracy, there are devices known as GPS speedometers, which are specifically designed to measure speed with high accuracy. These devices have a margin of error of just 1 km/h, which is much smaller than the margin of error of a traditional speedometer or mobile phone app. Their reliability makes them ideal for drivers of classic vehicles, modified cars, or simply those who want to know their exact true speed without relying on the inaccuracy of a car’s speedometer or phone’s GPS.