andygates: (Default)
andygates ([personal profile] andygates) wrote2009-01-20 06:21 pm

Why don't cars have an average speed readout?

Bike computers have an average speed readout.  It's there on even the £5 cheapo units from Lidl.  Why don't cars? 

This article hits the nail on the head: "It's depressing."  If you had an average speed dial, you'd realize how slow you were going, and how wasteful of time and fuel your urban circuit commute and school run can be.  It'd be a downer, and nobody wants to sell a machine with a built-in little black cloud. 

[identity profile] jarkman.livejournal.com 2009-01-20 06:42 pm (UTC)(link)
My car has an average speed thing in its little trip computer. Don't most cars have those these days?

It always claims my average is about 45, even when I reset it then spend all day doing 90. Clearly, I should drive faster.

[identity profile] jarkman.livejournal.com 2009-01-20 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, yes, obviously.

But your correspondent's analysis has other flaws, too. His 'average speed' calculation is an interesting one, but because he is working on the total cost of the car (as opposed to the incremental cost per mile) it is only really a valid figure for comparison for someone who is thinking about not owning a car at all. That works for some lifestyles in some places, but not for most.

Plus, he has completely failed to account for the value accrued from the enjoyment of driving fast. Silly man.

[identity profile] ravenbait.livejournal.com 2009-01-20 07:04 pm (UTC)(link)
My car has an average speed on its computer too.

Yes, it is depressing.

It's depressing I can't cycle that fast!

[identity profile] skean.livejournal.com 2009-01-20 09:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, butt, kars r kuhll!!!! Tehy getz teh chix!!!!

Bikrs r swetie wanna b greenys wit noes sx apeel!!!!

[identity profile] xeeny.livejournal.com 2009-01-20 09:50 pm (UTC)(link)
You really ought to go back to posting on You Tube along with Mr. Cowbells.

[identity profile] andygates.livejournal.com 2009-01-20 09:59 pm (UTC)(link)
I refer the honourable gentleman to the thighs of bikey girls, and rest my case.

[identity profile] ravenbait.livejournal.com 2009-01-21 12:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Are you saying I have a big bum? :p

I got a sticker in the package with your hat, incidentally. It says "No Britneys". took me ages to work out what it meant.

[identity profile] andygates.livejournal.com 2009-01-21 04:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Perfectly toned :)

I have to fix the Britneys on Dave, he's all slipgrindy!

(yes, I had to Google it!)

[identity profile] ravenbait.livejournal.com 2009-01-21 12:43 pm (UTC)(link)
You sound like you should be frequenting the MTB section of bikeradar.

[identity profile] skean.livejournal.com 2009-01-23 06:53 am (UTC)(link)
That equation fails to take account of this factor

[identity profile] andygates.livejournal.com 2009-01-23 12:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay Skynet!