Home › Our services › Modifications › Speedometer
Done as part of our full import service
Modifying your speedometer?
When importing a car to the UK from overseas, it is often necessary to change the speedometer from kilometres per hour (km/h) to miles per hour (mph).
- Required if your car is under 10 years old at import
- Recommended for cars over 10 years old
- The correct fascia sourced for your exact model
- Fitted and calibrated at our own workshop
Why it matters
Why do you need to convert your speedometer?
In the UK, all speed limits and road signs use miles per hour (mph) as the unit of measurement.
If your car is being driven on UK roads, it must have a speedometer that is capable of displaying speed in mph. This is especially important for imported cars, which may have a speedometer that displays speed in kilometres per hour (km/h) by default, the standard unit of measurement in many other countries.
If a car's speedometer is incapable of displaying speed in mph, it is difficult for a driver to accurately gauge their speed and comply with UK speed limits. This is a safety hazard on the road.
Required
Under 10 years old
If your car is under 10 years old at the point of import, we will need your speedometer to read in mph. It is a condition of getting the car registered.
Recommended
Over 10 years old
Conversion is recommended rather than required, so that the driver can safely and accurately monitor their speed.
In the workshop
How we convert an analogue speedometer
Converting an analogue speedometer from kilometres per hour (km/h) to miles per hour (mph) typically involves replacing the speedometer gauge face or dial with one that displays the speed in mph.
- 1
Find the right fascia
We find the correct replacement based on your car model. These vary, and finding the correct one is important.
- 2
Open up the dashboard
To access the speedometer, we need to remove the dashboard panel. This process varies depending on the car. Generally, it involves removing screws, clips, and potentially other parts that secure the dashboard panel in place.
- 3
Swap the dial
We carefully remove the current speedometer dial from the gauge cluster, take the new mph speedometer dial and securely attach it to the gauge cluster in the same manner that the old dial was connected. Occasionally, additional steps are necessary depending on the car — some fascia are glued in.
- 4
Rebuild and calibrate
Once the speedometer housing is put back together, we check it is calibrated.
Please be aware that we don't recommend trying this yourself. The panels can be tricky to replace once removed, and a professional can make sure every fitting is back in place correctly.
Tell us the car and we'll price the fascia
The cost depends on the fascia and the vehicle. Send us the make, model and year and we'll come back with a figure.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Not sure whether your car needs it? Tell us the make, model and year and we'll tell you.
What is a speedometer fascia?
A speedometer fascia, also known as a speedometer gauge cluster or instrument cluster, is a component found on the dashboard of a car. The speedometer itself is the main gauge that displays the car's current speed, usually in miles per hour (mph) or kilometres per hour (km/h), depending on the country's standard.
The fascia, in this context, refers to the housing or casing that surrounds the various gauges and indicators in the instrument cluster. In modern cars it may be a digital display; older cars often have analogue speedometers with physical needles indicating the speed.
The design and layout varies significantly between models and manufacturers. Some are simple and minimalist, others include a tachometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel and temperature gauges and warning lights for various car systems. Which is why finding the correct replacement for your exact car matters.
How much does it cost to convert a speedometer to MPH?
The cost is dependent on your fascia and the vehicle. For more information on how much it will cost to convert your speedometer don't hesitate to get in touch.
Will converting my speedometer affect my car's odometer reading?
If done correctly, it should not affect the odometer.
If an electronic converter is installed, the odometer may also change units (km to miles or vice versa).
Can I do it myself?
From a cost-saving perspective, this is something that you can do yourself. However, it is extremely tricky and not something that we recommend. The panels can be tricky to replace once removed.
We always advise that you work with a professional who can ensure that all fittings are in place correctly. It also provides you with peace of mind that you're fully compliant.
Related
The rest of the compliance work
A speedometer swap is rarely the only thing a car needs before it can be registered here.
- Headlight conversionsThe other half of a left-hand drive import: beam pattern and lighting.
- All modificationsFog lights, American lighting conversions and IVA preparation.
- IVA, MSVA and MOT testingTested on our own private lane once the work is signed off.
- DVLA registrationTen working days from a passed test to UK plates.