Over enthusiastic speedometers seem to be a VW design feature. Not only
is speedo off but so is the odometer. 4-5% seems typical. A benefit of
this to VW is to get past the warranty points earlier. Imagine a 100,000
mile really expires at 95K. And that 20 mpg you thought you were getting
just isn't so.

The stock tires diameter is 25.5". A 185/80-14 or 195/75-14 fits this
description. The 205/70-14 is slightly shorter depending on brand. To
get the error out, you need a 26.75" tire.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of dieselslave
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2004 5:05 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: speedometer reads fast----what size tires are supposed to go
on?

After being constantly passed on the highway and on the backroads and on
dirt trails I had doubts about my speedometer reading. After further
investigation I confirmed that I am reading about 5 mph faster than I am
actually going (says 55 but really going 50) I am still running the
tires that came on the van when I bought it - 14 inch rims and 195/75
R14 tires. I know that bigger tires may fix my speedometer reading- I am
just trying to confirm what it is supposed to have when stock.
thanks
Gary in Stuart, Florida
1984 Vanagon
1972 "Baha" Beetle
1962 Buick Skylark

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