Top Speed Limit?!?!

PHLphan · Dec 8, 12, 8:13 pm

I'm currently in the middle of a 2013 Ford Taurus rental from Hertz. I'm on the highway going 75 in a 65 and I get a warning on the dash saying that I'm nearing the top speed limit. So I try 80 mph and it kills the acceleration to take me below 80 mph. Has anyone ever heard of something like this? I've read the car's manual and it evidently has something to do with the car's "MyKey" which is an administrative key that has certain settings for the vehicle. With my rental keys I am unable to change any of the settings. This "MyKey" also restricts stations on SiriusXM. I for one don't think that Hertz should be able to limit the speed limit on the vehicles they rent. What do you think?

Dave Noble · Dec 8, 12, 8:18 pm

I think that the cars belong to hertz and if Hertz decides to limit the cars maximum speed to that 5 mph above the speed limit then that is up to them

There have been other threads on this issue before (albeit different cars) such as MyKey Speed Governor Mustang

It is hard to find much sympathy for not being able to exceed 80mph in a 65mph zone

qvzn · Dec 8, 12, 8:30 pm

All it will take to reverse this policy is for someone to sue for injury caused by not being able to get away from the gangs/husband/wife/rebels/uniforms/ferrets that were out to get them

PHLphan · Dec 8, 12, 8:31 pm

Thanks Dave. I wasn't looking for sympathy. You drive how you want and I'll drive how I want... except in this damn Taurus!

milehighj · Dec 8, 12, 8:35 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHLphan

Thanks Dave. I wasn't looking for sympathy. You drive how you want and I'll drive how I want... except in this damn Taurus!

+1

Dave Noble · Dec 8, 12, 8:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHLphan

You drive how you want and I'll drive how I want... except in this damn Taurus!

Such a comment suggests to me the sensible nature of Hertz's actions.

Doc Savage · Dec 8, 12, 8:48 pm

This will likely end badly when someone is trying to pass, can't get enough acceleration, and two cars full of people die.

PHLphan · Dec 8, 12, 8:52 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

Such a comment suggests to me the sensible nature of Hertz's actions.

After reading the link to the thread about this very topic, no further comment from you is necessary as we already know your stance on this subject. I posted this question because I was unable to find it through searching. Your arrogant response is hardly a productive comment to this topic.

jzweighaft · Dec 8, 12, 9:30 pm

What if some knucklehead is tailgating you at 79 MPH on the left-hand side of a truck? Or maybe you're in front of a runaway truck on a downward-sloping single lane highway (and you've yet to pass an emergency ramp). The speed limit out here is 80... it's your choice whether or not you abide by it (at least it should be), but what about the guy behind you? Trucks are big, and (in many parts of the US, at least) these are real risks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHLphan

I've read the car's manual and it evidently has something to do with the car's "MyKey" ...

Have you ever read George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four? Big Brother may not be watching you in your Taurus, but he certainly has total control. Speed can be capped, some radio stations can be blocked, audio volume can be limited, etc. I think I read somewhere that when you first start the car, on one of the screens it will say something about MyKey. I've never encountered it (thankfully) but it is something I check for on Fords.

Here's my stance: would you dare be willing to, knowingly, take responsibility for the operation of a vehicle you theoretically could not fully control? I most certainly wouldn't

-J.

Drathen · Dec 8, 12, 10:27 pm

My G8 GXP had an overspeed alarm which goes off when a set speed is reached. The speed at which the alarm is activated can be set by the driver or the alarm can be completely disabled if needed. This is only an alarm and does not limit the top speed whatsoever.

If I ever rented a car that had a top speed restricted to 80mph or below I would return that car and raise hell with the station manager. Limiting the top speed is unacceptable.

ijgordon · Dec 8, 12, 11:05 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Savage

This will likely end badly when someone is trying to pass, can't get enough acceleration, and two cars full of people die.

The speed governor shouldn't impact acceleration, as long as you remain below the maximum speed. If you can't pass without going that fast, then you shouldn't pass.

seawolf · Dec 8, 12, 11:15 pm

Speed limit in AZ from PHX up to Flagstaff is 75 mph. Guess Hertz vehicles will be the bottleneck on that route.

steveo3002 · Dec 9, 12, 5:42 am

i can kinda understand the speed limiter but why limit radio stations lol ...cant be hurting anyone to listen to what you like?

KevinMD · Dec 9, 12, 6:18 am

Speed limit on OK turnpikes is 75, parts of I-10 in TX are 80, and there is a new turnpike that is opening between San Antonio and Austin that will be 85.

Often1 · Dec 9, 12, 6:24 am

1. Hertz is a private company and the cars belong to Hertz. Hertz can do whatever it wants. Renters too can do whatever they want and take their business to some less safe company.

2. It's not OK to break the law. Period. If Hertz is doing its part, that's a good thing.

3. Bet you that Hertz gets a break on its insurance for doing this and that is reflected in profitability & rates.

The debate about what the speed limit ought to be has nothing to do with car rentals. That's a policy debate for somewhere else.