For better or worse, California is often at the forefront of motor vehicle laws. The Golden State helped usher in more stringent automobile pollution control regulations in 1966, a year before federal standards were passed. California has since led the charge to ban internal combustion engines in passenger cars. Because of the size of California’s new car market (about 13% of all U.S. light vehicle sales, according to Automotive News), what happens here often filters into other states.

Recently proposed legislation adds another element that could affect California drivers and, ultimately, car owners across America. The measure sought to mandate that new vehicles sold in the state have a GPS-based system that warns drivers when traveling 10 MPH over the posted speed limit. While Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill in September 2024, pressure from safety groups and a 2023 recommendation for this technology from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are signs that this won’t be the last effort involving this technology.

Excess vehicle speed has far-reaching consequences, especially with traffic deaths or fatalities. “…over 1,000 people are killed by speeding drivers every year…” in California, commented Damian Kevitt, a leader of one of the safety groups that cosponsored the now-defunct legislation, in a Los Angeles Times article. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 10% of all car crashes reported to police involve speeding. CBS News reports that the number of speed-related accidents rises to 35% in California.

Outside of safety issues, speed damages automobiles by increasing wear on critical components like the engine, transmission, and suspension. These effects increase maintenance and repair costs and reduce resale values.

With these speed-related factors in mind, let’s explore what California motorists need to keep in mind today and in the future.

California’s New Speed Enforcement Measures

While California Senate Bill 961 was vetoed, safety advocates and similarly-minded lawmakers will likely continue to pursue ways to keep speeders in check. The original SB 961 bill, introduced in early 2024, would have mandated a police-controlled override system by 2027 to slow down speeding vehicles that go over the posted limits.

However, a subsequent but toned-down California bill “would require, beginning with the 2030 model year, that every new passenger vehicle, motor truck, and bus sold or leased in California be equipped with a passive intelligent speed assistance system to alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour.” Unlike the earlier proposal, no information would be sent to law enforcement.

Regardless of the attempt to soften the legislation’s attempt to limit speeding, Newsom vetoed the bill, citing the potential disruption to the existing federal framework for such regulations administered through NHTSA.

The Effects of High-Speed Driving on Vehicle Performance

If safer driving (and a reduced risk of receiving a moving violation) aren’t enough motivation to keep your speed in check, consider what happens to your car when you drive too fast. Here are the significant components affected by excess speed.

Engine and Transmission

Faster speeds mean the engine works at higher RPMs and increased temperatures, leading to increased internal friction and premature wear. The same factors are at play with the transmission. It’s worth mentioning that quicker speeds require more stops at the gas station.

Suspension

A quicker pace behind the wheel delivers more stress to the shock absorbers, struts, and springs. This problem worsens while driving across potholes, speed bumps, and other road irregularities. Bushings and ball joints are also vulnerable to damage due to speed.

Drive Axles

The effects of above-normal vehicle speed reach other crucial areas, like the drive axles. Failures to vital subcomponents like the CV joints, differentials, and wheel bearings can lead to breakdowns and surprise repair bills.

Tires and Brakes

While tires, brake pads, and brake rotors are traditional wear-and-tear items (parts that wear down due to everyday use), over-the-top speed accelerates the process. Tire treads don’t last as long, and faster movement translates into extra work for the brakes when you need to slow down or stop. In addition, high-speed blowouts are far more dangerous than tire troubles at more measured travel.

Preventive Measures to Avoid High-Speed Wear and Tear

Protecting your vehicle from high-speed wear and tear starts with smart driving habits and preventative maintenance. Here are some tips to put this approach into practice:

• Maintain a consistent highway speed; avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
• When appropriate, use cruise control (or adaptive cruise control) to help keep a constant speed (engines and transmissions work best under smooth and steady conditions, plus you’ll save gas).
• Perform regular maintenance:
  • Check tire pressure weekly and rotate the tires every 5,000-7,000 miles to ensure even wear.
  • Monitor brake pad thickness and replace them before they’re completely worn to prevent rotor damage.
  • Keep up with oil changes using synthetic oil rated for high-temperature operation (check the owner’s manual for the recommended interval, and don’t hesitate to make more frequent oil changes to accompany more frequent highway or high-speed driving).
  • Pay attention to your transmission fluid condition and temperature.
  • Keep the engine tuned with fresh air filters, spark plugs, and proper cooling system maintenance.
  • Check the wheel alignment regularly, as misalignment poses a greater danger at higher speeds.

PRO TIP: Prevention is always more cost-effective than post-incident repairs. Investing in routine maintenance and practicing careful driving habits will significantly extend your vehicle’s life and reliability.

How MBI Can Help Cover Mechanical Wear from High-Speed Driving

Whether dealing with the effects of speeding or simply worrying about only an older vehicle, more and more California drivers are turning to Endurance mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) for protection against expensive car repairs. Endurance offers several MBI plans, also known as extended warranties, each with increasing levels of security.

The Standard MBI covers essential systems, including the engine, transmission, drive axles, steering, brakes, electrical, air conditioner, and suspension. Meanwhile, Premium MBI safeguards the fuel delivery system, enhanced electrical components, and other upgraded parts. Elite Plus MBI delivers protections that come closest to manufacturer-level coverage. Nearly every vehicle component and system is covered.

Every Endurance MBI policy, regulated as an insurance product in California, includes perks that can make all the difference during a breakdown. Enjoy reimbursements for towing and rental cars and a trip interruption allowance if trouble hits away from home.

Protect Your Vehicle from High-Speed Wear and Tear with Endurance

Discover your Endurance mechanical breakdown insurance options today by requesting a FREE online quote or calling (800) 253-8203 to speak with an Endurance policy advisor. Explore the Endurance blog to learn how MBI works, uncover essential DIY repairs, get car maintenance advice, and more.