Aim Speed Sensor Guide

Motorsport Speed Sensors Guide

Speed sensors are a critical component of motorsport telemetry, providing accurate data to enhance performance, safety and vehicle control. Whether you’re monitoring wheel speed, measuring gearbox output, or integrating with an advanced ABS system, speed sensors play a vital role in a race car’s dynamics.

As part of our motorsport sensors series, we will explore how speed sensors work, their benefits for motorsport applications and a guide for the different types available to enhance your setup.

What Is A Speed Sensor?

A speed sensor is an electronic device that detects and measures the rotational speed of a component within a vehicle, typically a wheel, driveshaft or gearbox. In motorsport applications, accurate speed readings help drivers and teams fine-tune setups and optimise performance.

Benefits Of Speed Sensors

Speed sensors are an invaluable addition to any motorsport setup, serving various purposes depending on which one you are using. In general, speed sensors allow drivers and teams to do the following:

  • Traction Control & Stability – Wheel speed sensors help manage power delivery and prevent wheel spin.
  • ABS & Braking Systems – ABS sensors monitor wheel rotation to prevent locking under heavy braking.
  • Telemetry & Performance Analysis – Speed data is logged and analysed for driver coaching and car development.
  • Gear Shifting & Engine Management – Transmission speed sensors ensure smooth gear changes and optimise power delivery.
  • Lap Timing & GPS Integration – GPS-based speed sensors provide accurate track positioning and speed data.

Choosing The Right Motorsport Speed Sensors

There are hundreds of different motorsport speed sensors on the market that each serve different purposes, so choosing the right one for your needs can be quite daunting. While there are hundreds of speed sensors to choose from, below we have compiled a list of the most common speed sensors, what they are used for and how they work to give you a better idea about which ones are right for your motorsport setup.

Wheel Speed Sensors

  • Used for: ABS, traction control and stability systems.
  • How wheel speed sensors work: They generate a signal based on wheel rotation, using either a magnetic field (Hall effect) or voltage induction (inductive sensor). This data is transferred to the ECU to determine the direction and speed of the wheels’ rotation.
  • Examples: Front and rear wheel speed sensors, ABS speed sensors.

Related Product: Aim Hall Effect Wheel Speed Sensor

Transmission Speed Sensors

  • Used for: Gear shifting strategies and powertrain optimisation.
  • How transmission & gearbox speed sensors work: Much like wheel speed sensors, transmission sensors monitor changes in a magnetic field as the gear teeth pass by, generating an electrical pulse signal. The vehicle’s ECU measures the speed of the rotating shaft within the gearbox to provide crucial data for smooth and optimal gear changes.
  • Examples: Transmission speed sensors, gearbox speed sensors, engine speed sensors.

Driveshaft Speed Sensors

  • Used for: Torque management and differential performance.
  • How driveshaft & differential speed sensors work: As the driveshaft spins, it passes by a sensor coil, which creates a voltage signal that corresponds to the rotational speed. This allows the ABS control unit to monitor and adjust brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup during heavy braking.
  • Examples: Rear ABS sensors, VSS speed sensors.

GPS Speed Sensors

  • Used for: Lap timing, telemetry and performance analysis.
  • How GPS speed sensors work: Using signals from satellites, GPS sensors calculate the change in position over a given time, allowing drivers to see their speed and lap times.
  • Examples: Integrated telemetry sensors in high-end racing applications like Solo 2 or MyChron Lap Timers.

Related Product: Aim GPS Sensors

Selecting the right speed sensor depends on the required precision, compatibility with the ECU and durability in high-performance environments. Take a look at our range of speed sensors to find the best racing sensor for your needs or contact us for more information.

Speed Sensor FAQs

  • Can A Car Drive Without A Speed Sensor?


    Yes, but with reduced functionality. Without a speed sensor, systems like ABS, traction control and cruise control may be disabled or compromised.

  • What Happens If The Wheel Speed Sensor Fails?


    A failed wheel speed sensor can trigger warning lights, disable ABS and stability control and impact braking performance.

  • How Do ABS Sensors Work?


    ABS sensors monitor wheel speed and send data to the ABS module, which adjusts braking pressure to prevent wheel lock-up during heavy braking.

  • What Happens If The Wheel Speed Sensor Fails?


    A failed wheel speed sensor can trigger warning lights, disable ABS and stability control and impact braking performance.

  • How Do You Replace Wheel Speed Sensors?


    Replacement involves removing the faulty sensor, cleaning the mounting area and installing a new unit. Calibration may be required post-installation.

  • How Do You Test A Wheel Speed Sensor?


    A multimeter can check resistance and voltage output. A diagnostic scan tool can also read real time sensor data.

  • How Do You Change An ABS Wheel Speed Sensor?


    Locate the faulty sensor and disconnect it. Remove the mounting bolts and extract the old sensor. Clean the installation area and fit the new sensor. Reconnect and test for proper operation.