What do the two mileage numbers on the car dashboard mean?

[SanEthan]

There are two mileage numbers on the car dashboard as follows: 1. Total kilometers traveled by the car: Measured in kilometers, this cannot be reset. 2. Measurable kilometers: This can be manually reset by pressing and holding the black cylindrical button on the dashboard. The total kilometers traveled by the car normally cannot be reset. Below are the differences between the two types of car speedometers: 1. Roller counter: In the past, purely mechanical instruments were commonly used, connected to the output shaft of the transmission via a flexible shaft, with the other end connected to the odometer. 2. Electronic instrument: Generally, a speed sensor is installed on the output shaft of the transmission or on the wheel, and the read speed is converted into vehicle speed and mileage through a calculation formula embedded in the control module.

[AnaLynn]

I've been driving for over a decade, and people often ask about the two mileage numbers on the dashboard. The larger number shows the total kilometers your car has traveled since it left the factory—it never resets, which is crucial for maintenance or selling a used car. The smaller number next to it is usually the trip mileage, which you can reset with a button. I reset it every time I fill up the tank to calculate how far that tank of gas will take me. There's another difference between the two: the total mileage relates to the vehicle's lifespan, while the trip mileage helps us calculate fuel costs and plan short trips. Taking a quick glance while driving can help detect tire wear or pressure issues early.

[MacLydia]

As an automotive engineer, the dual odometer design on the instrument cluster is quite sophisticated. The total mileage (odometer) records the vehicle's lifetime travel distance and serves as the legal basis for depreciation calculations. The trip meter is a user-customizable recording tool - I always reset it when refueling to track single-trip fuel consumption. These readings differ beyond just numbers: the odometer requires tamper-proof design, while the trip meter may be linked to instrument cluster lighting mode switching. Next time you adjust your dashboard backlight brightness, notice the trip meter might automatically reset.

[KathrynLynn]

This is a question I often get from novice trainees. The number displayed on the left is the total mileage, recording how far the car has traveled since it was born; the short-distance one on the right can be reset to zero at any time. The difference is that the total mileage cannot be changed, while the trip mileage can be used repeatedly. Don't underestimate the cleverness of using them in combination: I have trainees reset the trip mileage every 1,000 kilometers, so when the number approaches 1,000 next time, they know it's time for maintenance. This is more reliable than remembering maintenance dates, as actual wear and tear vary depending on road conditions.