What do the two mileage readings on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
There are two mileage readings on the car dashboard: 1. Total mileage of the car: Measured in kilometers and cannot be reset. 2. Measurable mileage: This can be manually reset by pressing and holding the black cylindrical button on the dashboard. The total mileage of the car normally cannot be reset. Below are the differences between the two types of car odometers: 1. Mechanical odometer: The traditional purely mechanical instrument, which uses a flexible shaft connected at one end to the transmission output shaft and at the other end to the odometer. 2. Electronic odometer: Generally, a speed sensor is installed on the transmission output shaft or wheel, and the read speed is converted into vehicle speed and mileage through a calculation formula embedded in the control module.
I've been driving for over a decade and noticed a clear distinction between the two odometer readings on the dashboard. The larger number is the total mileage, which records the cumulative kilometers since the car was new and cannot be manually reset. This is particularly important when selling the car as it indicates the vehicle's usage level—for instance, I rely on it for scheduling regular maintenance like oil changes. The smaller number is the trip mileage, which you can reset manually with a button. I often use it to measure the distance of a single trip or between two fuel fills, making it convenient for calculating fuel consumption. For example, reset it after a full tank, then divide the recorded distance by the fuel consumed to get the mileage. Long-term monitoring of these numbers can help detect anomalies early—if the trip mileage fluctuates unexpectedly, it might indicate poor electrical contact, preventing potential driving issues. I recommend that beginners also develop the habit of frequently checking these small details to ensure driving safety.
