What do the two mileage readings on the car dashboard mean?
4 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.
Thinking back to when I first started driving, those two numbers on the dashboard always piqued my curiosity. The larger one is the total mileage, accumulating all distances traveled—it only goes up, never down, like a diary of the vehicle's entire life. It can't be altered casually, as doing so would affect the resale value. The smaller one is the trip mileage, which I can manually reset. I used it to measure short distances during long trips, like how many kilometers from home to a scenic spot—just press a button to zero it out. Now that the car is older, when the total mileage surpassed 100,000, I checked the maintenance records to remind myself to replace parts, while the trip mileage helps me monitor fuel efficiency. Over time, I've realized how practical these small features are—don’t overlook them, as they might help avoid major repairs. Young drivers should give them a try.
As a new driver who just got my license, I was confused by two numbers on the dashboard. After checking the manual, I learned that the large number on the right is the total mileage, which records the total kilometers the car has traveled and cannot be reset; the smaller one on the left is the trip mileage, which can be reset with a button. I often reset it after refueling to track how far I've driven on that tank of gas and calculate fuel consumption. For example, driving over 200 kilometers in the city is considered normal. This makes learning to drive more manageable. I recommend that beginners also practice using the trip mileage to test different road conditions and improve safe driving habits.
