What does the trip on a car dashboard mean?
3 Answers
Car dashboard trip is used to record the mileage of each trip, representing the subtotal mileage before this stage is reset. If you want to restart recording the mileage, you can long press to reset it. The smallest unit of the subtotal mileage trip is 0.1 kilometers, and the basic calculation method is the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. When the fuel tank is nearly empty, fill it up at a good gas station, then reset the mileage counter. Drive normally until you have covered a certain distance, then return to the same gas station and fill up the tank again. Note the current mileage, divide the amount of fuel added by the distance traveled, and then multiply by 100 to get the car's fuel consumption per 100 kilometers.
When I first started driving, I was really confused about the trip function on the car dashboard. Actually, the trip is a journey counter that shows the distance you've driven in kilometers or miles since the last manual reset. For example, every time I refuel, I press the reset button nearby, so I can see how far I've gone on that trip. This thing is super useful because it helps me estimate fuel consumption—after driving a certain distance to pick up my kids from school, I check the trip meter showing 20 km, then compare it with the change in the fuel gauge to figure out the fuel usage. Unlike the odometer, which is the total accumulated distance since the car was born and can't be changed, the trip is temporary and can be reset anytime. I recommend new drivers use it more often—don’t underestimate this feature, as it can prevent you from forgetting to refuel or overdriving. When I go camping on weekends, I rely on the trip to record the one-way distance, ensuring I don’t get lost and saving some fuel money. By the way, resetting it is simple—just find a button near the steering wheel and press it. It's totally safe.
Speaking of the car's trip function, I've been using it for many years—it's like a little travel assistant. Simply put, when you're driving, it separately calculates the distance of your current journey, such as your commute from home to work and back. I usually reset the trip after starting the car, so I can accurately track how many kilometers I drive each day. This helps me with expense calculations—for example, resetting it before refueling and then dividing the trip distance by the amount of fuel added gives me the fuel consumption rate. If the trip suddenly stops working or shows errors, it might be a minor wiring issue, but don’t worry—most cars are designed with simplicity in mind, so it rarely malfunctions. I find the trip function especially useful for long-distance driving. Last time I drove to the provincial capital, I relied on it to monitor my journey and avoid fatigue or speeding. Compared to the odometer, which permanently records the car’s total mileage, the trip is more flexible, allowing you to set a custom starting point. Developing the habit of using it can save you money and enhance safety.
