How to Read Odometer on Car Accurately?

Retrieving accurate information about automobiles is crucial in every aspect of it, especially when it’s about odometer data. The continued evolution of the odometer since it was first invented changed the characteristics of this device and, therefore, its usage, importance, and general impact it carries. The evolutionary road is quite long and interesting. The invention of such a device dates back to the 15th century by Vitruvius, a Roman architect and engineer. The later version was invented in 1854 by Nova Scotia’s Samuel McKeen. Surely, from today’s perspective, it is also considered an early version of the device that we know.

Nowadays, we know the device with its advanced technologies, digital displays, and GPS-based systems. Technological advancement provides not only accuracy but also advanced features such as trip planning and navigation. All these features make this component an integral part of the automobile.

Now, let’s examine the dashboard of your automobile, identify the odometer, and read out mileage data. This is really useful and necessary in many ways. If you’re not good at these things, don’t worry; below, we will discuss this topic in greater detail.

How to read odometer?

To read the odometer accurately, first look at the instrument cluster to find where it is located, then look at the digital display ( LED or LCD screens). Miles are presented in numeric digits. For example, if the screen shows 95123, it means that the total miles driven are 95,123 miles or kilometers. Different countries have different measurement systems. In the US and UK, distance is measured in miles, and in most other countries, in kilometers.

How to Convert Miles to Kilometers (kilometers to miles)

To convert one unit to another, firstly, you should know that a kilometer is 0.62 of a mile, and a mile is 1.609344 kilometers. To convert miles to kilometers, multiply the number of miles by 1.609344 for example, 16 miles=16*1.609344=25.749504. Conversely,if we want to convert kilometers to miles, we should divide the number of kilometers by 1.609344 or multiply the number by 0.6214 (1km=0.6214 miles), for example, 20km=20*0.6214=12,428 miles.

Do not miss the trip meter

Digital odometers also feature a trip meter, which is used for tracking specific trips. It can be reset after every trip by holding a button for a few seconds. This helps record the distance from A to B points during the journey. It serves informational purposes, for instance, when you want to determine how much fuel you need for a particular distance. In short, it helps you determine fuel efficiency.

Let’s return to the total mileage reading and discuss the overall impact and importance of this aspect for individuals and groups.

Why knowing your odometer reading is important

Knowing mileage reading is always crucial for every car owner for several reasons:

1. It helps to follow the maintenance schedule and plan regular maintenance such as oil changes or tire rotations.
2. Mileage data greatly influences insurance rates. You need to report mileage data correctly to avoid additional insurance charges, as these companies always check this aspect thoroughly.
3. Mileage information has an impact on resale value.

The higher the mileage, the higher the chance that it depreciates quickly because there’s a high chance that a high-mileage vehicle will have mechanical issues sooner than a lower-mileage counterpart. However, the topic is not unambiguous. It depends on the other circumstances at the end of the day.

Knowing accurate reading is more impactful than you expect

Obtaining accurate data isn’t only important for individuals, it is also impactful for fleet management, car leasing, environmental impact assessment, used car purchases.

1. Fleet management: Businesses efficiently use odometer readings to track vehicle usage, schedule maintenance, and manage operating costs. Correct information lets fleet managers plan efficient routes and monitor driver behavior. They use the data in combination with their software, so companies get improved efficiency, vehicles with extended lifespans, cost-effectiveness, and better productivity.
2. Car leasing: Mileage data is crucial in car leasing agreements. These contracts usually set mileage limits, and exceeding these limits can result in additional charges. In general, awareness of how mileage figures affect lease conditions will help you make informed decisions about whether the particular agreement is worthwhile for you.
3. Environmental impact assessment: Odometer data can help assess a vehicle’s environmental impact. When you track mileage, you can estimate fuel consumption and carbon emissions. If you care a little about the environment and want to make the world a better place, you can contribute by helping individuals and businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Knowing your vehicle’s mileage can help you make more sustainable decisions.
4. Used car purchases: Mileage is a significant factor in assessing the general condition of the used automobile. Hence, customers pay close attention to this information, and the correctness of the information is decisive. Unfortunately, inaccurate data is a very widespread problem that harms the used car market.

In the following paragraph, we will discuss reasons behind misleading data, when it is incorrect and what makes it unreliable.

Can odometer reading be misleading?

Yes, odometer readings can be misleading for several reasons:
Digital malfunction can cause an incorrect odometer reading. While the digital odometer is an advanced system in modern vehicles, it may sometimes have problems such as software bugs, electrical issues, screen malfunctioning, etc.

Replacements/repairs. Sometimes, it’s necessary to replace the odometer; new odometers are always set to zero unless it is programmed accordingly. The same should be applied to the repaired odometer must be calibrated accurately to ensure it records mileage correctly. It’s not only about what kind of repair or replacement is done, it’s about how it’s done and who does that. For example, is it an authorized service center that manages the process? Is record keeping done properly or not? Those are the potential risks you may come across if you are not mindful enough.

It’s not only about mileage data. If the vehicle has undergone many repairs and issues, it is not estimated as an acceptable variant when choosing an optimized used car to purchase. In this case, mileage figures, even if they are low, can be considered misleading when judging the general condition of the automobile.

Actual danger of odometer fraud. Mileage information can be misleading in the strictest sense if we consider the fact that millions of individuals became the victims of odometer fraud—the practice of resetting or altering an odometer with a fraudulent purpose.

What are the popular tools for tampering with odometer?

Rollback tools are the most popular devices for rolling back odometers. They are capable of altering the data even in digital odometers. However, fortunately, most of these devices have one big fault: they do not alter data in other control units. So, altered information is easily detectable with a help of diagnostic devices.

Altering data doesn’t always mean that the goal is to deceive potential buyers. Sometimes, individuals wish to test their automobile performance without counting additional miles. For that purpose, the German manufacturer offers an innovative device called a Mileage blocker.

Odometer Mileage Blocker

A Mileage blocker is an incredible device that can halt the mileage recording process from all control units. It is outstanding because no one can trace the mileage that was stopped while using the module. Another big advantage is that it doesn’t cause flaws in the Can Bus system, so you enjoy peace of mind when using the device. It is installed behind the speedometer. DIY instructions will ensure that you can install the device on your own.

The manufacturer strictly recommends against using the device on public roads. You should test the automobile and this incredible device only in testing mode in a controlled environment. Unfortunately, many people use the device’s untraceable effect for malicious purposes. We promote using the module for purposes that won’t harm any party and won’t humiliate potential buyers’ rights.

Takeaway

As can be seen, mileage data is of great importance for various reasons. It is very crucial to obtain correct and accurate data to have a good knowledge of the upcoming maintenance of the automobile. Furthermore, it helps to have a close eye on the depreciation of the vehicle and control resale value.