How to Read the Odometer on a Car

The odometer is the total-distance counter on your instrument cluster; read the number labeled “ODO” (or “Odometer”) and note whether it’s in miles or kilometers. On digital dashboards, you may need to press a steering‑wheel or dash button to toggle to the ODO screen; on analog clusters, read the row of mechanical digits, where a differently colored or offset final digit can indicate tenths. This article explains where to find the odometer, how to confirm units, how it differs from trip meters, and what to record for official forms.

What your odometer shows—and what it doesn’t

An odometer displays the lifetime distance a vehicle has traveled since new. It’s distinct from “trip” meters, which you can reset to track a specific journey or service interval. Most modern vehicles show whole miles or kilometers on the main odometer; decimal fractions, when shown at all, typically appear only on trip meters. Labels such as “ODO,” “TRIP A,” and “TRIP B,” plus unit indicators (“mi” or “km”), help you identify what you’re looking at.

Step-by-step: Reading the odometer on different dashboards

The sequence below walks you through finding and accurately recording the odometer in both traditional and modern vehicles, including those with multi-function screens.

1. Locate the display: Look near the bottom of the instrument cluster (below the speedometer/tachometer) for a small screen or mechanical number wheels.
2. Identify the label: Find “ODO” or “Odometer.” If you see “TRIP A/B,” you’re looking at a resettable trip meter, not the lifetime odometer—toggle to ODO.
3. Confirm the units: Look for “mi” (miles) or “km” (kilometers) near the reading. If none is shown, check your owner’s manual or the settings menu.
4. Cycle the display if needed: Use the “INFO,” “DISP,” or steering‑wheel arrow buttons to switch screens until “ODO” appears. Some cars require ignition ON (engine off is fine) to show it.
5. Read the digits carefully: Count all digits. If there’s a small or differently colored final digit or a decimal point, that may indicate tenths; otherwise, assume whole units.
6. Record appropriately: For official paperwork in many places (e.g., U.S. title transfers), report whole miles only, dropping tenths if shown. Follow the exact instructions on the form.
7. Document for accuracy: If you’re renting, selling, or logging maintenance, snap a photo showing the ODO, units, and date/time as proof.

Following these steps ensures you capture the correct lifetime distance and avoid confusing a trip meter or the wrong unit setting with the true odometer.

Analog clusters: Mechanical wheels

Older or basic vehicles may use a mechanical odometer with rotating number drums. The last drum can be smaller, a different color, or separated by a tick mark to show tenths; the rest are whole miles/kilometers. Misaligned digits or uneven type can indicate wear or, in rare cases, tampering—so read straight on and note all visible places if the reading seems questionable.

Digital and multi-function displays

Modern cars, including many EVs, often hide the ODO behind toggles. Look for an “OK,” “MENU,” or arrow pad on the steering wheel, or a “TRIP/INFO” button on the dash. Some brands place the odometer on a “Trips,” “Info,” or “Vehicle” screen in a central display. If you can’t find it immediately, turn ignition on, set the car in Park, and cycle through the cluster options until you see “ODO.”

Units: Miles vs. kilometers (and how to switch)

Because odometer readings can display in either miles or kilometers, it’s important to confirm and, if needed, change the unit setting before recording mileage. Here are typical ways to do that and what to watch for.

• Cluster setting: Many cars let you switch units in the instrument cluster or main settings menu (look for “Units,” “Display,” or “Language & Units”).
• Dual-scale clue: If your speedometer shows both mph and km/h, the odometer may still be set to one unit—check the label next to the number.
• Automatic conversion: The stored distance is fixed; changing units converts the display (e.g., 100,000 km ≈ 62,137 mi). Don’t convert manually unless a form requires it.
• Market defaults: North America usually defaults to miles; much of the world uses kilometers. Rentals or imports may differ from local norms.

Once you’ve confirmed the unit, record the number exactly as shown (or as the form specifies) to avoid mistakes during sales, service, or warranty claims.

Reading for official records

When you’re filling out titles, inspections, rentals, or warranty documents, precision and compliance matter. The points below can help you provide what regulators expect and avoid common errors.

• Whole units only: Many U.S. and Canadian forms require whole miles or kilometers—ignore tenths if your display shows them.
• Unit disclosure: If your odometer is in kilometers but the form expects miles (or vice versa), either convert if the form requests it or mark the appropriate “km/mi” box.
• Older/exempt vehicles: Some jurisdictions mark “Exempt” after a certain model year or vehicle age; follow your local rules and instructions.
• Cluster replacement: If the instrument cluster was replaced, some areas require a door‑jamb sticker and disclosure of the discrepancy; keep service records handy.

Accurate, unit-correct entries reduce paperwork issues and help maintain the vehicle’s value and service history integrity.

Trip meters: What they are and how to use them

Trip meters (TRIP A/B) are user-resettable counters for tracking segments like fuel range, routes, or maintenance intervals. They are not a substitute for the main odometer and are meant for short-term logging.

• Resetting: Press and hold the trip button (or select “Reset” on the screen) while viewing TRIP A or TRIP B to zero that counter.
• Use cases: Track fuel economy, measure a road trip, or remind yourself when an oil change is due.
• Safety note: The main odometer cannot be legally reset or rolled back; tampering is illegal in many jurisdictions.

Use trip meters for flexible tracking, and leave the primary odometer as your official, permanent mileage record.

Troubleshooting: If the odometer is blank, dim, or suspicious

If you can’t see the odometer—or you’re unsure the reading is reliable—the checklist below can help you diagnose common issues and spot red flags.

• Ignition state: Turn the ignition to ON (or accessory mode) and ensure the vehicle is in Park; some displays sleep when the car is off.
• Brightness: Increase cluster brightness with the dimmer wheel or settings menu, especially in daylight with automatic headlights on.
• Display mode: Cycle through info screens; ODO may share space with other readouts.
• Power/fuses: A dead battery or blown fuse can blank the cluster; consult the fuse diagram.
• Sensors/lines: On older vehicles, a failed speed sensor or broken mechanical cable can freeze the odometer—seek diagnosis.
• Tampering signs: Misaligned digits, inconsistent wear vs. mileage, missing service records, or contradictory history reports can be warning flags.

Persistent issues warrant a professional inspection and documentation, especially before purchase or sale.

Glossary: Common labels you’ll see

These abbreviations and terms frequently appear near the odometer and help you interpret what’s on screen.

• ODO or Odometer: Lifetime total distance traveled.
• TRIP A / TRIP B: Resettable counters for segment distances.
• mi / km: Miles or kilometers, respectively.
• mph / km/h: Speed units shown on the speedometer, not the odometer.
• Decimal/tenths: A smaller or colored final digit (or decimal point) sometimes indicates tenths—more common on trip meters.

Understanding these labels ensures you’re reading and recording the correct figure in the correct unit.

Summary

To read a car’s odometer, find the “ODO” label on the cluster, confirm whether it shows miles or kilometers, and record the full number as displayed (usually whole units). Use steering‑wheel or dash buttons to cycle to the ODO on digital clusters, and don’t confuse it with TRIP A/B. When completing official documents, follow the specified unit and rounding rules, and remember that the main odometer is permanent—only trip meters are meant to be reset.

What is a normal odometer reading?

The average driver puts around 12,000 to 15,000 miles on their car per year, so for a used car, you can estimate its average mileage by multiplying its age by the annual rate. For example, a 5-year-old car with average mileage would have roughly 60,000 miles. However, the average age of cars on the road is increasing, so some older vehicles will have significantly more accumulated miles. 
Factors influencing average mileage

• Age of the vehicle: The older the car, the more miles it likely has. 
• Use of the vehicle: A car used for business, taxi services, or rentals will have higher mileage. 
• Driving conditions: Some individuals drive more than others, and the average can vary by location. 
• Car type: Electric vehicles are expected to last longer and accumulate more mileage. 

How to evaluate a used car

1. Calculate expected mileage: Divide the odometer reading by the car’s age to get its annual average mileage. 
2. Compare to the average: A vehicle with lower annual mileage than the 12,000-15,000 mark is generally considered to have good mileage. 
3. Check the vehicle history: A vehicle history report from providers like CARFAX or AutoCheck can reveal if the car was used in a fleet or for commercial purposes. 
4. Get a professional inspection: A technician can provide insight into any potential issues that might not be apparent from the odometer reading alone. 

What does it mean when a car is over 100,000 miles?

But don’t worry—reaching 100,000 miles is not a signal that your car is nearing the end of its journey. Thanks to advancements in automotive technology and better maintenance practices, many vehicles today are built to last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper care.

How do I read the mileage on my car?

To read car mileage, locate the odometer on your dashboard, which can be an analog dial or a digital display. For digital odometers, simply read the displayed numbers. For older analog or early digital models, look for a white digit or a separate decimal display at the rightmost side, which shows tenths of a mile, so you should read the full number as miles (e.g., 123.4 is 123 miles). 
Steps to Read Your Odometer

1. Turn the car on: to the “on” position, but not necessarily to “start” the engine. 
2. Locate the odometer: on the dashboard, usually near the speedometer. 
3. Identify the display type:
   • Digital: Read the sequence of numbers directly. 
   • Mechanical/Analog: Look for rotating numbered wheels. 
4. Read the numbers: Take note of the entire number displayed. 
   • Tenths of a mile: If there’s a different colored or marked digit (often white) or a decimal point at the right, it indicates tenths of a mile. You usually read the total as whole miles. 
5. Confirm it’s the total mileage: Make sure you’re reading the total odometer (which tracks the vehicle’s total distance) and not a trip odometer, which can be reset. 
6. Record the reading: Write down the number accurately, as it’s important for maintenance or sales transactions. 

Is 70,000 miles a lot for a 10 year old car?

No, 70,000 miles is generally considered low mileage for a 10-year-old car, as the average driver puts on 12,000-15,000 miles per year, leading to an expected range of 120,000-150,000 miles for a car of that age. However, the overall value and condition of the car depend on the maintenance history, how the miles were accumulated (highway vs. city), and the car’s overall condition, not just the odometer reading. 
What to consider beyond mileage

• Maintenance History: A consistent maintenance record, including oil changes and service, is more important than the mileage alone. 
• Type of Driving: Highway miles are less harsh on a car than city miles, which involve more stop-and-go driving. 
• Vehicle History Report: A report from services like Carfax can show if the car has been in accidents or has any other issues. 
• Overall Condition: Look for wear and tear on the driver’s seat and check for any oil or fluid leaks under the car. 
• Age and Inactivity: Extremely low mileage for a car’s age can sometimes indicate that it sat unused for long periods, which can lead to its own problems. 

In summary
A 10-year-old car with 70,000 miles could be a good find, but always investigate the car’s history and condition to get a complete picture of its overall value and potential.