What is an Odometer? Its Functions and Types!
Speaking of cars, you are certainly familiar with the term Odometer. So what is an odometer really? And what are its functions? For more details, please pay attention to the following discussion.
What is an Odometer?
As a car owner, you are certainly familiar with the term odometer. However, not all car owners understand the meaning of the term. An odometer is a device that indicates the distance traveled by a vehicle. This device is located on the dashboard panel, specifically next to the speedometer.
Functions of the Odometer
The odometer in a car has several important functions that you need to know. Here are the complete functions.
1. Indicator of the distance traveled by the vehicle
As previously explained, the odometer functions as an indicator of the distance traveled by the vehicle. With this device, car owners can know how far the car has traveled.
2. Indicator for periodic servicing
In addition to indicating the distance traveled, the odometer also serves as an indicator of when the car needs periodic servicing. With the odometer, car owners can see how many kilometers the car has traveled. If the distance has reached 10,000 kilometers or its multiples, it indicates that the car needs to be serviced immediately. The odometer will make it easier for you to know the right time for regular servicing. Routine and periodic servicing has a significant impact on the longevity of car components and the car's performance.
Read Also: Tips for Knowing the Signs of Odometer Reset on Used Cars
3. Determinant of used car prices
Furthermore, the odometer can function as a determinant of used car prices. Why can this happen? Because the number displayed on the odometer panel indicates the distance traveled by the car. The further the distance traveled, the lower the selling price of the car. Conversely, the shorter the distance traveled, the higher the selling price of the car.
However, if you intend to buy a used car with a digital odometer, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an expert mechanic to avoid unscrupulous individuals. This is because digital odometers can be reset, thus reducing the recorded distance traveled.
Types of Odometers
After you know the functions of the odometer, you also need to know its types. Here are the complete types of odometers.
1. Analog (mechanical) odometer
The analog type odometer is the first generation of odometers. This type of odometer is shaped like a protruding circle that rotates mechanically. To rotate, the analog odometer requires the assistance of a flexible metal cable. This cable will rotate as the distance traveled increases.
The analog odometer has a rewindable characteristic, meaning it counts every movement of the car's gears and cogs. When the car moves, whether forward or backward, the analog odometer will rotate and count the distance traveled.
2. Digital (electric) odometer
The second type is the digital or electric odometer. This type can be considered modern generation. In digital odometers, the working mechanism has adopted a computerized system. Digital odometers usually have a special magnet that serves as a signal provider to calculate the distance traveled when the car's wheels rotate. The distance calculation results displayed on the digital odometer panel are usually in numerical form.
Thus, this is a complete review of the odometer, its functions, and its types. Given the important functions of the odometer, car owners should always pay attention to the condition of the odometer. A malfunctioning odometer not only decreases the resale value of the car but also threatens the damage to other dashboard components. If you buy a used odometer, you need to pay attention to the tips we have provided here "Buying a Used Car Odometer? Check Its Authenticity with This Method!". To ensure your odometer functions well, it is advisable to perform regular and periodic car maintenance at an authorized Daihatsu workshop.
