Difference Between Odometer and Speedometer

Posted on: Feb 16, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Difference Between Odometer and Speedometer

The speedometer and odometer are essential components of a vehicle’s dashboard that provide important data about the route. Even though these instruments are located next to each other, they provide separate information and have different functions.

The odometer of a vehicle helps drivers monitor maintenance requirements based on total mileage. Whereas, the speedometer aids drivers to abide by speed limits, which in turn promotes responsible driving.

These devices also affect comprehensive and third party insurance assessments. Speedometer information impacts the claims associated with speeding incidents and settlements. While odometer information influences the insurance terms by reflecting on the vehicle’s condition.

What Are a Speedometer and Odometer?

Speedometers are essential for safe driving because they provide real-time information that is vital for following traffic laws and navigating dangerous road conditions. Some models go beyond speed and provide additional details such as travel distance, average speed, and fuel consumption. This additional information helps drivers improve their fuel economy and check their usage behaviour. Choosing a compatible, reliable device is critical as it affects vehicle accuracy and reliability, and ultimately promotes safe and efficient driving practices.

An odometer, which is mounted on the dashboard, measures the total mileage the car has driven in miles or kilometres. This is required to evaluate the state, need for maintenance, and overall worth of the vehicle. Moreover, an odometer is crucial for both used car buyers and sellers, as it could affect the reliability of the car and its resale value. Essentially, it is a key tool to know about the history of the car and determine the market value of the car. Also, to receive the own damage premium discount, you must present the car's odometer reading before the comprehensive insurance expires.

Difference between Odometer and Speedometer

The speedometer and odometer are key components of a car's dashboard. Despite their apparent similarities, these two instruments differ significantly from one another, and it's essential to know the difference between an odometer and a speedometer to drive effectively and securely.

Particulars	Odometer	Measures and shows the total distance travelled
Purpose	Measures and shows the total distance travelled	Shows the current speed
Reading Type	Cumulative	Instantaneous
Importance
Measurement Units	Km/Miles	Miles per hour (MPH)/Km per hour (KPH)
Location	Instrument cluster or dashboard	Dashboard, in front of the driver
Reset Function	Records total distance travelled over the vehicle’s lifetime	Display current speed without needing to reset

Conclusion

Understanding the speedometer and odometer on the dashboard and their functions is essential. In addition, these instruments also show information that is useful for determining vehicle maintenance, monitoring driving behaviour, enhancing fuel economy, and car insurance assessments.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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