Speedometer records speed. Odometer records distance covered by vehicle.

Understanding Odometer and Speedometer
Both odometers and speedometers are essential instruments found in vehicles, serving different purposes related to speed and distance measurement.
Odometer
- An odometer measures the total distance a vehicle has traveled over its lifetime.
- It can be found in both analog and digital formats, displaying miles or kilometers.
- Odometers are crucial for tracking vehicle usage, maintenance schedules, and resale value.
- They typically operate using a series of gears connected to the vehicle’s drivetrain.
Types of Odometers
- Mechanical Odometer: Uses gears and physical movement to record distance.
- Digital Odometer: Utilizes electronic sensors and displays the reading on a digital screen.
Speedometer
- A speedometer measures the current speed of the vehicle, usually displayed in miles per hour (MPH) or kilometers per hour (KPH).
- It provides real-time feedback, allowing drivers to monitor their speed while driving.
- Speedometers can be analog, displaying speed with a needle on a dial, or digital, showing numbers on a screen.
Types of Speedometers
- Mechanical Speedometer: Operates via a flexible cable connected to the vehicle's transmission.
- Electronic Speedometer: Uses sensors to gauge speed and provide readings on a digital display.
Key Differences
- Function: Odometers track distance traveled; speedometers measure speed.
- Output: Odometers show cumulative miles/kilometers; speedometers indicate speed at a given moment.
- Usage: Odometers are essential for maintenance; speedometers help adhere to speed limits.
Understanding these instruments is vital for safe driving and vehicle management.