Track mileage automatically
Get started
30 May 2023 - 2 min read

Odometer

The odometer is the instrument in your vehicle that keeps track of the total distance traveled. It provides you with an accurate measurement of the mileage accumulated over the lifetime of your vehicle.

The odometer operates based on rotational motion. In mechanical odometers, a cable connects the rotating wheels to the odometer in your dashboard, turning a set of dials to display the mileage of the car. 

Electronic odometers, on the other hand, use sensors to measure the rotations of the wheels and provide that information to a digital display on the dashboard.

The odometer serves multiple purposes. It helps you keep track of your vehicle's maintenance schedule, such as oil changes or tire rotations.

An odometer is also a useful tool when recording your mileage for reimbursement purposes. The Driversnote mileage tracker has an option to input odometer readings, and will update its log of your vehicle’s mileage based on the distances it helps you track. 

By monitoring the odometer, you can estimate fuel efficiency, plan for scheduled maintenance, and assess the vehicle's wear and tear. It is a good initial indicator when assessing the condition and value of a vehicle.

FAQ about odometers

Odo is shorthand for odometer. So an odo-reading simply means taking note of what the odometer in your vehicle is displaying.
Odo, or odometer, refers to the total mileage of your vehicle. In addition to this, many vehicles have the option to set an interval where the mileage is recorded from a starting point chosen by the driver. This is usually called “Trip”. This function is helpful if the distance driven in a particular interval is relevant, e.g. if you drive for business.

How to automate your mileage logbook

Manually filling out your logbook can get tedious - see how to automatically track trips for your mileage reimbursement or deductions.
Automate your mileage logbook
Effortless and compliant mileage tracking
Get started for free Get started for free

Related posts

ATO Mileage Guide
ATO Mileage Guide

Learn about the rules of reimbursing employees for their car expenses or deducting expenses as an employee or self-employed individual.

4 July 2023 - 5 min read
ATO Compliant Log Book Template
ATO Compliant Log Book Template

If you are claiming vehicle expenses for business purposes, you must keep proper records in order for the ATO to approve your claim. We will walk you through...

23 June 2023 - 2 min read
Find the Best Car Log Book App
Find the Best Car Log Book App

The days of manually documenting a week's worth of information and struggling to remember the work errand you were running around 6:30 p.m. last Thursday are long gone, thanks to mobile apps that track your trips and produce compliant mileage logs. 

23 June 2023 - 2 min read