• Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Home & Garden
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
  • Video
  • Shows
  • Blogs
  • Quizzes
  • Games
  • Random Article
  • Auto Basics
  • Auto Parts & Systems
  • Auto Racing
  • Buying & Selling
  • Car Models
  • Driving & Safety
  • Fuel Efficiency
  • Motorcycles
  • Trucks
  • Under the Hood
  • Home > 
  • Auto > 
  • Driving & Safety > 
  • Safety & Regulatory Devices

by Karim Nice

Print
Cite This!
Close 
Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

Nice, Karim.  "How Odometers Work"  17 January 2001.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/odometer.htm>  11 February 2012.
Cite
Feedback

Be Your Own Mechanic

Car Maintenance Videos
Car Maintenance Videos
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Odometers Work
  2. Mechanical Odometers
  3. Computerized Odometers
  1. Lots More Information
  2. See all Safety & Regulatory Devices articles

Lots More Information

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

  • How Gear Ratios Work
  • How Car Computers Work
  • How Windshield Wipers Work
  • How Power Door Locks Work
  • How Power Windows Work
  • How Fuel Gauges Work
  • How Bicycles Work
  • Rollover Accidents Explained
  • The 1967 Pontiac GTO Explained
  • The 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442
  • The 1967 Shelby GT 500 Explained

More Great Links

  • Odometer history
  • Speedometer/Odometer Calibration Program
  • Automotive 101: The Electrical System (An Overview) - Has info on speedometers and odometers
  • The Federal Odometer Tampering Statutes
  • Odometer Effect for Serial LCDs
VIDEO: Check out these car safety videos and see how to properly maintain your vehicle.
Previous Page

More Great Links

Top 10 Green Driving Tips
Top 10 Green Driving Tips
5 Scariest Stunt Car Feats
5 Scariest Stunt Car Feats
The Ultimate CarStuff Fan Quiz
The Ultimate CarStuff Fan Quiz
5 Warning Signs You Need New Tires
5 Warning Signs You Need New Tires
10 Most Expensive Classic Cars
10 Most Expensive Classic Cars
Watch American Chopper videos >>

You Might Also Like

Why would someone want to steal my airbag?

They are crucial to personal safety and very expensive to replace. Should it be a surprise that airbags have replaced car stereos as the most popular target for auto thieves?

How Odometers Work

Mechanical odometers have been counting the miles for centuries. Although they are a dying breed, they are incredibly cool inside. Learn how this simple device tracks distance and find out about digital odometers.

Popular Articles

  • How Seatbelts Work
  • Car Seats: Fast Facts
  • How Drive-by-wire Technology Works
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Odometers Work
  2. Mechanical Odometers
  3. Computerized Odometers
  1. Lots More Information
  2. See all Safety & Regulatory Devices articles
Previous Page

Top Videos

FPO
  • Car Maintenance Videos
  • Destroyed In Seconds Videos
  • Wrecks to Riches Videos
  • Muscle Car Videos

HowStuffWorks Games

FPO
  • Word Bubbles
  • Bike Build Game
  • Lost in Migration
  • Cannon Challenge
  • Speed Match
HOWSTUFFWORKS
  • Adventure
  • Auto
  • Culture
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Home & Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • Money
  • Science
  • Tech
MORE STUFF
  • Blogs
  • Games
  • HSW Tools
  • RSS
  • Maps
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Newsletters
  • Video
OUR WEBSITES
  • Animal Planet
  • Consumer Guide Auto
  • Consumer Guide Products
  • Discovery Channel
  • Discovery Fit & Health
  • HSW Brazil
  • HSW China HowStuffWorks China
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Oprah Winfrey Network
  • Planet Green
  • Science Channel
  • TLC
  • Discovery Education
  • Store
CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Help
CORPORATE
  • About Us
  • Careers @ Discovery
  • Privacy Policy
  • Visitor Agreement
TAKE US WITH YOU
FOLLOW US
© 1998-2012 HowStuffWorks, Inc