how to find mileage on car

2 min read 16-01-2025

Knowing your car's mileage is crucial for maintenance, resale value, and even insurance purposes. Fortunately, there are several ways to find this information, whether you're checking your own vehicle or looking at a used car. This guide covers all the methods, ensuring you'll never be left guessing.

Where to Find Mileage on Your Car: The Main Locations

The most common places to find your car's mileage are straightforward:

1. The Odometer

This is the most obvious place! The odometer is a digital or analog display usually located on your dashboard, typically behind the steering wheel. It shows the total number of miles your car has traveled since it was manufactured. This is the primary source of mileage information.

2. Your Car's Computer System

Many modern cars have onboard computers that provide various vehicle information, including mileage. This is often accessed through the car's infotainment system (the screen in the center console). Look for menus labeled "Vehicle Information," "Trip Computer," or similar. The exact steps vary depending on your car's make and model, so consult your owner's manual if you're unsure. This often displays both the total mileage and trip mileage (the distance since the last trip reset).

3. Vehicle History Reports

If you're buying a used car, or need a record of mileage over time, a vehicle history report can be invaluable. Services like Carfax or AutoCheck compile data from various sources (including DMV records) to provide a detailed history of the vehicle, including mileage readings at different points in its life. These reports can help you verify the odometer reading and reveal potential discrepancies.

How to Find Mileage When the Odometer is Damaged or Unreadable

In rare cases, the odometer might be damaged or malfunctioning. If this happens, finding your car's mileage requires more investigative methods:

1. Consult Your Vehicle's Maintenance Records

If you've kept meticulous records of your car's maintenance (oil changes, repairs, etc.), these records likely include the mileage at the time of each service. This information can help you estimate the total mileage.

2. Check Your Insurance Documents

Your insurance policies may list the vehicle's mileage at the time of policy renewal or purchase. These records could offer a past mileage reading to help estimate the current mileage.

3. Contact Your Local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

DMV records often contain mileage information reported during vehicle registration. You might need to provide proof of ownership to access this data.

Understanding Different Types of Mileage Readings

It's important to understand the difference between total mileage and trip mileage:

Total Mileage: This is the cumulative distance the car has driven since it left the factory. It's the number you'll usually be most interested in.
Trip Mileage: This shows the distance traveled since the trip odometer was last reset. This is useful for tracking individual journeys.

Knowing the difference between these two types of readings will make sure you're looking at the correct information.

Why Knowing Your Car's Mileage Matters

Accurate mileage information is crucial for several reasons:

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your car in good condition, and knowing your mileage helps you schedule these services appropriately.
Resale Value: Mileage heavily influences a car's resale value. Lower mileage generally means a higher price.
Insurance: Some insurance companies consider mileage when determining premiums.
Legal Compliance: Tampering with an odometer is illegal and can result in severe penalties.

By understanding the various methods for finding your car's mileage, you can ensure accurate record-keeping and make informed decisions about your vehicle. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply maintaining your car, accurate mileage information is essential.