What happens when a car’s odometer reaches 1,000,000 miles
- Cars don’t usually reach the million-mile mark
- But when they do, what happens after they cross the 999,999 mark?
- Well, it depends on your car
Published on Jul 08, 2024 at 3:03 PM (UTC+4)
by Siddharth Dudeja
Last updated on Jul 19, 2024 at 7:28 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
You may have an ‘I will drive this old hunk of junk until it completely breaks down’ mentality, but is your will strong enough to make your car’s odometer reach 1,000,000 miles after years of trouble?
If so, what happens when it finally reaches the one million mark? Does the car stop working? Does it not record any further? Or does the odometer rest?
Well, the answer varies — depending on your car — but it usually goes on.
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Crossing 999,999 on the odometer
![car odometer 1,000,000 miles](https://supercarblondie.com/wp-content/uploads/999999-miles-1024x768.webp)
You’d be surprised at how many cars cross 1,000,000 miles in one lifetime.
While several of them reach a state beyond usable after some 250,000 to 300,000 miles, some are in for a long run.
The list of the world’s highest-mileage cars has some remarkable entrees, with some reaching beyond 2,000,000.
When you finally cross the 999,999 mark on your odometer, there are two things that could happen.
Firstly, the odometer could reset back to zero if it’s an analog type, making it less appealing.
However, several carmakers had a solution to that, as they rewarded the cars for surviving that long.
For instance, Volvo used to give out special badges after owners crossed a million miles.
The world’s current highest-mileage car is a 1966 Volvo 1800S, and it’s nothing but a sign of glory.
![2003 Honda Accord has hit 1,000,000 miles](https://supercarblondie.com/wp-content/uploads/honda_mil_miles.png)
Mercedes also used to hand out grill medallions and a certificate for reaching big milestones.
It’s like a medal of honor but tailor-made for cars.
Moreover, these are just a few examples — several automakers and even engine manufacturers take pride in their work and give owners a token of appreciation.
Further, if your car’s odometer is digital, it could possibly not move beyond 999,999.
Most modern cars reset back to zero — as long as you have a record, you’re eligible for the Million Mile Club.
Some exceptions exist, and some models may just continue recording the mileage beyond 1,000,000 miles.
Becoming part of the Million Mile Club
![car odometer 1,000,000 miles](https://supercarblondie.com/wp-content/uploads/zero-odometer-1024x683.webp)
To take the million-mile medal, you need to take exceptional care of the car.
Sure, you could just keep it clean and replace the engine if required.
But some take it a step further by looking after their cars as if they were family.
Take this 2003 Honda Accord, which hit a million miles on its original engine, for example.
It’s a sign of a strong will and sheer determination.
Most people don’t even bother with the number on their odometer until it’s time to sell the car a few years after purchasing it.
Car enthusiasts, however, never cease to amaze some of us.
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Siddharth Dudeja
Siddharth is a tech nerd with a secret love of all things cars. He has been writing for a few years now, and on his free time you would find him gaming when he's not procrastinating.