How to detect odometer fraud?

Car odometer readings, though just a number, can offer a lot more insight into a vehicle’s health. A lower odometer reading will usually mean a car that has covered fewer kilometres, ultimately leading to a higher life for the car’s components.  On the other hand, an odometer that shows a higher number of clocked kilometres will have comparatively lower life remaining for its components. 

When looking for a used car, people will usually prefer a car that has been sparingly used to ensure it can continue to serve for longer without breaking down. However, in terms of resale value, cars that have covered fewer kilometres often tend to fetch more value than a similar vehicle with a higher odometer reading. 

What is odometer reading and how does it work?

An odometer is a component in a car’s instrument cluster that shows the number of kilometres a car has been driven in its lifetime. Traditionally, odometers had an analog design, which were mechanical, but modern cars are equipped with digital odometers. Mechanical odometers came with a set of gears and cables, which were connected to the car’s transmission. 

When in motion, the cables would spin the gears, ultimately spinning the numbered dial on the odometer to log the distance driven. Digital odometers on the other hand use a series of gears and cables with optical or magnetic sensors to record the movement of the output shaft of the transmission. These sensors send the recorded data to the car’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which in turn displays the information on the odometer. 

Odometer tampering practices of used car dealers

Often, used car dealerships would use a technique called ‘odometer rollback’ to reduce the odometer reading. This is a fraudulent method to try and artificially enhance the value of a used car, to falsely show the car has driven fewer kilometres than it actually has. Rolling back the odometer inflates the resale value of the car, attracting more buyers and ultimately leading to higher profits for the dealers. 

This is a common practice in the days of mechanical odometers, but, with the introduction of digital odometers, it was believed that this practice would become less prevalent. This is no longer the case, as there are methods and devices with which even digital odometers can be ‘rolled back’.

With such tactics on the rise, counter measures have also come into play, in the form of vehicle documentation, such as service history, and tools and devices that can detect a tampered odometer. 

Let’s explore the methods that can be used to detect these malpractices by used car sellers, and learn how we can safeguard ourselves from buying sub-par vehicles at exorbitant prices.

How to detect odometer fraud when buying a used car?

When buying a used car, a physical inspection of the exterior may not be enough to gain insights into the vehicle’s health. A great way to detect odometer fraud is to compare the details present in the vehicle’s service history manual with the odometer reading. If the numbers don’t match, it is a clear and obvious sign of odometer tampering.  

Another great way to check for odometer tampering is hiring a professional or agency that conducts pre-delivery inspections and provides comprehensive vehicle health reports of the car. Professionals are well accustomed to these malpractices and how they are conducted and may be able to identify odometer tampering with more precision.

When trying to assess cars with an analog odometer, you can check for obvious signs such as misaligned gaps between the numbers. You can also check for the clarity and readability of the numbers themselves, which is another sign of tampering. Additionally, the instrument cluster, or the dashboard screws can also be inspected to check for odometer replacement, which may be a sign of covering up the car’s actual readings. 

Tools to use to avoid odometer fraud

Digital odometers, unlike the traditional mechanical odometers, require a different approach to check for fraud. These require a specialised tool, called OBD2 scanner, that connects to the car’s ECU to scan the actual reading reported by the sensors. If the reading shown on the OBD2 device does not match with the reading on the odometer, it is a clear indication of tampering. These sensors are affordable, and take merely five to seven minutes to scan the car and provide the results. 

If you’re unsure on how to use the scanner, or are simply unwilling to invest in one, you could request for a pre-delivery inspection performed for the vehicle. This will not only give you a better idea of the total running of the car, but provide insight into numerous other aspects of the car, enabling you to make an informed decision about the vehicle.

Conclusion

Buying a used car can be a strenuous affair, but, with the proper tools, and additional help from professionals, the process can be made stress-free. Odometer readings can portray a lot about the car’s condition, but can be tampered with as well, and it is essential to safeguard yourself from this scam. Comparing vehicle service records, getting professional inspections, and leveraging tools like the OBD2 sensors to acquire accurate readings, can provide the peace of mind required when buying a used car.

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