The instrument that is used to measure the total distance travelled by a vehicle, car, or light truck is known as the odometer. Odometer readings are tampered with by fraudulent sellers and thieves far more often than consumers realize. Sadly, checking whether or not an odometer reading has been falsely modified can’t be determined simply through reading the meter or test driving the vehicle. The only method to determine an odometer’s accuracy is to check history of the records over time to look for inconsistencies. An accurate record of historical odometer readings over time provides insight into the history of a vehicle that cannot be otherwise determined through typical methods.
Uncover accurate mileage with an EpicVIN Report
Odometer reading can uncover numerous insights into the history and service record of a car. All vehicles experience wear & tear and require new parts, oil changes, and other maintenance that relies on mileage travelled and the odometer readings. Ordering a vehicle history report highlights past odometer that will inform your ability to buy a vehicle with accurate mileage that’s been maintained properly. The most common problems that arise from ignoring odometer readings are discussed below.
Odometer Rollback
Odometer rollback is a common problem that’s plagued the automotive industry for decades. Like many vehicle components, the odometer can be modified to defraud prospective used car buyers. Rollback started when the odometer was a mechanical device, allowing many to simply ‘rollback’ the reading and reduce the number of miles recorded (increasing the value of the vehicle). Odometers switched over to digital in the early 2000s, which made them more difficult to defraud but still not impossible. While changing the mileage could no longer be done through simple ‘rollback,’ advanced methods like changing the circuit board and using specialized software are still utilized.
All buyers can benefit by staying informed of the vital importance of odometer fraud and know how to detect rollback. The total distance travelled by a vehicle can help approximate how much more the engine will last, how much service is needed, and its overall value. It’s far cheaper to check the value of a vehicle than not know an accurate odometer reading and risk fraud or unexpected maintenance.
It’s possible to track mileage via a physical odometer and control module that doesn’t affect the number displayed on the dashboard. In some cases, the control module will still record accurate information while the dashboard reading has been altered. Checking the control module against the dashboard reading can highlight inconsistencies than indicate that the odometer has been modified.
Buying an EpicVIN vehicle history report provides historical odometer readings in order to protect against fraud, lower value, and unexpected future costs. A typical EpicVIN vehicle history report includes many odometer reading records and can even reveal odometer rollback via the alert: “ATTENTION Mileage data inaccurate (possible rollback)”. Don't become a victim of odometer fraud and utilize our vehicle history report today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Odometer check is really important for individuals who want to buy used vehicles because it helps them to prevent fraud. The odometer records the distance the car has covered, which is an indication of the value. Sometimes, fraudulent used car sellers taper with the odometer reading, deceiving unsuspecting buyers to pay more than a car is really worth. To avoid being deceived, an odometer check is very important.
The answer is yes; an odometer can be rolled back. Rolling back odometer reading, which is a fraud, has been happening for years. It was easier in the past than at the moment, but it is still a possibility today.
Yes, it is possible to roll back mileage, even on a digital odometer. It was easier when the odometer was a mechanical device. Though the digital odometer is more difficult to tamper with, some unscrupulous dealers are doing it. Fraudsters can remove the vehicle\'s circuit board to change the odometer reading or use some special software that hooks into the car\'s electronic system and achieve the rollback.
There are a few ways to know that a car's odometer has been tampered with. A car that has a mileage of less than 2000, for instance, should still have its original tires. If it has been changed, you can suspect foul play. During test-driving, you can also check if the odometer is sticking. Figure prints or smudged marks on the inside of the odometer is also an indication of tampering, just as extra switches on the dashboard.
An odometer check is the best way to confirm that the odometer reading of the car you are planning to buy is either correct or tampered with. As mentioned earlier, an odometer check is very important if you don't want to be defrauded.
Checking odometer history for a car you intend to buy shouldn't be too hard. At EpicVIN, we deliver vehicle history reports that highlight accurate odometer history. After the report, you can be sure whether a particular car is worth the money you want to pay for it or the used car dealer is trying to rip you off.
Yes, EpicVIN free odometer check is always accurate. In addition to confirming the odometer reading of a used vehicle, getting an EpicVIN vehicle history report will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about a car you intent to buy. You will get a better idea of true value and avoid unexpected future costs.
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Where
to find the VIN?
Looking for the VIN?
Here is there you’ll find it:
On the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield
