How to check the mileage of a car

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

When buying a used car, one of the most important parameters is the actual mileage of the car. The quality of the parts and how soon the repair will have to be carried out depends on it. Checking the mileage has become a real headache for car enthusiasts today, because often sellers try to pass off cars with a high indicator as practically new. How to check car mileage?

A device called "odometer" is responsible for readings. It is mechanical and electronic. Today, only a lazy, uninterested person does not know how to change the readings of a mechanical odometer. A lot of different methods and devices have been invented. For example, an electric drill. But the essence of this does not change. The counter is unscrewed back or forward to the readings that the seller needs.

It used to be thought that checking the mileage of the electronic odometer is not necessary, but here you can be disappointed. There is a device that connects to the on-board computer, and within a few minutes absolutely any readings are set. Manufacturers left this loophole for sellers without knowing it. Consider the situation when the odometer is broken. It, of course, is being replaced, but the real mileage of the car is setnecessary. The manufacturer thinks so, and he is, of course, right. But how to do that? For this, a service connector was specially left, about which the resellers found out. Now they use it to sell used cars for more money.

If you have a friend of a car mechanic, then it is better to take him with you to inspect the car. Those who are professionally engaged in car repair and maintenance know where and what to look for. Checking the mileage is one of the first things they see fit to do. For other motorists who are not lucky enough to get such an acquaintance, we will reveal some secrets.

First, you need to find out in which service center the car was previously serviced. In such institutions, the odometer readings are always recorded in the reporting documents. If the car does not have a service history, it is better to refrain from buying it. Secondly, you need to pay attention to the dashboard of the car. If it bears traces of dismantling, then most likely the odometer numbers have been changed. Thirdly, in order to change the readings of the electronic odometer, you need to solder the wires of the device to the service terminals. Excess solder on them also indicates a change in mileage.

If nothing is found indicating the substitution of the electronic odometer readings, then you can also check the vehicle's software control unit. All indications are recorded in it. But it can also be reprogrammed, however, this is a very time-consuming and expensive operation, so it is resorted to veryrare.

Checking a car's mileage is a time-consuming and nerve-wracking process. If you decide to buy a used car, then look also at the secondary signs of long-term operation. Should alert the scuffs of the interior in the area of \u200b\u200bwindows, seats, steering wheels, levers, clouding of headlight glasses. Pay attention to the condition of the windshield, as well as other little things that are not initially evident. The more carefully you inspect the car, the less likely you are to buy a car on the verge of repair, or even completely suitable only for recycling.