How to Detect Odometer Fraud While Planning to Buy a Used Car?

When checking a used car, don’t rely only on what the odometer shows. Compare the reading with the car’s service history, insurance records, and emission test slips numbers that don’t usually lie. A worn steering wheel, faded pedals, and sagging seats can indicate higher mileage than claimed. Mechanics sometimes spot mismatches in engine wear, too. If something feels off, ask for an independent inspection before sealing the deal. It’s cheaper than buying regret.

Why is Odometer Reading Important?

An odometer reading isn’t just a number on the dashboard. It shows how much of the car’s usable life has already been consumed. A vehicle that has genuinely covered fewer kilometers usually shows less strain on its engine, brakes, and suspension parts. Service intervals and warranty claims are also tied to this figure. If the numbers have been rolled back, you might think you’re buying a lightly used car when in reality it’s closer to the end of its best years.

How to Identify Odometer Fraud When Purchasing a Used Car?

Buying a used car makes financial sense, but only if you know exactly what you are paying for. One of the most common tricks in the used car market is rolling back the odometer to make the car look newer than it really is. A difference of 40,000–50,000 km on the meter can change the price tag by a big margin, and many buyers fall for it because they don’t know what to check. Here are some practical ways to catch odometer fraud before it costs you.

• Check Service and Maintenance Records

Service records are usually the first place where fake mileage claims fall apart. Every service visit is logged with the odometer reading. If a car’s meter shows 35,000 km but the last service slip from two years ago says 60,000 km, something is clearly wrong. Workshops and authorized service centers maintain digital records, so even if a seller hides physical booklets, you can often get a copy by sharing the vehicle’s registration number. Always check for gaps in servicing, too; a missing year or two may indicate deliberate hiding of mileage.

• Verify Mileage on RTO Portals (VAHAN / mParivahan)

In India, you don’t have to depend only on what the seller tells you. Government platforms like VAHAN and the mParivahan app let you check details linked to the car’s registration. During fitness tests, ownership transfers, or even routine pollution checks, the odometer reading often gets logged in these records. If the dashboard shows 40,000 km but the portal has an entry from a year ago with 85,000 km, that’s a clear mismatch. It’s a quick, straightforward way to catch false mileage claims before you move forward with the deal.

• Inspect Wear and Tear on Pedals, Steering, and Seats

Cars that have high mileage usually show their age in small but obvious ways. Look at the rubber on the brake and clutch pedals; if it’s smooth and worn out, but the car is claimed to have only 25,000 km, that doesn’t add up. The steering wheel grip, gear knob, and driver’s seat cushion are other spots where usage shows. A car with low mileage should feel firm and intact, while sagging seats or a shiny, slippery steering cover often tell a different story.

• Check Tyre Condition vs. Claimed Mileage

Tyres usually last anywhere between 40,000 and 50,000 km, depending on how the car was driven. If the seller claims the car has done just 20,000 km but the tyres are nearly bald or have already been replaced, it’s worth questioning. New tyres on a supposedly low-mileage car don’t always mean an upgrade; sometimes they are used to cover up the real running. Cross-checking tyre condition with the odometer reading is an easy way to spot inconsistencies.

Also read, How to Choose the Right Tyre for Your Car?

• Use an OBD Scanner to Read ECU Mileage

Modern cars have an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that records the vehicle’s running data. Even when an odometer has been altered, the ECU often retains the vehicle’s actual running data. An OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner can plug into the car and display this hidden data. Many workshops and inspection centers offer this service. If you are buying from an individual or small dealer, carrying out this scan can save you from being tricked by a manipulated odometer.

• Compare Insurance and Emission Test Records

Insurance companies and emission testing centers usually record the odometer reading during their checks.Those small entries create a trail you can use to verify a car’s history. Ask for older insurance copies or PUC certificates and see if the numbers line up with what’s on the dashboard today. If an emission slip from 2022 shows 70,000 km but the seller now claims the car has only 45,000 km, the story doesn’t hold. Because these records are logged outside the seller’s control, they’re one of the more dependable ways to spot false mileage.

• Look for Signs of Odometer Tampering

Rolling back a digital odometer may not leave obvious clues, but small details can still give it away. A dashboard that looks freshly opened, with loose screws or scratches around the cluster, should raise suspicion. In cars with older mechanical meters, digits that don’t line up neatly or seem out of place often mean the numbers have been forced back. Take a close look under good lighting and don’t ignore anything that feels out of order; even a tiny misalignment can point to tampering.

• Get a Professional Mechanic’s Inspection

No matter how sharp you think your eye is, a mechanic will usually catch more. They know how to look at suspension arms, brake wear, or engine parts and judge if the numbers on the odometer make sense. A car that claims 30,000 km shouldn’t already have thin brake pads or a tired clutch. Some mechanics also plug in scanners that pull up the car’s stored mileage, which is harder to fake. Spending a bit here is a lot cheaper than finding out later you bought a car that’s already past its best years.

• Buy from Certified Dealers with Verified Car History

The safer path is to buy from a dealer who gives you the history up front. Authorized showrooms usually have records of every service, warranty claim, and owner transfer. You may spend a bit more than what a private seller asks, but at least you know the numbers haven’t been played with. In some cases, you’ll also get warranty cover or a buyback promise. That kind of backing is worth more than shaving a few thousand off the price.

Also read, Importance of Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Car

Buy Certified Pre- Owned Cars from Indus Used Cars

When you buy a second-hand car, the biggest worry is whether the story behind it is true. Indus Used Cars, a leading used car dealership in Kerala, takes the guesswork out. Each car is checked inside and out, and the service history, mileage, and key mechanical parts are all verified before it’s put up for sale. You don’t just get a car that looks good on the outside, but one you can trust to run well. You also get the paperwork in order, along with warranty cover and financing if you need it, so nothing feels complicated during the purchase.