The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually with false odometer readings. These tampered odometers artificially inflate a vehicle’s value, leaving buyers at risk of overpaying. This threat is why checking the mileage before buying a car is key.

How to check mileage on a car

1. Inspect the odometer

• Mechanical odometers: Misaligned numbers or gaps between digits may indicate tampering

• Digital odometers: Ensure the display doesn’t flicker, as someone can electronically manipulate digital readings

2. Examine the physical wear

• Interior components: Inspect the steering wheel, pedals, driver’s seat, and gear shift. Excessive wear on these parts with low mileage readings could be a tell-tale sign of tampering.

• Tires: Vehicles with low mileage should generally still have their original tires. If the tires appear heavily worn, verify that they match the reported mileage.

3. Review documentation

• Maintenance records: Check service receipts, “next service” stickers, and inspection reports for mileage progression

• Vehicle title: Double-check the mileage listed on the title matches the odometer reading

• Vehicle history report: Obtain a report from services like CARFAX or AutoCheck. These reports often include mileage from various points in the car’s history (oil changes, warranty services, etc.). Look for any inconsistencies or unexplained drops in recorded mileage.

4. Seek a professional’s opinion

• Mechanic evaluation: An experienced mechanic can go over the vehicle and use diagnostic tools to retrieve the mileage data stored in the car’s computer systems

• OBD tool analysis: Onboard diagnostics (OBD) tools can confirm mileage readings from multiple vehicle components

The legal and financial implications

Insurance purposes

Insurance companies rely on accurate mileage to assess risk and calculate premiums. Underreporting mileage could result in denied claims, while overreporting may lead to higher premiums.

Odometer fraud laws

Federal and state laws make odometer tampering illegal:

• Altering, resetting, or disconnecting an odometer with intent to misrepresent mileage is a violation

• Sellers must provide a written statement disclosing the vehicle’s actual mileage during ownership transfers

Red flags to watch for

To detect potential mileage fraud, keep an eye out for:

• Inconsistent records in maintenance documents or vehicle history reports

• Scratches or tampering signs on the instrument panel or dashboard

• Mileage on the title that’s unclear or obscured

Protect yourself through due diligence

Reviewing documentation and engaging a professional mechanic can also help safeguard yourself from fraud and unfair pricing.

If you’re concerned about mileage fraud, Credit Acceptance works with over 15,000 reputable dealerships nationwide. When it’s time to seek auto financing, you can start the pre-qualification process online.