Don’t Get Fooled! Easy Ways to Spot Odometer Tampering in Used Cars

Purchasing a used car can be a smart move. You can save money, avoid sharp depreciation, and get a dependable vehicle. Here’s the problem: odometer Tampering.

Odometer fraud is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Sellers simply take the existing odometer reading and roll it back. If a vehicle has run 90,000 km, it can get flipped back to 40,000 km. Not only does this elevation inflate the price, but it can also hide potential mechanical issues.

So how do you protect yourself against an odometer fraud scheme? Here is a whole guide for spotting odometer fraud.

What is Odometer Tampering?

The odometer is the part of your car that shows how many kilometers a car has traveled. Odometer tampering (or odometer fraud) is when someone illegally alters the reading on an odometer to say that it has traveled fewer kilometers than the car has actually traveled.

For example, a car that has run 80,000 km may be altered to display 35,000 km. This convinces buyers that the car is newer and less used and is worth more money.

Reasons for Odometer Tampering:

Sellers tamper with odometers for several main reasons:

• To  increase resale value – Cars with lower mileage can be sold at higher prices.
• To  cover-up wear and tear – High mileage usually represents more repairs and damaged parts; lowering the reading covers the true condition of the car.
• To  make the car look newer – Many people consider that a low-kilometer car is in better condition than an old one even if that is not the truth.

How  to Spot Odometer Tampering 

1. Examine the Service Records Thoroughly

• Each service appointment documents the car odometer. Request service history from warrantied/serviced vehicle seller.
• Consistent numbers are key, if it had 60,000 km in 2022 and shows 35,000 km in 2023 is a red flag.
• Most authorized centres are keeping digital records now, so cross check that if possible. One of the safest ways to avoid such frauds is to check vehicle history online through trusted platforms like CarInfo. This ensures you’re not relying only on paper records provided by the seller.”

2. Look for Signs of Wear and Tear

Mileage should reflect the condition of the car. Look closely at: 

• Pedals : brake and clutch pedals excessively worn in a “30,000 km” car does not compute. 

• Steering wheel and gear knob : worn features with shiny surfaces indicate heavy use. 
• Seats and Interiors:  sagging intentional seats or cracked swing leather usually indicates higher mileage.

3. Tyres & Brake Pads Never Lie

• Tyres last approximately 40,000–50,000 km. If the car has 20,000 km but has brand-new tyres that should raise questions.

• Brake pads and discs also attract mileage. A replaced brake on a “low mileage” car might be suspect.

4. Insurance and RTO Checks

•   Insurance companies also record odometer reading  at the time of renewal and during insurance claims. Request these documents.

•  RTO PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificates will have approximate mileage recorded. Compare this with the odometer reading.

5. Use the CarInfo website/app

Technology has made fraud easy to track down. The CarInfo website and app can uncover several hidden details:

• Enter the registration number. You will be able to check challans, ownership history, and even the previous odometer details.
•  It will also show you the RC details, and any previous data related to the car.
• If any of the details in the CarInfo data don’t match what the seller said; it’s a warning sign.

6. Professional inspection pays off.

Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection. They could spot:

• Engine wear inconsistent with “low mileage”
• Suspension or gearbox problems suggesting more use.
• Parts replaced signalling higher running.

7. Use OBD Scanners

Most newer vehicles have digital odometers linked to our ECU (Engine Control Unit).

• An OBD scanner will allow a mechanic to read the real mileage on the vehicle’s computer.
• If the reading is different from the odometer, then useful knowledge on mileage tampering exists.

Odometer Tampering in India: What You Should Know

• It’s Illegal : Odometer tampering is considered fraud and cheating in Indian law. Sellers can incur penalties for, if caught.
• It’s Common : Unfortunately, it is widespread  in the unorganized used car market.
• Risk with Small Dealers : Cars sold directly by individuals or local dealers are the greatest risk for tampering.
• Risk with Certified Cars : Certified pre owned cars are generally a lesser risk, but tampering cannot be entirely eliminated. 
• Buyer Beware :  If buyers don’t do their due diligence, they may find themselves taking the risk and end up paying more for a worn-out car.

Check: Why a Complete Car Service History Is Important for Buyers & Sellers

How to report odometer tampering in India.

If you suspect a seller has tampered with the odometer, here is how you can proceed:

• Make a complaint to your local RTO or consumer court.
• Provide evidence. Service records, RTO, or CarInfo reports.
•  Possible legal actions could include fines for the seller, as well as fraud charges.

While most buyers don’t ultimately go to court, we think it is important to report it so that it increases awareness and makes those dealers at least feel the pressure to remain honest.

Conclusion

Odometer tampering is a real issue in the used car market, and ignoring it can hit you hard. Make sure you check the history of the cars you are interested in, compare records, and use reputable sources like CarInfo. Some caution today can save you a lot of grief in the future.