How to Read Digital Odometer for Accurate Measurements

Digital odometer is an integral part of modern vehicles, and the accuracy of deciphering is vital for every individual in the automotive industry worldwide. In the era of digitalization, automobiles are becoming more sophisticated as long as drivers can access any information regarding the automobile right from the instrument cluster. Modern odometers have incorporated additional features such as trip meters and maintenance reminders. Accuracy is decisive when interpreting odometer data because it helps individuals make repair and maintenance decisions more efficiently. In most cases, it influences selling and purchasing decisions regarding setting a fair price.
An odometer is a tool for measuring the distance traveled by a vehicle. The previous version of the electronic odometer was the mechanical one. The device’s purpose is the same today, but the working principle is different.

What Differentiates Digital Odometer From Mechanical?

Digital odometer uses electronic sensors and shows the traveled distance digitally on the screen, while analog odometers have a train of gears and digits imprinted on them. These gears and wheels start to rotate as soon as the vehicle moves. The system records all the rotations and plots their entire distance.
Electronic odometer works in a unique and precise way of measurement. It uses electronic sensors to measure the distance. When the computer senses a pulse, it adds another default wheel circumference to the overall distance and displays an update of the Digital Display. So, the total distance traveled is stored in odometers and the ECU ( engine control unit). The modern automobile represents a system of little devices connected to a car’s computer network. With the help of diagnostic readers, it is possible to access any automobile information.
The modern odometer strives for precision and reliability. Due to technological advancements, it can display additional information and is more resistant to tempering, as many automotive experts hoped. Before discussing the dangers of tampering, let’s see how we can read it.

How to Read Digital Odometer?

First, look at your instrument cluster, where the device is located, and read it on a digital display. On LED/LCD screens, you can see miles driven in numeric digits. Consider several recommendations to read it properly and get precise information.
Secondly, don’t mix it up with trip meter. Trip meters is beneficial for recording mileage over a specific time, in single journey. As for speedometer, it speedometer relies on odometer to calculate speed.The speedo is mostly used to get precise real-time information about the current speed.
Ensure that the electronic odometer displays correct data. The digits displayed on your screen have more significance and influence than anyone may think. This data plays an important role in decision-making about the maintenance of a particular auto. The correctness of data is decisive in the following situations.

1. Mind oil change intervals. Ignoring this interval can result in serious issues that can harm you emotionally and financially. Every manufacturer has their recommended intervals, it ranges between 3000-10 000 miles. If you own a modern Toyota, thanks to the advanced technology, you may need to replace oil after 7000 miles on average. So, let’s get back to the correctness of the odometer showing. If your odometer fails to show the correct mileage (for example, it is broken or not appropriately calibrated), you miss the time when replacement is necessary. It leads your engine to complete failure and shutdown, costing you a fortune.

2. Wear and tear of components. Wrong data of total driven distance can mislead some individuals when replacing parts. The most popular rule is 30/60/90. Automakers set milestones for repairing/replacing particular components at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. For example, at 90,000 miles, basic fluids, filters, and spark plugs should be replaced.

Can Odometer Be Misleading?

Yes, unfortunately, sometimes digital odometer can be misleading because of the illegal practice of rollbacking or because it is replaced with an aftermarket piece and not calibrated accordingly. Additionally, using incorrect-size tires affects accuracy.
As NHTSA claims, nearly half a million cars are sold yearly in the USA with odometer fraud. It is also common around the world. The goal of the wrongdoers is to make their km reading lower than it is with the help of various devices to make a financial profit.
It would help if you took measures to avoid becoming the victim of such a fraudulent act. Odoo adjustment is revealed by addressing several solutions. It’s a high chance you will find the truth if you consider the following:

• Learn the complete history of the targeted vehicle. One of the most authoritative companies, Carfax, for example, offers the most requested product: a complete history report to businesses and individuals. Investing in such a service is always a good idea to avoid future issues.
• Estimate the general condition of automotive components while comparing to odometer showing. For example, it is easy to spot the discrepancy when your electronic odometer is showing unusually low, such as 3000. Still, shock and struts are replaced when generally it happens at 50,000 mile maintenance. or when Belts, Hoses, and Tires are replaced, and it seems that it’s too early for them to be replaced considering the existing total distance showing.
• Ask for advice from Professional mechanics. Don’t shy away from asking the opinion of professionals who have more experience in spotting any kind of alterations.

How Do Different Countries React to Odometer Rollbacking?

In most countries, “clocking” is illegal, and the law is strict to the offender. The point is that sometimes it’s hard to identify offenders. Wrongdoers have free access to various tools that serve this purpose, namely changing the existing showing of the digital odometer. The government and buyers suffer financial losses due to unpunished crimes and unpaid fines.
One of the authoritative, comprehensive history check companies, Carvertical, shares their statistics about the percentage of clocking in different countries. As the figures suggest, the less strict the legislation is, the higher the clocking rate. Based on their data, the figures are as follows:

• Latvia 12.92 %
• Romania 7.82%
• Estonia 7.81%
• Hungary 6.07%
• Serbia 5.29%
• Portugal 2.22%
• UK 2.72%
• France 3.27%

Latvia is the leader in clocking rates, with small fines for clocking. In Romania, a specific law doesn’t even exist. As for Estonia, Serbia, and Hungary, lower rates are considered because offenders are a threat to go to prison.
AS For Portugal, UK, and France, economic and cultural factors play a vital role in lower rates of this offence. Better quality of life and the choice of fuel-efficient automobiles make French people purchase brand-new automobiles. In the UK, very few automobiles are imported because of left-hand traffic.

Can I Adjust the Odometer Data Without Breaking the Law?

Yes, you can stop recording kilometers with mileage blocker in a controlled environment. Mileage blocker is an innovative solution for anyone who wants to effectively stop the recording process on an electronic odometer without leaving a trace. No diagnostic tools can access altered data because it is removed from all control units.
Mileage blocker is originally made in Germany, and you can purchase it for any maker and model. It ensures untraceable performance and removes data without causing flaws in the CAN BUS system. The device is made up of quality components, comes with a mobile application, and has a user-friendly installation, which makes it superior to its counterfeits. The support and customer service team will answer all your questions about the product.
Unfortunately, many wrongdoers may use it illegally because of its untraceable performance. As I previously claimed, this innovative device is not allowed for fraudulent purposes. It is created for testing and tuning purposes.

Takeaway

Digital odometer is one of the most important instruments in modern automobiles. It is more sophisticated and multi-functional than analog odometers in the past. It gives us valuable information, so the accuracy of this gauge is decisive in most cases. Stay well-informed about the probability of illegal adjustment will protect you from becoming the next victim of this offense. Remember major red flags when making a purchase decision so you will avoid potential financial losses in the future and ensure safety on the road at the same time.