What Is Vehicle Odometer Change and Can You Reset the Mileage Reading?

An odometer change usually means rolling back or manipulating a car’s mileage. Modifying miles in an automobile is not a new phenomenon. People have tried it over time. Depending on the vehicle model, odometer, and, most importantly, period, they used different tools. However, all of the tools have one goal—to change the odometer reading.
At first, it might sound interesting and even exciting. But can you really reset the mileage? The answer is both yes and no at the same time. Technically and physically, you can adjust miles on the car’s dashboard. However, this might appear unethical and can even cause legal issues. So, it is probably not the best idea to modify the miles in your automobile.
In this article, we will discuss odometer discrepancy in detail and analyze the legal implications based on the local regulations.

Can the Odometer Be Changed in Modern Cars: Is Odometer Change Still an Issue?

You can change the odometer reading in your car using various devices. These tools allow you to have control over the vehicle and manipulate the control panel. In older car models, odometers operated mechanically through gears. However, technological improvements have influenced modern auto industries. Consequently, the mechanism within the odometers adapted as well.
The question still remains: Can we change the odometer reading in modern vehicles? The simple answer is YES. It is indeed possible to alter the mileage in contemporary cars. More concerning is that anyone with a basic understanding of vehicles can accomplish it. If you know where the OBD port is and how to connect wires, you have everything you need to change the reading.
It’s concerning because it leaves a lot of room for unethical use of correction tools. People can artificially manipulate car mileage information and falsify crucial data. Such activities could significantly impact the automobile industry.

Can You Erase the Odometer Reading on a Car?

You can delete all the information regarding the car mileage from the odometer. Individuals use Odo reset devices to erase all the miles displayed on the dashboard. After successfully utilizing one of these tools, the vehicle will show zero miles on the screen. But that is not all. There are important details you have to know before attempting this process.
First of all, odometer change or mileage discrepancy in any car is unethical. In many states and countries, it is illegal to reset or lower the mileage. Even minor tampering can lead to potential lawsuits. Therefore, no one should try to do this against the local laws or regulations.
Moreover, when someone resets a vehicle’s mileage, it’s not a secret to others. Professional mechanics, service centers, and anyone with a simple scanner tool can easily determine a car’s true mileage. By attaching the device to the vehicle, they can check the actual miles with ease. Hence, resetting the odometer will not go unnoticed.

How to Check a Used Car For an Odometer Rollback

Odometer rollback has been one of the most concerning issues in vehicles for more than a decade. Individuals create various rollback tools to alter the original data. However, the following steps will help you check a used car for odometer rollback.

• Review official vehicle documents: Request the original maintenance, service, and repair records. Do not accept copies, as scammers often forge documents. Once you have the records, compare them to the actual odometer reading.
• Check the history report: You can do extra work to ensure that a car displays its original mileage. Websites like Carfax and AutoCheck provide ownership, accident, and service reports. Use the given information for comparison and analysis.
• Vehicle appearance: Sometimes, it can be difficult to verify the recorded information about the vehicle mileage. Especially if the difference is minimal, it’s hard to say whether the odometer has been rolled back. Of course, taking a risk is not an optimal solution. There is another way to check the mileage. You can carefully examine the vehicle’s appearance and compare it to the recorded mileage. If you notice that the car is in worse condition than the mileage suggests, it could indicate the result of the odometer rollback.

How Did They Change an Odometer?

In many places, changing a car’s odometer reading is forbidden and considered fraud. Nevertheless, it has been carried out in a variety of ways over the years, particularly to trick buyers regarding the mileage. Here’s how odometer manipulation techniques have evolved:

1. Mechanical Odometers: Manipulating older odometers was quite straightforward. People could physically remove the dashboard and manually rotate the dials. Or they could use tools to move the gears. Such manipulations frequently caused misaligned digits on the control panel or scratches to the odometer.
2. Digital odometers: Modern vehicles feature electronic odometers, which record mileage data in the ECU (Engine Control Unit). Performing an odometer change on digital models requires specific odo software or equipment. You can’t change the data by physically rotating the parts. However, people utilize diagnostic tools linked to the car’s OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) system to modify the actual miles. While this method can be challenging to detect, comprehensive vehicle reports and advanced diagnostic tools can detect inconsistencies.

Can Digital Odometers Be Tampered?

Digital odometers represent a significant advancement in automotive technology. Yet, they are not completely immune to tampering. Many modern vehicles have intense security measures to protect these systems. However, with ongoing innovation in diagnostic software, this protection layer can be easily overcome.

Recent estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that digital odometer fraud has exploded. Over 2.1 million vehicles in the United States are believed to have manipulated odometers each year, resulting in estimated annual consumer losses exceeding $5.4 billion.
According to the Luxury SUVs and high-mileage commercial vehicles are the most frequently targeted for odometer fraud. Reducing mileage from 60,000 to 110,000 miles can increase the vehicle’s value by $12,000 to $18,000. In 2023, California recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Texas, Florida, and Illinois.
As you can see, despite difficulties, even digital odometers can be manipulated. People can change the information on the dashboard and then sell those vehicles at higher prices.

How to Know If the Odometer Is Tampered?

People with fraudulent intentions use various methods to manipulate vehicles. They utilize both devices and software to achieve the goal. There are several signs that can help you detect the odometer fraud.

1. No History Reports and Documentation

One of the first red flags when buying a used car is when an owner refuses to provide official documents. Service records and reports are an effective way to prove that the data is legit. Every car needs regular services. Every time an expert mechanic replaces the engine oil or gear belt or fixes a problem, he should update the car’s maintenance history. When a dealer or an owner refuses to cooperate, this might mean that the odometer change or other issues affect the car’s true history.

2. The Car’s Mileage Doesn’t Correspond to its Condition

Cars cover different mileage based on the owner’s needs and activity. However, the average coverage is around 14,000 miles every year. When you check a 10-year-old car, you expect something similar to 140,000 miles. However, if you see that the automobile covered only 40,000 miles in 10 years, most likely, it doesn’t show the real information.

3. Sings of Wear on Steering Wheel and Seats

Experienced car experts always check the steering wheel and driver’s seat. These places wear out faster as the driver usually touches them. Hence, when you decide to purchase a used vehicle, always pay attention to the condition of these parts.

4. Scratches or damage inside the dashboard

As we already mentioned, you should remove the dashboard when you need to reset the odometer. This process usually leaves physical damage, such as scratches and broken pieces. To avoid any risks, carefully look at the instrument panel for any damage.

What You Should Know about the Odometer Replacement Law

The Odometer Disclosure Law in the US aims to protect customers from the dangerous habit of odometer manipulation. This federal law mandates that anybody who changes or fixes an odometer must give the owner of the vehicle a written declaration that includes the odometer’s current reading and the cause for the modification.
This declaration is also required at the time of sale or lease to provide transparency regarding the vehicle’s mileage history. Breaking the Odometer Disclosure Law may result in serious consequences, such as fines per infraction and possible jail time.

What Are the Major Flaws of Rollback Devices?

Modern odometer tampering methods are sophisticated, yet they have a number of built-in shortcomings that make them susceptible to detection:

• Digital Footprints: When a car’s electronic control units (ECUs) undergo mileage change, they frequently leave warning signs. These include error codes, conflicting mileage statistics from different onboard computers, and sensor anomalies.
• Diagnostic Scans: By comparing mileage information collected from multiple components and spotting discrepancies, professional car diagnostic tools can detect odometer rollbacks.
• Interdepended Systems: Complex, networked systems store mileage data repeatedly. This is the essential feature of modern automobiles. Since the engine, diagnostic systems, and other components all keep separate mileage records, changing the odometer alone is not enough. Hence, the mileage information is easily traceable.

Which Mileage Device Is Completely Untraceable?

The Mileage Blocker is a device that prevents the mileage tracking process. It is intended only for automobile testing and allows testers to improve vehicles effectively without boosting mileage. This highly efficient device has numerous particular characteristics that make it the greatest gadget on the market.
The mileage blocker ensures that it remains untraceable, as it does not retain any mileage data within the engine control unit (ECU). This feature enhances its effectiveness and reliability.

1. This product is compatible with most car brands and models.
2. The blocker has different settings, so you can pick the one that works best for you.
3. It provides easy installation instructions for everyone.
4. SKF mileage blocker has a mobile app that helps you control the device remotely from your phone.

The mileage blocker is designed for high efficiency and quality. You can purchase the SKF mileage blocker online. However, please remember that it is intended solely for vehicle testing. The device should not be used unethically, in violation of local laws, or on public roads. Always follow the guidelines set by local authorities. For more information, please visit the support or customer service sections.

Takeaway

Odometer change is the manipulation of a vehicle’s mileage reading, which can be used to deceive potential buyers. This tampering can influence the vehicle’s resale value and service history and rise legal and ethical concerns. It’s essential to have the real information regarding the mileage and follow local guidelines.