Odometer Fraud: Protect Yourself When Buying a Used Car

Odometer fraud is a term a lot of people hear when they’re shopping for a used car. It involves rolling back the miles on the odometer to make it seem like the vehicle has less mileage than it really has. It’s an illegal practice that can be quite common for many buyers. So, how can you avoid it?

Protecting yourself from odometer fraud is an essential part of finding the dependable and affordable used car that’s right for you. Fortunately, Val-U-Line® is here with a few tips that can help you steer clear of any vehicles with odometer fraud. Check them out below!

Check the Title

The title of a used car can provide a lot of insight for buyers. It can show you if the pre-owned vehicle you’re considering was once considered a salvage or if it has a clean record. On top of that, it includes details regarding previous odometer readings.

If you want to avoid odometer fraud, you’ll want to check the title and compare the numbers you see there with the one you see on the odometer. If it isn’t adding up, you may want to ask the seller for more information to make sure you’re getting a car that’s truly dependable.  

Take a Closer Look at Service Records

Service records also include previously reported mileages for a vehicle. However, it’s also a good idea to take a peek at some of the services it received over the years. Certain types of maintenance are required at specific mileages. 

For example, most cars will need their spark plugs replaced every 30,000 miles. If the records show that they were replaced twice but the vehicle only has around 20,000 miles, you may be looking at a used car with odometer fraud.

Look Out for Wear and Tear

Wear and tear are the biggest indicators of a vehicle’s overall condition as well as its mileage. The older a used car is and the more miles it has, the more wear and tear it may have. However, there are a few minor issues that all vehicles will experience over time, which includes small nicks and a few replacement parts, such as lights. Again, these are common with all cars, even those with low mileages.

On the other hand, if you’re noticing more extensive damages, including dents, big interior stains, and broking or missing parts, the car is more likely to have a higher number of miles under its belt.

Examine the Tires

Tires tend to take the brunt of the wear and tear. After all, they are the only parts that touch the road when driving. The more you drive, the faster your tires can deteriorate. However, just because the tires on a car with low mileage is worn doesn’t always mean it’s odometer fraud.

Sometimes, the condition of the tire can depend on the type of miles the driver puts on. Drivers who commute mostly on highways may have a higher number on the odometer, but it does endure less wear and tear. Drivers who are constantly in stop-and-go city traffic, on the other hand, can experience worn-out tires a little faster as well as lower mileage.

So, to make sure you’re getting a dependable used car, be sure to ask the dealership about the type of miles that the vehicle you’re considering may have. Based on that, you’ll be able to see if what you see on the odometer is accurate.

Shop at a Used Car Dealership

If you want to protect yourself from odometer fraud, the best thing you can do is to shop a dealership. Used car dealerships, like Val-U-Line®, follow strict guidelines to ensure drivers are getting a vehicle that’s safe and reliable. Before any used car ends up in our inventory, it’s thoroughly inspected, and the automotive professionals make sure the mileage is accurate.

Above all, you have tons of options to choose from as well as a team of experts ready to help you find the used car that’s perfect for you!

Find Your Dependable Used Car Today

Odometer fraud is something that all buyers should be aware of when shopping for a used car. While it is a common issue, there are ways to help you stay protected. For more information, feel free to contact the used car experts at Val-U-Line®!