Odometer reading and vehicle history for your used car.
The KM Check is crucial because odometer tampering is a significant issue. On average, 12% of odometers in the EU are manipulated, and in cross-border trade, this figure can range from 30% to 50%, according to the European Parliament’s Committee for Transport and Tourism.
Historically, rolling back an odometer involved manually reversing the numbers on the mechanical device that recorded the vehicle’s distance. Today, with digital odometers, tampering involves altering the car’s circuit board and adjusting the mileage display to reflect any desired number.
CHECKCARZ advises verifying the mileage of a used car to avoid overpaying for a vehicle and incurring costly follow-up expenses. These expenses can include unexpected repairs, damage due to missed inspections, and potential issues with car insurance
Check the frequency of oil changes
This can be a strong indicator of whether the mileage is accurate. For instance, if five oil changes have been recorded and the manufacturer recommends an oil change every 20,000 kilometers, the odometer should display approximately 100,000 kilometers.
Request copies of the invoices from the last workshop visit and verify if the mileage aligns with expectations
Additionally, compare the mileage on the odometer with what’s recorded in the car’s official documents. Any discrepancies in these numbers may suggest odometer fraud.
Check mechanical speedometer for damage
For older cars that still have mechanical speedometers, inspect the speedometer for any scratches or signs of tampering. Scratches could indicate that someone has manipulated the mileage.
Examine the vehicle for signs of wear and tear
These can be reliable indicators of its true mileage. For example, if the car still has its original tires and they are in good condition, this suggests low mileage. Additionally, inspect the accelerator pedal; its level of wear can reveal how much the vehicle has been used.
Check the vehicle history
To verify the mileage of cars imported from the USA or European used cars, obtain a CheckCarz Vehicle History Report. This report includes registered mileage from various sources in Europe and the USA, allowing you to compare the odometer reading(s) with the mileage provided by the seller. Please ensure the mileage pattern is logical, as this is one of the quickest and easiest ways to detect speedometer tampering.
CheckCarz is a global vehicle inspection service dedicated to providing comprehensive and reliable reports on used cars. Our expert team conducts thorough inspections, assessing every aspect of a vehicle’s condition, history, and market value.
CheckCarz is a global vehicle inspection service dedicated to providing comprehensive and reliable reports on used cars. Our expert team conducts thorough inspections, assessing every aspect of a vehicle’s condition, history, and market value.
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