Odometer Fraud (Clocking)

Digital odometers can be altered with cheap tools, so a low reading proves nothing on its own. Mileage is often stored in several control units, which can expose a mismatch. It is a criminal offence in most countries, but it still affects many used cars. Many inspection bodies record the mileage at each roadworthiness test, which makes later tampering easier to spot.

A tampering device rewrites the stored distance in the instrument cluster and sometimes in other modules, such as the engine or gearbox control unit.

Compare the reading with service records, inspection certificates and a vehicle history report. Worn pedals, a shiny steering wheel and tired seat bolsters on a “low-mileage” car are warning signs.