Can a 4S shop detect odometer rollback?
3 Answers
4S shops can detect odometer rollback. They can determine whether the odometer has been tampered with based on maintenance records and professional diagnostic computer tests. For some automatic transmission models, the diagnostic computer can also check the transmission mileage to verify if the odometer has been rolled back. This can be done by connecting the diagnostic computer to the OBD interface. Odometer rollback is a common phenomenon in the used car market, as some buyers place great importance on a car's mileage, leading to this practice. When purchasing a used car, it's not necessary to focus too much on the mileage. What's more important than the mileage is the vehicle's maintenance condition and its usual operating environment.
When I bought a car before, to avoid being scammed, I specifically went to a 4S shop to check the car's condition. They said they have specialized tools that can read the data in the computer and compare it with the actual mileage. For example, the information stored in the ECU is the original record, and if the odometer has been tampered with, the numbers won't match. They can also check tire wear or engine aging. For instance, if a car shows 10,000 kilometers on the odometer but the engine compartment looks terrible, the technician can immediately spot the trick. I recommend getting a comprehensive inspection before buying a car—don’t just go for the cheap and easy option. Last time, this helped me avoid a trap and saved me thousands in repair costs. Remember, the 4S shop’s database might have previous maintenance records, allowing cross-verification of the actual mileage. That’s why I trust professional places.
As an ordinary car owner who has visited a 4S store for repairs, I genuinely find them quite reliable. With just a scan using their diagnostic equipment, they can retrieve the vehicle's history, including mileage data. If the odometer has been tampered with, the system will report inconsistencies, and they can also check brake disc wear or transmission condition—these details clearly indicate how long the car has been used. Last month, my friend bought a used car and had it inspected at the store, uncovering issues and saving a lot of hassle. I recommend everyone visit a store before a transaction, spending a little on an inspection to avoid future troubles. Trusting a professional team is far better than dealing with private sellers—that’s what I call driving with peace of mind. After all, car safety comes first; don’t suffer big losses for small savings.
