Can a car's mileage be adjusted?
2 Answers
Car mileage can be adjusted. There are two types of car odometers. For mechanical odometers, the mileage adjustment method involves removing the instrument panel and manually turning the mechanical gears to change the mileage. For digital display odometers, the adjustment method involves modifying the mileage data stored in the microcontroller within the instrument panel that displays the mileage on the LCD screen. Car mileage is calculated based on the number of rotations of the tires (front wheels), which is computed by sensors and the car's computer and then displayed on the odometer. The total mileage of a car refers to the total distance the car has traveled, and the number displayed on the odometer in the car's dashboard represents the car's mileage. Locate the odometer sensor plug on the car's clutch housing (the position varies by car, sometimes found on the transmission or driveshaft), and gently pull it out by hand. Then insert the output clip of the mileage adjuster into the signal socket of the pulled-out sensor plug. Adjust the small knob on the mileage adjuster to set the car's speed to the desired level.
I've worked on some car modification projects and found that odometer tampering is indeed possible, such as rewriting data through the OBD port with a computer or directly replacing the odometer module. Technically it's not difficult, but this is clearly illegal and commonly used in the used car market to defraud buyers for higher profits. I suggest that when buying a car, don't just look at the dashboard numbers. Check the maintenance records, engine condition, and tire wear more thoroughly. Real usage marks don't lie. A rolled-back odometer may make the car appear more valuable on paper, but it will have more issues in actual use. Getting caught may result in a small fine, but the damage to your reputation is significant. Proper car maintenance is far better than deceiving others.
