Can the car odometer be modified?
2 Answers
Car odometers can be modified, but it is not recommended as the odometer serves as a basis for vehicle quality and maintenance, providing reliable information for future sales and servicing. The car odometer consists of two LCD digital display windows connected to the same signal source, which respectively record the trip mileage and total mileage. The trip mileage typically has four digits for short-term counting, while the total mileage has six digits. Currently, there are also electronic odometers that obtain mileage signals from speed sensors. The accumulated mileage data in electronic odometers is stored in non-volatile memory, allowing the data to be preserved even without power.
As an experienced auto mechanic, I have to say that altering a car's odometer is technically possible, but it really shouldn't be done. You see, the mileage displayed directly reflects the vehicle's wear and tear, such as the condition of the engine and transmission. If someone tampers with it to show lower mileage, the seller can pass it off as a low-mileage car for a higher price, which is pure fraud. I've come across many cases where buyers, after purchasing such cars, discovered brake failures or needed major engine repairs, costing them dearly. What's more troublesome is that most modern cars use electronic odometers, and tampering leaves traces that can be easily detected by OBD diagnostic tools. This practice is illegal in most countries, including ours, and getting caught can result in hefty fines or even jail time. So, I advise all car owners to be honest and stick to the true data for safety's sake.
