Can the odometer be adjusted?

[BrookeLee]

Odometer can be adjusted, and the adjustment method is: 1. Unplug the odometer sensor connector of the drive shaft under the car hood; 2. Insert the output tab of the mileage adjuster into the signal socket of the sensor; 3. Plug the mileage adjuster into the cigarette lighter; 4. Turn the car key to start the dashboard and adjust the adjustment button on the mileage adjuster; 5. Adjust the vehicle speed. The function of the odometer is to record the mileage since the car left the factory. Its working principle is based on the known diameter of the car wheel. By calculating the circumference of the wheel, the number of rotations the wheel needs to make for one mile can be determined. It automatically records the number of wheel rotations, and dividing by the number of rotations corresponding to one mile gives the traveled mileage.

[DeAlivia]

I've been repairing cars for years and have seen many cases of odometer tampering. The older cars with mechanical odometers could be adjusted simply by turning them with tools. Nowadays, all new cars have digital odometers, and the data has to be modified through the OBD interface using computer software. This practice is called 'odometer rollback,' and many people do it to underreport the mileage when selling used cars to fetch a higher price. However, the risks are enormous. First, it's illegal and constitutes fraud, punishable by fines or even imprisonment if caught. Second, once tampered, discrepancies between the speed sensor data and maintenance records can easily expose the fraud. The car's value depreciates even more, and buyers who realize they've been cheated will ruin your reputation. I always advise against this—keeping the actual maintenance mileage benefits both the car's condition and safety. Even if you don't want to do the repairs yourself, taking the car to a 4S shop or professional mechanic for proper handling can save you a lot of trouble.

[MacBella]

A friend of mine is a frequent visitor to the used car market. He once tried tampering with the odometer to sell a car, but the buyer noticed the mileage discrepancy and took him to court. The car was confiscated, and he had to pay a hefty fine. Tampering with the odometer might seem like a way to save money, but it’s actually inviting trouble and is morally wrong. The automotive industry strictly requires accurate mileage readings because buyers rely on them to assess wear and tear. Underreporting mileage can lead to accidents. Personally, I never entertain such ideas—I believe honesty is paramount. The same principle applies in life: truthful records are more reliable than any trick. When buying a car, always check the platform’s historical data to minimize risks.

[Micah]

Mileage tampering is indeed possible by connecting software to the car's computer, but the consequences are severe. Altered maintenance records will reveal the truth, and getting caught could result in fines or even imprisonment. If the warranty is voided, you'll have to pay for all future repairs out of pocket, costing you more money. The vehicle's value will also depreciate even further. My advice is not to do it—safety first, and honest data benefits everyone.

[McJeremiah]

Odometer tampering is common in used car transactions but extremely harmful. The actual mileage reflects vehicle wear; underreporting can deceive buyers into paying inflated prices. Both sellers and buyers suffer when issues arise, often leading to legal disputes. Checking vehicle history through online platforms can prevent scams. I recommend maintaining transparency—honest selling ensures peace of mind.