Can the odometer be adjusted arbitrarily?
2 Answers
Short-term mileage can be reset at will, but the total mileage should not be adjusted arbitrarily. Below is relevant information about different odometer readings: 1. Short-term mileage: This records temporary driving distances and can be reset by simply pressing the reset button on the steering wheel when needed. 2. Total mileage: Modifying the total mileage may affect vehicle warranty and used car sales. Such modifications could potentially impact the vehicle's warranty coverage. Additionally, it may give used car dealers more room for price negotiation during resale.
Never do this! Odometer tampering is illegal and dangerous. I once saw a friend buy a used car with a rolled-back odometer to save money, and the transmission failed within six months. The mechanic said the previous owner had turned a 150,000 km car into a 50,000 km one, leaving engine carbon buildup like a coal mine. Those odometer-tampering tools cost just a few hundred bucks these days, but any shop that dares to modify your car's computer is breaking the law. The scariest part? Tampered cars are safety hazards—worn brake pads might still show as usable, and by the time you realize it, it could be too late. Buying a rolled-back car not only screws you over but could land you in legal trouble if caught reselling it.