How to Check the Actual Mileage of a Car?
4 Answers
To check the actual mileage of a car, you can refer to the maintenance records from 4S shops or use an OBD computer to read the engine and transmission trip data. Below is a detailed introduction to roughly estimating a car's mileage: 1. Interior wear and tear: The longer a car has been driven, the more severe the aging of its interior will be. Experts believe that the condition of a car's interior is generally proportional to its mileage. 2. Steering wheel wear: Generally, the steering wheel is rarely replaced. Daily use leaves deep marks on the steering wheel, making it a good indicator of usage frequency. 3. Seat wear: After prolonged use, seats lose elasticity and show obvious signs of aging. Leather seats may become shiny and hard due to friction. 4. Brake pad wear: Normally, brake discs last for over 100,000 kilometers. If a car over five years old has very new brake discs, it suggests they have been replaced, indicating the car's mileage is likely over 100,000 kilometers or more.
I've bought quite a few used cars before and learned some lessons. You can't just trust the odometer for the actual mileage—you need to look at physical wear. For example, the seats: if the leather or fabric shows obvious sagging, tearing, or fading, especially in the center of the driver's seat, it indicates heavy use. The pedals are also important—if the areas where you press the accelerator and brake are overly smooth or severely worn, that's evidence of high mileage. The steering wheel is another key point; if the frequently gripped areas show polished marks or discoloration, it suggests long-term driving. Don’t overlook the tire condition—if the tires are new but the interior is worn, the mileage might have been rolled back. Severe sludge buildup in the engine bay is another clue, as high mileage usually means more oil residue. By piecing together these details, you can roughly estimate the actual usage and avoid being scammed.
Modern tools are a big help. I've used an OBD scanner paired with a mobile app—simple and effective. Just buy an inexpensive Bluetooth scanner, plug it into the car's OBD port, and you can read the engine control unit data. If the recorded mileage doesn't match the dashboard or shows modification logs, tampering can be detected. Then, download a vehicle history app and enter the VIN to check the full maintenance records. Some car condition report platforms in China, for example, display the time and mileage of each service. If the data is inconsistent or has large gaps, the actual mileage might be misrepresented. Technology makes the truth transparent, so you're less likely to be kept in the dark.
I always check the vehicle history report before making a decision, as it's the most straightforward approach. Search with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on official websites or third-party apps, such as domestic vehicle management databases or automotive platforms, to view detailed maintenance and accident records. If the records are incomplete or the mileage jumps unnaturally—for example, showing only 1,000 kilometers driven in a year but with two oil changes—it's unreasonable and may indicate odometer tampering. The report isn't expensive but can warn of potential hazards—safety comes first.
