Car Parts Plus

How To Avoid Used Car Odometer Tampering

It happens more frequently than you may think. Once thought to be a problem of the past, odometer tampering on used cars is still prevalent today. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), odometer fraud results in nearly $1 billion in losses for used car buyers in the U.S. each year. This happens as a result of artificially inflating the prices of used vehicles. Below, I’ll explain how odometer tampering can affect those who are shopping for a used car. Then, I’ll offer a few tips regarding how to avoid it.

The Problem With Odometer Fraud

Rolling back an odometer constitutes fraud and is illegal. That said, it often happens undetected. Years ago, the NHTSA released a report titled, “The Incidence Rate of Odometer Fraud.” The report explained that used car buyers, on average, paid $2,336 more than they should have as a result of odometer tampering. By rolling back the miles on used vehicles, dealers can inflate prices. Unfortunately, buyers are usually unaware that the car they’re purchasing has many more miles than the odometer suggests. The result is that they pay more for a used vehicle based upon the facade of low mileage.

It’s estimated that dealers can earn nearly 10 cents in extra profit for each additional mile they “roll off” the odometer. For example, if they roll 1,000 miles off, they can charge (on average) $100 more for the car. If they roll 30,000 miles off (not unusual for vehicles that have an excessive number of miles on them), they might charge $3,000 more than the car is worth. For buyers, this can pose a significant problem. They pay more money for a car that will likely break down sooner.

How To Avoid It

There are a number of ways in which you can identify whether the odometer has been tampered with. First, ask the seller for ongoing maintenance documentation. That includes receipts for oil changes, tune-ups, and transmission flushes. Second, compare the odometer with a vehicle title search. A lot of unscrupulous sellers don’t realize that a title search will often give an accurate estimate of their car’s mileage. Third, look for wear and tear on the vehicle’s tires and pedals. If they show more wear than is consistent with the reading on the odometer, it’s possible the mileage has been rolled back.

The most important thing to remember is that odometer fraud happens more often than most people realize. Even the introduction of digital odometers didn’t solve the problem. Learn how to identify warning signs of tampering and you’ll insulate yourself from being taken for a ride.

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An Change the Oil…and Everything Else

When driving into the open bay at one of the many nationally renowned automotive service oil change businesses, you probably only have one thing on your mind-an oil change. Most of these types of businesses are famous for their speedy oil changes, but they really offer more than just a quick lube job. While they have made names for themselves through oil, they are also well equipped to do some maintenance and minor car repairs.

As easy at it may seem to you, after all, all you need is an oil change, right? Now is the best time to know your car. You need to check your maintenance log prior to going for an oil change, to see what necessary minor car repairs you might need.

Most of the national chains offer a “point-check” with every oil change. They range anywhere from a 12 to 19-point check. Who knew there were so many points? A few of the points are fluid-level checks including: brake, power steering, windshield wiper, and transmission fluid. If any of these are low, they are filled. The other points cover checking the battery, oil and air filters, spark plugs, serpentine belt, anti freeze levels, radiator overflow, fuel system and filter check.

Newer models have different car repair needs. The newer, additional checks include cabin air filter, PCV valve, chassis lube, battery fluid, and differential checks.

The latest items that have been added to the checklist are a quick check to see if all of the exterior lights are working properly and making sure there are no windshield cracks.

All of those checks are great, but be prepared. A simple oil-change with a point-check is a minimal cost. However, there is always the possibility that your vehicle is in need of a minor car repair or part replacement-at an additional cost.

Your vehicle might need a fuel system service, a transmission, radiator, or power steering flush, a gas additive, or a fluid that is used to help stop oil leaks. While your car might need one or all of these, you need to be familiar with these services and if they are really necessary. While most of these services are considered minimal car repair, they can add up-quickly.

If you think about it, you are really getting quite a bit for your money. The only problem seems to be that it is so difficult to drive out of one of those bays with just an oil change. While the employees are generally friendly and nice, they always seem to want to add at least one more item to your bill. It is easy to distinguish whether or not you need new windshield wipers, but not as easy to decide just how dirty an air filter should be before needing replacement.

The smartest steps a person can take is to know their vehicle and to have a reliable mechanic who can do an all-point inspection and check-up when necessary. If you are a do it yourselfer then you should check out the great deals on Used Car Parts at  Everdrive.com

Used Car Parts

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