When you’re buying a used car, it’s important to make sure that the odometer reading on the vehicle is accurate. Odometer fraud is a serious problem, and it’s important to be aware of the potential for car dealers to alter the odometer reading on a car. So, can car dealers change odometer reading?
What is Odometer Fraud?
Odometer fraud is the illegal practice of altering the odometer reading on a vehicle to make it appear as though it has fewer miles on it than it actually does. This is a form of consumer fraud, and it’s illegal in all 50 states. Odometer fraud can happen in a variety of ways, including rolling back the odometer, disabling the odometer, or replacing the odometer with a device that shows a lower mileage reading.
How Can You Prevent Odometer Fraud?
The best way to prevent odometer fraud is to be aware of the potential for it to occur. If you’re buying a used car from a car dealer, make sure to ask for documentation that shows the vehicle’s actual mileage. If the car has a service history, this can be a good way to verify the odometer reading. You should also have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy it to make sure that the odometer reading is accurate.
Can Car Dealers Change Odometer Reading?
In most cases, car dealers are not allowed to alter the odometer reading on a vehicle. It’s illegal for car dealers to engage in odometer fraud, and it’s also illegal for them to sell a vehicle that has had its odometer reading changed. If you suspect that a car dealer has altered the odometer reading on a vehicle, you should report them to the appropriate authorities.
Car dealers are not allowed to change the odometer reading on a vehicle. It’s important to be aware of the potential for odometer fraud, and to take steps to make sure that the odometer reading on a used car is accurate before you buy it.