How to Check the Mileage on Car Information

A Canadian Vehicle History Check will give you lots of important information about the car, including its date of manufacture and whether it’s been in any accidents. This can help you determine whether the odometer reading the car is displaying makes sense.

Check the car’s history of documents

Checking the VIN is just one way of informing yourself about the history of a car. The documents included with the car can also tell you a lot. Usually, anytime a car goes in for maintenance or repair, the garage or mechanic will record the car’s mileage. If your car comes with these documents, you can get a detailed picture of how the mileage has accrued over the years.

Visit a mechanic

Even if you’re not mechanically inclined, it’s always a good idea to bring any car you’re thinking of buying to a qualified mechanic before you make the purchase. A trained eye can often spot things that you might miss. They can also give you an idea of what kind of shape the car is actually in, which can help you negotiate a better price.

Common sense

As with anything, using your common sense is the best way to avoid being scammed. If something about the car doesn’t seem right, or if the seller is acting suspiciously, it’s probably best to walk away. It’s not worth risking your money on a car that may not be everything it seems.

Check the car yourself

There are also a few key areas to check on a car to see if the odometer reading makes sense. As these are areas you should be checking on a used car anyway, it won’t add any extra time to your due diligence, but could save you from getting scammed.

·       Odometer

As mentioned above, check the odometer for any signs of damage, loose screws, or other physical evidence of tampering. This can tip you off to an odometer that has been adjusted.

 

·       Tires

The condition of a car’s tires can also give you clues about its true mileage. Tires wear down over time and need to be replaced every few thousand miles. If the car you’re looking at has old and worn-out tires but the odometer displays less than 40,000 kilometers, for instance, that’s a bad sign.

·       Brakes

Similarly, brakes will also give you clues about how much use a car has seen. If the pads are worn down or if the rotors are damaged, that’s an indication that the car has been driven a lot.

·       Exhaust system

Another area to check is the exhaust system. If it’s rusted or damaged, that could be an indication that the car has high mileage.

·       Interior and exterior

Take a look at the interior and exterior of the car for any signs of wear and tear. If the upholstery is stained or ripped, or if the paint is faded, that could be an indication of a car that’s seen a lot of use.

·       Seats

Are the seats worn out and tired-looking on a car that seems to be close to new? Car seats don’t wear out quickly, so if the seats in your car look a lot older than they should, you may be looking at a car that has had its odometer tampered with.

·       Pedals

The pedals in a car see a lot of wear and tear. If they’re excessively worn, that’s an indication that the car has high mileage.

·       Steering wheel

Does the steering wheel feel stiff and firm, or is it loose and worn down with age? A well-worn steering wheel is another sign that a car has been driven a lot.

·       Inspection stickers

In Canada, every car needs to pass a safety inspection before it can be driven on the road. The date of the last inspection will be displayed on a sticker on the car. If the date is more than a year old, that’s an indication that the car may have been driven a lot since it was last inspected.

You can also check the windshield for any oil change stickers. Most garages record the mileage when they perform an oil change, and may write down the mileage at which the next oil change is due on a sticker that they attach to the windshield. This can give you a clue that the odometer may not be honestly reporting the true mileage.

Final thoughts

Odometer fraud is a serious issue, but there are ways to protect yourself from being scammed. Checking the VIN, getting a Canadian Vehicle History Check, and inspecting the car yourself are all good ways to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. 

It’s vital to know how to check the mileage on the car before you make a purchase decision. Make sure you always get a full and unbiased picture of the history of any car you’re thinking of buying. That way, you can be confident you’re getting a good deal when buying a used car.

FAQs

How do I know if a car has had its odometer rolled back?

There are a few ways to tell if a car’s odometer has been rolled back. Checking the car’s VIN, getting a Canadian Vehicle History Check, and inspecting the car yourself are all good ways to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.

What is the penalty for rolling back an odometer in Canada?

The penalties for odometer fraud in Canada can be severe. If you’re convicted of tampering with an odometer, you could face a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. In addition, the court may order you to pay restitution to the victim of your crime.

What should I do if I think I’ve been a victim of odometer fraud?

If you think you may have been the victim of odometer fraud, you should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. They will be able to help you report the crime and get the compensation you deserve.