{"id":4619,"date":"2024-12-02T12:12:58","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T11:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/?p=4619"},"modified":"2024-12-02T12:12:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T11:12:58","slug":"car-mileage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/","title":{"rendered":"Car mileage. What is it? How to check it?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e3522c54c63\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e3522c54c63\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#Why_should_you_check_the_car_mileage_before_you_buy_it\" >Why should you check the car mileage before you buy it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#How_to_check_car_mileage_online\" >How to check car mileage online?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#How_to_get_an_autoDNA_report\" >How to get an autoDNA report?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#The_most_common_methods_of_car_mileage_manipulation_%E2%80%93_how_to_avoid_them\" >The most common methods of car mileage manipulation &#8211; how to avoid them?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#Techniques_for_falsifying_mileage\" >Techniques for falsifying mileage<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#How_to_recognize_a_reversed_odometer\" >How to recognize a reversed odometer?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#Best_practices_when_buying_a_used_car\" >Best practices when buying a used car<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#What_documents_are_worth_checking_in_addition_to_car_mileage\" >What documents are worth checking in addition to car mileage?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#Mileage_and_the_future_costs_of_operating_a_car\" >Mileage, and the future costs of operating a car<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#Repair_and_maintenance_cost_projections\" >Repair and maintenance cost projections<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-mileage\/#Is_it_worth_trusting_vehicle_history_reports\" >Is it worth trusting vehicle history reports?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The mileage of a car is the distance the vehicle has traveled in use. Mileage is one of the key parameters of a used car. Low mileage of a car increases its market value. However, it should be remembered that the actual mileage of a car and the odometer reading are often two different values. How to check the mileage of a car?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_should_you_check_the_car_mileage_before_you_buy_it\"><\/span><strong>Why should you check the car mileage before you buy it?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When buying a car, one of the main considerations is its mileage. It often indicates the general technical condition of the vehicle and how worn out it is.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong><div class=\"info-frame-container info-frame-magnifier info-iframe-border--blue\">\n      <div class=\"info-frame-icon info-frame-magnifier\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-header info-frame-header-orange\"><span data-color=\"var(--purple-10)\">Important<\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-content\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicles with high mileage may already be badly worn out and soon require costly repairs, such as overhauling or replacing the engine. In addition, the higher the mileage, the lower the market price of a used car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/div>\n    <\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether or not a car has low mileage often determines whether a vehicle will be sold quickly. This is known to dishonest dealers who have cars with reversed odometers. It is such vehicles, very often imported, that are the lure for unsuspecting customers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_check_car_mileage_online\"><\/span><strong>How to check car mileage online?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong><div class=\"info-frame-container info-frame-bulb info-iframe-border--yellow\">\n      <div class=\"info-frame-icon info-frame-bulb\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-header info-frame-header-blue\"><span data-color=\"var(--purple-10)\">Information<\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-content\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">o check the mileage of a used car, it is worth using the \u201cVehicle History\u201d service from autoDNA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/div>\n    <\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_an_autoDNA_report\"><\/span><strong>How to get an autoDNA report?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, buyers can use commercial reports, that is, buy a report directly from<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>autoDNA<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These may contain more information about the car&#8217;s mileage in recent years and additional data, such as <\/span><b>photos of the vehicle after a possible accident<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To check a car through autoDNA, <\/span><b>simply enter its VIN number<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> into the search engine &#8211; unlike with Vehicle History, you don&#8217;t need to know the registration number and date of first registration. You will then be provided with the range of information available on the specific vehicle, including the car&#8217;s mileage &#8211; if available. Once you know the scope of the report, you can decide whether to purchase it. The autoDNA vehicle history report helps you make an informed decision about buying a used car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_most_common_methods_of_car_mileage_manipulation_%E2%80%93_how_to_avoid_them\"><\/span><strong>The most common methods of car mileage manipulation &#8211; how to avoid them?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicle mileage manipulation is a common problem in the used car market. Scammers use a variety of techniques to lower odometer readings, which can mislead buyers. Here are the most common methods and tips on how to avoid them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Techniques_for_falsifying_mileage\"><\/span><strong>Techniques for falsifying mileage<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Undoing the odometer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is the most common method, which involves manually reducing the odometer reading. It applies only to the oldest, 20-plus-year-old cars.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Replacing the odometer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In more advanced cases, fraudsters replace the entire odometer with a new one with lower mileage. However, replacing the meter with a new one is expensive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Software manipulation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In modern cars, where electronics play a key role, it is possible to modify data in the vehicle&#8217;s computer system &#8211; this is the most common way to roll back the odometer.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_recognize_a_reversed_odometer\"><\/span><strong>How to recognize a reversed odometer?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Interior and body condition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Check for wear <\/span><b>and<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tear on interior components (e.g. steering wheel, pedals) according to mileage. A low odometer reading with heavily worn components should raise doubts. A leather steering wheel is usually already partially worn out after 100,000 kilometers. A freshly leather-wrapped steering wheel rim may suggest an attempt to hide the car&#8217;s actual mileage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Service history<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Check the vehicle&#8217;s service records. Regular service checks, including oil, should include mileage readings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_practices_when_buying_a_used_car\"><\/span><strong>Best practices when buying a used car<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To minimize the risk of buying a used car with a revoked odometer, it&#8217;s a good idea to follow a few steps every time:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Documentation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Check all the documents of the car in question, including the service book, repair invoices and vehicle history reports.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Technical inspection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Have the vehicle professionally inspected so that a professional can detect any irregularities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Visual inspection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Pay attention to the condition of the body and interior. A badly rubbed driver&#8217;s seat, tarnished paint or numerous paint chips may suggest high mileage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Price comparison<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Check the market prices of vehicles with similar mileage to assess whether the offer is fair. Think the offer is too good to be true? Assume that it probably is. Read more about how to safely buy a used car from a private seller and what to look out for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-a-used-car-from-a-private-seller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>HERE<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_documents_are_worth_checking_in_addition_to_car_mileage\"><\/span><strong>What documents are worth checking in addition to car mileage?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the mileage of the vehicle, the following documents are worth checking carefully:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Service book<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invoices for repairs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technical inspection reports<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous sales and registration agreements, especially for an imported car &#8211; if available<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mileage_and_the_future_costs_of_operating_a_car\"><\/span><strong>Mileage, and the future costs of operating a car<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High mileage usually means more wear and tear on wear parts and certain components:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspension components &#8211; shock absorbers, control arms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steering system, including tie rod ends, mangle<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engine accessories (starter, alternator)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brake system (pads and discs)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Repair_and_maintenance_cost_projections\"><\/span><strong>Repair and maintenance cost projections<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cars with higher mileage may require more frequent repairs in the near future, with high operating costs. For example, the repair of suspension components, depending on the degree of wear and the number of components to be replaced, can cost from at least several hundred to even several thousand zlotys. It is worth remembering that these components are replaced in pairs, which affects the final bill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_worth_trusting_vehicle_history_reports\"><\/span><b>Is it worth trusting vehicle history reports?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Vehicle history reports<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as those offered by <\/span><b>autoDNA<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, can be extremely helpful in checking a car, including its actual mileage. They contain data about the vehicle&#8217;s past, including the condition of the odometer. The report allows you to better evaluate the offer and make a rational decision regarding the possible purchase of a used car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">autoDNA reports offer a number of advantages that can significantly facilitate the process of buying a vehicle. First of all, the reports provide detailed information on the vehicle&#8217;s history, including data on accidents, technical inspections and changes of owners, which allows a better assessment of the car&#8217;s condition. <\/span><b>With access to one of the largest databases from 26 countries, users can obtain reliable information that helps separate good quality vehicles from those with hidden defects.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to interpret the data contained in autoDNA reports before buying a vehicle? Users should pay attention to the sections on accident history and inspections to assess whether the vehicle has been properly serviced.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to consider the report as an auxiliary tool that should be supplemented with additional verifications, such as a visual inspection at an authorized service center. Ultimately, autoDNA reports are an important part of the buying process, helping to avoid unfavorable decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><div class=\"info-frame-container info-frame-exclamation info-iframe-border--green\">\n      <div class=\"info-frame-icon info-frame-exclamation\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-header info-frame-header-orange\">It is good to know<\/strong><strong><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-content\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At autoDNA.com, the market-leading\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/decoder-vin-checker\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIN decoding<\/a>\u00a0tool, you can\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free VIN lookup<\/a>\u00a0on a given vehicle. All you need for this is the\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/vin-number\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIN number<\/a>. In the reports, on used cars, you can find information that will allow you to check whether the seller is telling the truth or not. In the report, you can find data on various topics. One of them is the\u00a0vehicle history\u00a0or stolen vehicle bases. You can do a\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/vin-check\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIN check<\/a>\u00a0for free 24\/7 throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><div class=\"check-vin-btn-container check-vin-btn-container--orange\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"check-vin-btn--arrow\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe id=\"ASD-PA-0005010200-31-906\" title=\"Purchase the autoDNA reports in a bundle\" src=\"https:\/\/afilio.autodna.com\/ext\/load\/0005010200\/31?p_label=Check+VIN+number&p_color=orange\" style=\"width: 271px; height: 59px; border: 0;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">PA.load(\"0005010200-31-906\", \"packages\");<\/script>\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/div>\n    <\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The mileage of a car is the distance the vehicle has traveled in use. Mileage is one of the key parameters of a used car. Low mileage of a car increases its market value. However, it should be remembered that the actual mileage of a car and the odometer reading are often two different values. How to check the mileage of a car?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":4620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[361,360,176],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-autodna-checks","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4619"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4619\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4621,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4619\/revisions\/4621"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}