Drivers were advised how to determine the real mileage of a used car.

When buying a used car, one of the key factors that determine its condition and value is the mileage. However, in the world of old cars, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. Many sellers, striving to increase the appeal of their product, resort to various tricks, including "clocking".

RBC-Ukraine explained how to determine the "age" of a car without odometer data.

First of all, it's important to keep in mind the average statistical data. In Ukraine, a car typically travels about 15 thousand kilometers per year. This figure can vary depending on the region: in large cities, it reaches 25 thousand, while in the provinces, it is 10-12 thousand kilometers. By multiplying the age of the car by the corresponding figure, you can get an approximate idea of its real mileage.

However, for a more accurate assessment, there are a number of signs to pay attention to:

• The driver's workspace can tell a lot about the car's history. Rubber pedal pads, the gear lever cover, the steering wheel, and frequently used buttons on the dashboard begin to show signs of wear at 80-100 thousand kilometers. It's important to remember that replaced parts may indicate an attempt to hide the real mileage.
• Tires can be a valuable source of information. For an average driver, a set of tires lasts about 50-70 thousand kilometers. If the car has non-original tires at a lower odometer reading, this should raise suspicions.

• Brake discs are another important indicator. Usually, front brake discs last no more than three pad replacements, which corresponds to a mileage of 80-100 thousand kilometers. By 70-80 thousand kilometers, a noticeable ridge of 2.5-3 millimeters in height typically appears on the edge of the disc.
• The engine condition can also tell a lot about the car's mileage. A car with up to 100 thousand kilometers should not have significant dirt and soot deposits on the engine and adjacent body parts. Traces of recent engine cleaning may indicate an attempt to conceal its actual condition.

• The car's interior also bears signs of use. Wear on the edges of the driver's seat, carpet wear, general upholstery wear, and plastic clouding are all signs indicating significant mileage.
• Modern cars store mileage information not only in the odometer but also in other electronic control units. Experienced specialists can retrieve this data during diagnostics.
• For new cars, dealer service centers, where information about the car's maintenance by the first owner is stored, can be a useful source of information.
• There are special online services, such as AutoCheck and CarFax, which allow you to check the car's history using its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This information is especially useful for recently imported cars.

In the world of old cars, it has long been known that odometer readings cannot be blindly trusted. The mileage can be rolled back by both 40 thousand and 400 thousand kilometers. Therefore, when choosing a car with mileage, it is very important to consider all possible signs and markers characteristic of a particular model at a certain mileage.

It was reported that in August 2024, Ukrainian car enthusiasts showed a growing interest in new cars.