Forensic Engineering Investigation Of Intentional Mis-Calibration Of Vehicle Odometers

Abstract

Odometers In Motor Vehicles Record And Display Distance Traveled. In Addition To Informing A Driver Of Trip Distance, This Measurement Is Used To Calculate Service Intervals, Lease Payments, Resale Value, Fuel Economy, And Warranty Limits. Distance Is Calculated From A Digital Accumulation Of Wheel Rotations And Knowledge Of The Tire Circumference. The Tire Circumference May Vary With Speed, Load, Pressure, Tread-Wear And Brand. This Investigation Compares Indicated Odometer Measurements With Simultaneous Measurements Using A Global Positioning System (Gps) Device On A Range Of Vehicle Models. While Some Models Have Odometer Systems With Reasonably Accurate Calibrations, Others Systematically Over-Register Odometer Distance. In The Opinion Of This Investigator, The Mis-Calibration Is Sometimes Intentional And Done For The Economic Benefit Of The Manufacturer.