How do I find out the real mileage of a car through ELM327?

Knowledge of the actual mileage of the car is important because it is this parameter that gives an idea of the level of wear of key systems and vehicle parts. A car with low mileage usually has fewer technical problems and will last longer without major repairs. At the same time, fake mileage can hide the real condition of the car, and cause trouble issues for the future owner.

Buying a car on the secondary market is a big risk because outwardly a normal car can hide unpleasant surprises. Real mileage allows you to estimate future financial costs. For example, a car with a mileage of more than 150,000 km often needs to replace the timing belt, shock absorbers, bearings, or other expensive components. If the mileage is too high, it can lead to unexpected repair costs immediately after purchase. Therefore, real mileage is significant for proper maintenance.

However, how to check the electronics and the actual mileage of the car at the first inspection before buying? You can use the mobile application to check the car's on-board dashboard computer. For this, you actually need an application and ELM327 adapter.

What is ELM327?

ELM327 is a microcircuit used in a small adapter that connects to your car's OBD-II diagnostic port. This device is used to read technical parameters, diagnose faults, and obtain additional information about the vehicle's condition. It connects via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB and is compatible with many car models manufactured after 1996. Combined with specialized apps like inCarDoc, ELM327 becomes an indispensable tool for vehicle analysis.

The role of ELM327 and the inCarDoc app

The ELM327 works with applications that are capable of reading, processing and interpreting data from the vehicle's system, and one of such functional solutions is the inCarDoc application. This software stands out for its versatility and depth of analysis, providing the user with access not only to basic information about the condition of the car. But also to data on real mileage, fuel consumption dynamics, engine running time and much more. Unlike many other applications, inCarDoc offers a comprehensive approach to diagnostics, combining accessibility with professional tools that were previously the prerogative of car services.

For example, the application can get mileage information recorded in the engine control unit (ECU) or gearbox (TCU), even if the odometer was “twisted”. In addition, inCarDoc allows you to compare mileage readings with other parameters, which can also lead to thoughts of mileage. If the mileage indicators on the odometer differ significantly from the data of the control unit, this is a clear signal of a possible manipulation.

inCarDoc OBD2 is a modern car diagnostic app that leverages ELM327’s capabilities. Together, they allow users to:

• Read error codes and their descriptions.
• Analyse fuel consumption.
• Check the technical condition of the car's systems.
• Monitor parameters that may indicate the car's actual mileage.

The app is available for Android and iOS, offering a user-friendly interface and extensive functionality.

How does ELM327 work?

The ELM327 adapter reads data from the car's onboard computer via the OBD-II port. Itself OBD2 is a standardized system and allows access to the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) The ELM327 is a transceiver and protocol converter that sits between the OBD2 port and a diagnostic device (smartphone and launched app). We offer to read more in the article OBD2 protocols. What is the difference?

The device uses specific commands to communicate with the vehicle's ECU, and the ELM327 translates those commands into readable information. This information is transmitted to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. By connecting via inCarDoc app, you gain access to:

• DTC management
• Engine parameters
• Fuel consumption charts
• Data on oil and filter changes
• Error history and their timestamps.

What data can indicate changes in the car’s mileage.

• Oil changes: An estimate of actual mileage can be obtained by replacing fluids or oil on a regular basis.
• Engine runtime: Differences between reported mileage and engine runtime may be found.
• Errors and frequency: An unusually high error rate could indicate hidden problems or tampered data.

How to check mileage using ELM327 and inCarDoc?

• Connect the ELM327 adapter to the car’s OBD-II port.
• Connect a smartphone with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to the adapter
• Open the inCarDoc application and run diagnostics.
• View the information about the run, errors and other parameters.

Example of Detecting Manipulated Mileage: Imagine a seller claims the car has a mileage of 100,000 km. Using inCarDoc, you discover engine runtime: 5,000 hours or total fuel consumption: 10,000 litres. This data indicates the actual mileage is much higher, as the average fuel consumption and runtime do not align with the declared figure.

Empowering car with affordable diagnostics

With the combination of inCarDoc and ELM327 adapter, car diagnostics are no longer a task exclusively for professionals with expensive equipment. These tools allowed anyone to independently assess the technical condition of the vehicle. Using the capabilities of inCarDoc, you can detect signs of manipulation, assess the real state of critical systems and get information about the condition of the vehicle. This approach can save you from unpleasant surprises, such as hidden mechanical problems or unforeseen repair costs that may occur if vehicles are misrepresented.

Having a thorough inspection allows you to make a more considered decision when buying a used car. In addition, regular use of inCarDoc for diagnostics goes beyond the initial purchase. This allows you to effectively track key metrics by identifying potential difficulties at an early stage.