Which of the following techniques can help determine the distance a vehicle has been driven?

Inspecting the vehicle for wear and tear is a practical technique for approximating the distance a vehicle has been driven. Over time, as a vehicle is used, various components will show signs of wear that correspond to mileage. For instance, the condition of the tires, brake pads, seat upholstery, and steering wheel can provide valuable insights into how much the vehicle has been used. If these items appear worn well beyond what would be expected for the mileage indicated on the odometer, it may suggest that the odometer has been tampered with or that the vehicle has traveled significantly more distance than recorded.

In contrast, checking credit history or consulting cellular subscription records does not directly relate to vehicle usage, as these methods do not provide information about the physical wear associated with driving the vehicle. Additionally, ignoring maintenance records from the dealer overlooks a significant source of information. Maintenance records typically detail when services have been performed and can often correlate with mileage, further aiding in determining the actual distance the vehicle has been driven. Each of these factors highlights the importance of physical inspection when assessing a vehicle’s true usage history.