What does “odometer tampering” refer to?

Odometer tampering refers specifically to the act of altering the vehicle's odometer reading to misrepresent mileage. This illegal practice is aimed at deceiving potential buyers regarding the true distance a vehicle has traveled, which can significantly affect its perceived value and reliability. Accurately disclosing a vehicle's mileage is crucial for maintaining transparency in the automotive market, and tampering undermines this essential trust.

The other choices present activities that, while related to odometers, do not constitute tampering as defined by law. For example, installing a new odometer is a legitimate repair activity, whereas regular maintenance pertains to upkeep and does not involve deception. Using software to track vehicle usage may be a method of monitoring, but it doesn't relate to changing or misrepresenting the odometer reading itself. Therefore, the clear definition and illegal nature of altering odometer readings establish why this option is the correct choice.