Free Mileage Check
Check the mileage history of any UK vehicle to detect odometer clocking. See every recorded MOT mileage reading and spot suspicious discrepancies instantly.
What Is Mileage Clocking and Why Is It a Problem?
Mileage clocking is the illegal practice of altering a vehicle's odometer to display a lower mileage than the vehicle has actually covered. This makes the car appear less worn, increases its resale value, and deceives buyers into thinking they are getting a better deal than they actually are.
The scale of the problem is staggering. Industry estimates suggest that around 2.3 million cars on UK roads have had their mileage tampered with, costing British consumers approximately 800 million pounds per year. That means roughly 1 in 16 used cars you look at could have a clocked odometer.
A clocked car is not just a financial risk — it can also be a safety risk. A vehicle with higher real mileage will have more wear on critical components like brakes, suspension, tyres, and the engine. If you believe a car has done 40,000 miles when it has actually done 120,000, you might skip essential maintenance that the vehicle urgently needs.
Selling a vehicle with a clocked odometer is a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Fraud Act 2006. However, enforcement is difficult, which is why it remains so prevalent. Your best defence as a buyer is to check the mileage history before committing to a purchase.
How PlateCheck Detects Mileage Fraud
MOT Mileage Records
We pull the odometer reading from every MOT test since 2005, creating a complete mileage timeline for the vehicle.
Trend Analysis
Our system analyses the progression of mileage readings to ensure they increase consistently year on year as expected.
Drop Detection
Any decrease in recorded mileage between consecutive MOT tests is automatically flagged as a potential sign of clocking.
Rate Analysis
We check whether the annual mileage rate is consistent. Sudden large changes in driving patterns can indicate tampering.
AI Insights
Our AI analyses the full mileage pattern in context, considering the vehicle's type, age, and typical usage patterns.
Visual Timeline
Clear mileage charts make it easy to see the vehicle's odometer history at a glance and spot any irregularities.
Warning Signs of a Clocked Car
Beyond checking the MOT mileage history, there are physical signs that can indicate a vehicle's odometer has been tampered with:
- Excessive wear on pedals, steering wheel, and seats that does not match the stated mileage. A car showing 30,000 miles should not have heavily worn rubber pedal covers or a shiny steering wheel.
- Worn driver's seat bolster — the side of the seat where you climb in and out. This wears noticeably with high mileage and is difficult to disguise.
- Dashboard warning lights or unusual digital display behaviour can sometimes indicate the instrument cluster has been tampered with or replaced.
- Service history gaps — if the service book shows regular servicing up to a certain point then stops, it might coincide with when the mileage was wound back.
- Mismatched tyre wear — if a supposedly low-mileage car has brand new tyres all round, the seller may have replaced them to hide high-mileage wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mileage clocking?
Mileage clocking (also called odometer tampering) is the illegal practice of winding back a vehicle's odometer to show fewer miles than the vehicle has actually travelled. This increases the apparent value of the vehicle and deceives buyers about its true condition.
How does PlateCheck detect clocking?
PlateCheck analyses the mileage readings recorded at every MOT test from 2005 onwards. By comparing consecutive readings, we can detect suspicious drops in mileage, unusual patterns, or implausible distances between tests that may indicate odometer tampering.
How common is mileage fraud?
It is estimated that 2.3 million cars on UK roads have had their mileage clocked, costing buyers approximately £800 million per year. Around 1 in 16 used cars may have a discrepancy in their mileage history.
Is the mileage check free?
Yes, PlateCheck's mileage check is completely free. We display all MOT mileage readings and flag any anomalies automatically as part of our free vehicle check.
What should I do if I find a mileage discrepancy?
If you find a mileage discrepancy, approach with caution. Ask the seller for an explanation and supporting evidence such as service records. If you suspect fraud, you should report it to Action Fraud or your local Trading Standards office. Do not proceed with the purchase unless satisfied.
Can digital odometers be clocked?
Yes. While older mechanical odometers were easier to tamper with, digital odometers can also be altered using specialist equipment. Tools to modify digital odometers are widely available online, making modern vehicles just as susceptible to mileage fraud.
Protect Yourself from Mileage Fraud
Check any vehicle's mileage history before you buy. Free on PlateCheck, powered by official DVSA MOT records.