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Detect Odometer Fraud Instantly

Free Mileage Check - Detect Odometer Fraud by Registration

Has the car been clocked? Enter any UK registration number to reveal the full mileage history from official MOT records. Instantly spot odometer fraud, suspicious discrepancies, and mileage rollbacks.

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Free, instant results using official DVSA MOT data.

How Mileage Fraud Works

Mileage clocking remains one of the most common used car scams in the UK. Understanding how it works is the first step to protecting yourself.

The Scam

Fraudsters use electronic devices that plug into a vehicle's OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port to rewrite the mileage stored in the instrument cluster. A car that has genuinely covered 120,000 miles can be made to show 60,000 miles in minutes. The tools cost as little as 50 pounds and are freely available online.

The Scale

An estimated 160,000 cars with incorrect mileage are sold in the UK each year. That is roughly one in every 16 used car transactions. The average buyer loses between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds per clocked vehicle, both in the inflated purchase price and in the earlier-than-expected maintenance costs that follow.

The Danger

A clocked car is not just a financial risk — it is a safety risk. Vehicles with hidden high mileage may have worn brakes, degraded suspension components, and ageing tyres that the new owner does not realise need replacing. Service intervals based on the false mileage will be incorrect, meaning critical maintenance gets missed.

The Defence

MOT records are your strongest defence against clocking. Every MOT test since 2005 records the odometer reading at the time of the test. These readings are stored centrally by the DVSA and cannot be altered by the vehicle owner. By reviewing the full mileage history, you can spot discrepancies that indicate tampering.

What Our Mileage Check Shows

Our free mileage check analyses official DVSA MOT data to give you a complete picture of any vehicle's mileage history.

Mileage at Every MOT

See the exact odometer reading recorded at each MOT test from 2005 onwards, providing a verified mileage trail across the vehicle's lifetime.

Year-on-Year Progression

Track how the mileage has increased year by year. Consistent annual increases indicate an honest history; sudden changes raise questions.

Automatic Anomaly Detection

Our system automatically flags mileage drops, implausible jumps, and suspicious patterns. Any discrepancy is highlighted clearly in your report.

Model Average Comparison

Compare the vehicle's annual mileage against the UK average for its make and model. Unusually low mileage relative to wear patterns can be a warning sign.

Warning Signs of a Clocked Car

Beyond the mileage check, look for these physical indicators when inspecting a used car.

Worn pedal rubbers on a supposedly low-mileage car

Steering wheel leather shiny or worn smooth

Driver's seat bolster worn, sagging, or cracked

Inconsistent service history with mileage gaps

Multiple previous owners in a short period

Dashboard or instrument cluster looks newer than the car

Scuff marks or fingerprints around the instrument cluster

Excessive stone chips on the bonnet and windscreen

Worn gear knob inconsistent with stated mileage

Brake discs with deep lip suggesting high mileage wear

Check a Vehicle's Mileage Now

Protect yourself from odometer fraud. Enter any UK registration to see the full verified mileage history.

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Mileage Check FAQ

Common questions about mileage clocking and our free mileage verification service.

What is mileage clocking?
Mileage clocking (also called odometer tampering or odometer rollback) is the illegal practice of reducing the recorded mileage on a vehicle's odometer to make it appear as though the car has been driven fewer miles than it actually has. This is done to increase the vehicle's resale value. Clocking is fraud under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and can result in prosecution.
How can I tell if a car has been clocked?
The most reliable method is to compare mileage readings recorded at every MOT test from 2005 onwards. If the mileage drops between tests, or if there is an implausibly large gap followed by a sudden increase, this is a strong indicator of clocking. Our free mileage check does this comparison automatically and flags any anomalies. You should also check for excessive wear on the steering wheel, pedals, and seats that does not match a low mileage reading.
How many clocked cars are sold in the UK each year?
According to industry estimates, approximately 160,000 cars with incorrect mileage are sold in the UK each year. The RAC Foundation and other organisations have highlighted this as one of the most common forms of used car fraud. The average financial loss to buyers is estimated at around 1,000 to 3,000 pounds per vehicle. Our mileage check helps you avoid becoming a victim.
Is mileage clocking illegal in the UK?
Yes. Selling a vehicle with a tampered odometer is illegal under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Fraud Act 2006. However, simply owning a vehicle with a clocked odometer is not itself illegal. The offence occurs when a seller misrepresents the mileage to a buyer. Trading Standards can prosecute dealers, and buyers may have civil claims for compensation.
Can digital odometers be clocked?
Yes. Despite common misconceptions, digital odometers are just as vulnerable to tampering as mechanical ones. Specialist tools can be purchased online for as little as 50 pounds that connect to a vehicle's OBD port and rewrite the mileage stored in the instrument cluster. Some tools can even alter the mileage stored in multiple ECUs simultaneously. This is why independent verification through MOT records is essential.
What does your mileage check actually show?
Our free mileage check shows the odometer reading recorded at every MOT test the vehicle has undergone since 2005. We display year-on-year mileage progression, calculate the average annual mileage, automatically flag any mileage discrepancies or anomalies, and compare the vehicle's mileage against model averages. If the mileage has ever decreased between tests or shows suspicious patterns, we will highlight this clearly.
How accurate are MOT mileage readings?
MOT mileage readings are recorded directly from the vehicle's odometer by the MOT tester at the time of the test and entered into the DVSA's central MOT database. These readings are considered highly reliable because they are captured independently of the vehicle owner. While a tester could theoretically make a transcription error, the DVSA system flags significant discrepancies for review. Consistent year-on-year records provide a robust mileage history.
Should I check the mileage before buying a used car?
Absolutely. A mileage check should be one of the first things you do when considering a used car. Clocked vehicles can have significantly more wear on the engine, gearbox, brakes, and suspension than the odometer suggests, leading to expensive repairs. Our free check takes seconds and could save you thousands of pounds. We recommend checking the mileage history alongside the full MOT history for a complete picture of the vehicle's condition.

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Data sourced from the DVSA. Last updated: April 2026.