Why check a car's mileage
Clocking means winding the odometer back so a car looks less used and sells for more. A car with fewer miles is worth more, so a lower reading than the real one costs the buyer money and hides wear on the engine, gearbox and brakes.
Digital odometers can be altered as well as the old mechanical ones, so a modern dashboard proves nothing.
Check car mileage history free
Every MOT test records the odometer reading. Our free mileage check lists every reading with its date, shows them on a chart and works out the average miles per year.
The mileage verdict, which flags any reading lower than the one before, is part of the Basic report, from £4.99.
How to check if a car has been clocked
- A reading lower than an earlier one is the clearest warning sign.
- A year with far fewer miles than the others deserves a question.
- Wear on the pedals, steering wheel and driver's seat should match the mileage.
- Service records and invoices should show readings that fit the MOT history.
- A long gap between MOT tests means no readings for that time: ask why.
Is clocking illegal?
Selling a car with a mileage the seller knows to be wrong, without saying so, is an offence. If you find out after buying, you can complain to the dealer, and to Trading Standards through Citizens Advice.