Mileage is one of the biggest things that affects a used car’s price. That’s exactly why some sellers are tempted to wind it back, a trick called “clocking”. A mileage check compares the miles recorded over the car’s life, so you can spot anything that doesn’t add up.
What is a clocked car?
A clocked car has had its odometer altered to show fewer miles than it has really done. On modern digital dashboards, it can be done in minutes with the right kit, and it leaves no visible trace. A car that shows 40,000 miles but has really done 90,000 could be worth thousands less, and may be overdue for expensive work like a cambelt change.
How our mileage check works
We look at mileage readings recorded throughout the car’s life, including at MOT tests, and look for anything odd. You can also see MOT mileage yourself on the MOT history on GOV.UK.
Here’s what we look for:
- Drops. A reading lower than an earlier one is a big red flag.
- Unusual gaps. Long periods with no records, or suspiciously low use, can be worth asking about.
- Mismatches. The mileage in the advert or on the dash should fit the pattern.
Mileage checks are included from our Premium HPI check upwards.
Spotting clocking yourself
Alongside the check, use your eyes. Wear and tear that doesn’t match the mileage is a giveaway:
- A shiny, worn steering wheel or gear knob on a “low mileage” car
- Worn pedal rubbers or a saggy driver’s seat bolster
- A service history with gaps, or stamps from garages you can’t find
- Old MOT certificates or receipts showing higher mileage
We’ve written a whole guide on this: How to spot a clocked car.
Sometimes there’s an innocent reason, like a typo at an MOT test or a replaced instrument cluster. Ask the seller for an explanation and paperwork. If they can’t give you one, think carefully.
Mileage check questions
Is clocking illegal?
Selling a car with altered mileage without telling the buyer is illegal. Clocked cars still turn up for sale, which is why checking the mileage history is so worthwhile.
Can you check the mileage on a car under three years old?
Cars don't need an MOT until they're three years old, so there may be fewer recorded readings. Lean on the service history and the car's condition, and check any readings that are available.
What counts as a mileage discrepancy?
The biggest red flag is a reading that's lower than an earlier one. Long gaps with no records, or mileage that doesn't match the car's wear and tear, are also worth asking about.
New to vehicle checks? Start with our guide: What is an HPI check?
