Spotting Mileage Fraud (Clocking)

Mileage fraud – or clocking – is the illegal practice of reducing a car's displayed mileage to make it appear less used than it is. Despite digital dashboards, it remains common because the odometer reading is stored in the car's electronic control units, which can be reprogrammed. The most reliable way to spot it is to compare the car's MOT mileage records, which are recorded at every test and are legally required. If the readings do not follow a logical, increasing pattern, the car has likely been clocked.

What is clocking and why is it still happening?

Clocking means altering the odometer to show a lower mileage than the car has actually covered. In the past, this was done by physically winding back a mechanical odometer. Today, with digital dashboards, it is done using diagnostic tools that overwrite the mileage stored in the car's computer. It is illegal under the Fraud Act 2006 and can lead to prosecution, but it still happens because a lower mileage can increase a car's value by thousands of pounds.

Clocking is not just a problem with private sellers. Some unscrupulous dealers also do it to shift cars faster. The practice is so widespread that the DVSA estimates that millions of cars on UK roads have had their mileage altered. That is why you cannot rely on the dashboard alone.

How do MOT mileage records expose clocking?

Since 2005, the DVSA has recorded the odometer reading at every MOT test. This creates a digital history of the car's mileage over time. You can access this history for free using our MOT history check. The records show the mileage at each test, along with the date and the test result.

To spot clocking, look at the sequence of readings. They should increase over time. If a later reading is lower than an earlier one, that is a red flag. For example, if the car showed 60,000 miles in 2020 and then 55,000 miles in 2023, the odometer has been wound back. Even if the readings are not lower, a sudden drop in the annual average – say from 12,000 miles a year to 2,000 – could indicate tampering.

How to read the mileage trail for inconsistencies

When you pull up the MOT history, look at the overall pattern. A typical car covers a fairly consistent number of miles each year, though it can vary. If the car was used for commuting, it might cover 10,000-15,000 miles a year. If it was a second car, it might cover less. The key is to see if the readings make sense.

For example, a car that showed 30,000 miles in 2018, 45,000 in 2020, and 60,000 in 2022 is plausible. But if it showed 30,000 in 2018, 45,000 in 2020, and then 42,000 in 2022, that is a clear sign of clocking. Also check for gaps in the MOT history. If the car was off the road for a year or two, the mileage might not increase during that period, which is fine. But if there is a gap and the mileage jumps by an unrealistic amount, question it.

What is average annual mileage in the UK?

The average car in the UK covers roughly 7,000 to 8,000 miles per year. This is a useful benchmark. If a car is, say, 10 years old and shows 40,000 miles, that is below average – about 4,000 miles a year – which is possible but worth investigating. If it shows 20,000 miles on a 10-year-old car, that is only 2,000 miles a year, which is very low and could indicate clocking or a car that was rarely used.

However, low mileage is not always suspicious. Some cars are genuinely used only occasionally, such as classic cars or weekend toys. The key is to compare the mileage with the car's condition and history. A car with low mileage should look and feel like a low-mileage car.

Physical wear that contradicts a low reading

If a car claims to have low mileage, its physical condition should match. Look for signs of wear that are inconsistent with the displayed mileage. For example:

• Worn steering wheel or gear knob – if the leather is shiny or worn through, that suggests high use.
• Worn driver's seat bolster – the side of the seat that you slide over can wear quickly with frequent use.
• Worn pedals – the rubber on the accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals should show minimal wear on a low-mileage car.
• Stone chips on the bonnet and windscreen – these accumulate with motorway driving.
• Worn tyres or brakes – check if they are original or have been replaced; if replaced, ask why.

None of these signs alone proves clocking, but if several are present on a car that claims to have covered only 30,000 miles, be suspicious. A car that has covered 100,000 miles will show much more wear than one that has covered 30,000.

Service history gaps and what they tell you

A full service history is a good sign, but it is not foolproof. Check that the service records match the MOT mileage. If the service book shows a service at 40,000 miles in 2020, but the MOT record shows 50,000 miles at the same time, there is a discrepancy. Also look for gaps in the service history. A car that has been serviced every year is more likely to have a genuine mileage than one with long gaps.

If the seller cannot provide any service history, that is a warning sign. It does not necessarily mean the car is clocked, but it makes it harder to verify the mileage. You can also check the MOT history for advisories that might indicate high wear, such as worn suspension or brakes, which are more common on high-mileage cars.

What should you do if you suspect clocking?

If you suspect a car has been clocked, do not buy it. Walk away and report your suspicions to the seller and, if appropriate, to the Citizens Advice consumer service or the police. If you have already bought the car and later discover it was clocked, you have legal rights. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a car must be as described. If the seller misrepresented the mileage, you may be entitled to a refund or compensation.

For private sales, the situation is more complex, but you can still take legal action if you can prove the seller knew about the clocking. In all cases, keep records of the advertisement, the seller's details, and any correspondence. You can also report the seller to the DVSA, which investigates odometer tampering.

How to protect yourself before you buy

The best way to avoid buying a clocked car is to do your homework. Start with a free MOT check to see the full mileage history. Then, if the car looks promising, consider a mileage check to get a detailed report. You can also check if the car is taxed and has a valid MOT using our car tax check and combined check.

When you view the car, take your time. Compare the dashboard reading with the MOT history. Ask the seller for the V5C and check the date of first registration – a car that is older than it appears might have a higher mileage. And if you are still unsure, have the car inspected by a professional. A small fee for an inspection is far cheaper than buying a car that has been clocked.