Reduce the risk of mileage clocking
Mileage clocking is the deliberate alteration of a vehicle's displayed mileage. Comparing historical readings can help highlight inconsistencies that warrant investigation.
Mileage Check
Check a car's recorded mileage before you buy. Compare previous readings and look for inconsistencies.
- MOT mileage history
- Review recorded readings
- Instant report
What does a mileage check show?
A mileage check helps you review the mileage recorded for a vehicle over time, rather than relying only on the number shown on its dashboard today.
MOT records can show the mileage entered at previous tests. Looking at those readings in date order can help you spot a pattern that deserves a closer look before you buy a used car. Depending on the report you choose and the information available for that vehicle, additional mileage-history records may also be included.
- Previous recorded mileages: compare readings from available MOT tests and other included records.
- Changes over time: check whether the recorded mileage generally increases as expected.
- Potential inconsistencies: identify readings that may need clarification or further checks.
- Additional vehicle history: Standard and Full Checks may include further mileage records where available.
The records available vary by vehicle. A mileage check is a useful part of your research, but it is not a mechanical inspection and cannot prove odometer tampering on its own.
You can see how mileage information appears in a report in our sample vehicle history report.
Why check a car's mileage before buying?
The current odometer reading is only one part of the story. Previous records can help you ask better questions before committing to a purchase.
Check the seller's claims
Compare the advertised mileage with available historical records and ask the seller to explain any gaps or differences.
Make a better-informed decision
Mileage can affect how buyers assess a used car, but it should be considered alongside its age, service history, condition and maintenance needs.
How to check a car's mileage history
Use the registration to review available records, then follow up on anything that does not make sense.
1
Enter the registration
Use the vehicle registration above to start a check and view the information available for that vehicle.
2
Compare the readings
Review the dates and recorded mileages. Look for readings that go backwards, unexpected jumps or long gaps in the record.
3
Investigate any concerns
Ask for service invoices and an explanation from the seller. Consider an independent inspection if the history remains unclear.
You can also compare the record with the official GOV.UK MOT history service, which lists mileage recorded at available MOT tests.
Signs that a car's mileage may need checking
A mismatch is a reason to ask questions, not a conclusion by itself.
A later reading is lower than an earlier one.
Check whether there could be a recording error, a change between miles and kilometres, or a documented instrument-cluster replacement. If there is no clear explanation, investigate further.
Check whether there could be a recording error, a change between miles and kilometres, or a documented instrument-cluster replacement. If there is no clear explanation, investigate further.
The mileage changes unusually little or sharply.
Consider the dates between readings and how the vehicle may have been used. Unusual patterns can have innocent explanations, but should be checked against supporting records.
Consider the dates between readings and how the vehicle may have been used. Unusual patterns can have innocent explanations, but should be checked against supporting records.
The advertised mileage does not match the history.
Ask the seller to explain the difference and provide service records, invoices or other evidence that supports the current reading.
Ask the seller to explain the difference and provide service records, invoices or other evidence that supports the current reading.
The wear does not seem consistent with the claimed mileage.
Steering wheel, pedals, seats and other parts can offer context, but wear varies with use and maintenance. Do not use appearance alone to estimate mileage.
Steering wheel, pedals, seats and other parts can offer context, but wear varies with use and maintenance. Do not use appearance alone to estimate mileage.
What if a mileage reading goes backwards?
If a later record shows fewer miles than an earlier one, do not assume automatically that the car has been clocked. Possible explanations include an incorrect figure entered during an MOT, a record made in kilometres rather than miles, or work to the instrument cluster. Deliberate tampering is another possibility, but the record alone may not establish the cause.
Before buying, ask the seller for a clear explanation and supporting paperwork. Compare the MOT history with service invoices and maintenance records, and consider an independent vehicle inspection if you remain unsure. If you already own the vehicle and an MOT mileage entry is wrong, the official correction process is explained on GOV.UK: correcting MOT certificate mistakes.
Where does mileage-check data come from?
The free mileage information is based on available MOT mileage records. Standard and Full Checks can include a broader mileage-history check using additional industry data sources, including BVRLA, NAMA, RMI and VMC (Vehicle Mileage Check), alongside relevant DVLA and MOT mileage records where available and applicable to the report.
Not every source will hold information for every vehicle, and the amount of history available can differ. For cars in Great Britain, the official MOT history service provides car test results from 2005 onwards; in Northern Ireland, available car test results start from 2017. A vehicle with no MOT history in the available period, or with limited records, may therefore show less information.
A mileage report reflects the records available to the service; it does not independently measure the car's current mileage or guarantee that every past reading has been recorded.
Related vehicle checks
Mileage is one part of a car's history. Use these checks to review other details before buying.
MOT history check
Review MOT test history, recorded mileages and available test information.
Number plate check
Start with a registration check to explore available vehicle details.
Car tax check
Check available vehicle tax information as part of your purchase research.
Vehicle history check
Check a used car’s history before you buy. Review available vehicle records, including MOT history, mileage, finance and write-off information.
Scrapped car check
Review available information about whether a vehicle has been recorded as scrapped.
View a sample report
See an example of how mileage information may appear in a vehicle history report.
Mileage check FAQs
What is a mileage check?
A mileage check reviews available historical mileage records for a vehicle, such as readings recorded at MOT tests. Comparing the dates and readings can help you identify discrepancies that may need further investigation.
Can a mileage check tell me if a car has been clocked?
It can highlight inconsistencies in the available records, including a reading that is lower than an earlier one. However, an inconsistency is not proof of tampering. Ask for supporting paperwork and seek an independent inspection if you have concerns.
Where does the mileage data come from?
The free mileage information uses available MOT mileage records. Standard and Full Checks may include additional industry mileage records where available. The exact information varies by vehicle and report.
Why is there no mileage history for a vehicle?
There may be no available MOT record yet, the vehicle may have limited recorded history, or the relevant records may not be available in the sources used for the check. Cars generally need their first MOT when they are three years old in Great Britain, so a newer car may not have MOT mileage readings.
What does it mean if the recorded mileage goes down?
It means the readings do not follow the expected pattern and should be checked. Possible explanations include an input error, a miles/kilometres difference or instrument-cluster work, as well as possible tampering. The record alone may not tell you which explanation is correct.
How do I correct an incorrect MOT mileage record?
If the MOT was carried out within the last 28 days, contact the MOT centre that performed it. For older records, you can report the mistake to DVSA and provide evidence that the mileage is wrong. Read the current instructions on GOV.UK.
Does a mileage check confirm the car's current odometer reading?
No. It shows historical readings available from the included records. Check the odometer in person and compare it with the report, service documents and other evidence before making a decision.