Free mileage check
Free mileage check: spot a clocked car
See every MOT odometer reading on one chart. We flag readings that go backwards and compare the car's yearly mileage with the UK average, so you know if the numbers add up.
- Every MOT reading
- Drops flagged automatically
- Average miles a year
How it works
What our mileage check looks for
Clocking, or winding back the odometer, makes a car look less used than it is. MOT records are the best free evidence against it.
Readings over time
Each MOT's odometer reading, in date order, plotted on a chart.
Drops and typos
Readings lower than the test before are flagged, and obvious typing errors are called out.
Yearly average
The car's average miles a year, compared with a UK average of about 7,400.
Other signs a car has been clocked
MOT records are a great start, but check the car itself too. Be suspicious if a low-mileage car shows:
- A shiny, worn steering wheel, gear knob or handbrake.
- Worn pedal rubbers, or brand-new ones on an older car.
- Saggy or worn driver's seat bolsters.
- Lots of stone chips on the bonnet and front bumper.
- Service stamps or receipts with mileages that don't fit the story.
What to do if the mileage doesn't add up
Ask the seller to explain the discrepancy and show paperwork, such as an invoice for a replacement instrument cluster. If they can't, walk away. Selling a car with mileage you know is false is illegal, and if you've already bought one, you can report it through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, which passes cases to Trading Standards.
Learn more in how to spot a clocked car, or use our used car buying checklist at the viewing.
Mileage check questions
How does the mileage check work?
Every MOT records the odometer reading. We plot them in date order, flag any reading that's lower than the one before, and work out the car's average yearly mileage.
Does a mileage drop always mean the car is clocked?
No. A tester can mistype a reading, and replacing an instrument cluster can reset the display. But a drop always needs an explanation backed by paperwork before you buy.
Can clocking happen without showing in MOT records?
Yes. If a car is clocked between MOTs and the readings still go up, the record can look normal. Compare the mileage with service history stamps, receipts and the car's wear and tear.
What is average mileage for a car in the UK?
Around 7,000 to 7,500 miles a year. A car well above that isn't necessarily a bad buy, but it should be priced for its mileage.
Related guides
All guidesHow to Spot a Clocked Car: Signs the Mileage Has Been Wound Back
A clocked car has had its mileage wound back. Learn how to check MOT mileage records, spot the physical signs and what to do if you've bought a clocked car.
Read guideUsed Car Buying Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy
Our used car buying checklist covers the key checks before, during and after a viewing: MOT history, V5C, bodywork, test drive, safe payment and your rights.
Read guideHow to Check MOT History for Free (and What to Look For)
Check MOT history free with just the registration. See what each DVSA record shows, how to read advisories and the red flags to spot before buying a used car.
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