Mileage fraud – also known as "clocking" – is one of the most common scams in the used car market. It affects an estimated 1 in 16 used cars in the UK, costing buyers millions of pounds every year.
What is Car Clocking?
Clocking is the illegal practice of winding back a car's odometer to make it appear the vehicle has covered fewer miles than it actually has. A car with lower mileage is worth more, so dishonest sellers use this trick to increase profits.
Modern digital odometers can be altered using diagnostic tools, making it even easier for fraudsters to clock cars. In some cases, the only evidence is in the car's history records.
Why is Clocking Dangerous?
Beyond the financial loss, buying a clocked car has serious implications:
- Unexpected repairs – A car with 100,000 miles will need more maintenance than one with 50,000
- Safety concerns – Components like brakes, suspension, and tyres wear based on mileage
- Reduced resale value – If the true mileage comes to light, your car's value plummets
- Invalid warranty – Service schedules based on false mileage may void manufacturer warranties
Warning Signs of a Clocked Car
1. Wear Doesn't Match Mileage
If the car shows 30,000 miles but has heavily worn pedals, steering wheel, and seat bolsters, the mileage may have been reduced. Low-mileage cars should look relatively fresh inside.
2. MOT History Discrepancies
Check the car's MOT history (free on GOV.UK). MOT testers record mileage each year. If the mileage goes down between tests – or jumps inconsistently – it's a red flag.
3. Missing Service History
Clocked cars often have "lost" service histories because the records would reveal the true mileage. Be suspicious of gaps in the documentation.
4. Too Good to Be True
A 10-year-old car with only 20,000 miles is possible but rare. Be extra cautious with low-mileage older vehicles.
5. Inconsistent Documentation
Check that mileage on receipts, service stamps, and MOT certificates aligns with what's on the odometer.
How to Check if a Car Has Been Clocked
Free MOT History Check
Visit GOV.UK and enter the registration to see historical MOT mileage readings. This is a good starting point but won't catch all clocking.
Vehicle History Check
A comprehensive vehicle check searches multiple databases including:
- MOT records
- Service history databases
- Previous vehicle check mileage readings
- Fleet and rental company records
These checks compare all available mileage data and flag discrepancies. Run a Green Flag mileage check to verify the true history.
What to Do If You've Bought a Clocked Car
If you discover you've bought a clocked car:
- Gather evidence – Print MOT history and any other documentation
- Contact the seller – They may offer a refund (though scammers usually won't)
- Report it – Contact Action Fraud and Trading Standards
- Legal action – You may be able to claim under the Consumer Rights Act if bought from a dealer
Protect Yourself Before Buying
Prevention is better than cure. Always run a vehicle history check before buying any used car. The £9.99 cost is nothing compared to the thousands you could lose to mileage fraud.
Check a car's mileage history now and buy with confidence.
