Free Mileage Check

What is a mileage check?

Every time a vehicle has an MOT test in the UK, the tester records the odometer reading. These readings have been digitally stored since 2005, creating a mileage timeline for every vehicle that has had an MOT. A mileage check lets you view this timeline to see whether the recorded mileage has increased consistently over time.

This is the most reliable free method for spotting mileage fraud. By comparing odometer readings across years of MOT tests, you can see whether the figures make sense — or whether someone has wound back the clock.

Free Plate Check shows you every recorded reading, calculates the average annual mileage, and automatically flags anomalies like mileage decreases between tests. You can also view the full MOT history to see test results, advisories, and failures alongside the mileage data.

How to spot a clocked car

Mileage clocking — winding back the odometer to make a vehicle appear lower-mileage — remains a widespread problem in the UK used car market. Estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 16 used cars may have been clocked, costing buyers millions of pounds every year. Clocking is illegal under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Fraud Act 2006, but it remains difficult to prosecute.

Here are the key warning signs to look for:

• Mileage decreasing between MOT tests — This is the clearest indicator. If the odometer shows fewer miles at a later test than an earlier one, the reading has been tampered with.
• Large gaps with no MOT — If the vehicle has periods with no MOT record, it may have been taken off the road specifically to obscure a mileage discrepancy — or it may have been abroad.
• Physical condition vs. stated mileage — A car claiming 30,000 miles but with heavily worn pedal rubbers, a shiny steering wheel, sagging seat bolsters, or scuffed door handles may have covered far more.
• Unusually low mileage for the age — The average UK car covers around 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year. A five-year-old car with just 15,000 miles should raise questions — is it genuine, or has the clock been wound back?
• Inconsistent service history — If the service book shows stamps at different mileage intervals than the MOT records suggest, something doesn't add up.

For a more detailed guide to spotting clocked cars, including what to look for during a physical inspection, read our buyer's guide to clocked cars.

What to do if you suspect clocking

If the MOT mileage history shows discrepancies, take these steps before committing to a purchase:

• Compare carefully — Use Free Plate Check to review the full mileage timeline. Look at every reading and calculate whether the annual increases are consistent and realistic.
• Check physical wear — Inspect the condition of the pedals, steering wheel, gear knob, seat bolsters, and door handles. These wear items tell a story that an odometer cannot hide.
• Ask the seller — Put the discrepancy to the seller directly and ask them to explain it. A legitimate seller should have documentation to support their claimed mileage.
• Request service records — Service stamps and invoices record mileage independently. Cross-reference these with the MOT readings.
• Walk away if in doubt — If the seller cannot satisfactorily explain a mileage discrepancy, do not proceed with the purchase.

If you believe you have encountered mileage fraud, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and contact your local Trading Standards office. If you have already bought the vehicle, you may have a claim under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Why mileage matters when buying

Mileage is one of the biggest factors affecting a used car's value, insurance premiums, remaining warranty, and likely maintenance costs. Higher-mileage vehicles typically need more frequent servicing and are more likely to require component replacements — brakes, clutches, suspension bushes, and timing belts all have service intervals tied to mileage.

That said, a high-mileage car with a full service history can be a better buy than a low-mileage car that has been neglected. The pattern matters more than the number. Consistent mileage increases, regular servicing, and clean MOT passes are all positive signs — regardless of the total on the clock.

Use a mileage check alongside our free car valuation to understand how the mileage affects the vehicle's market value.

Frequently asked questions