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Free Mileage Check

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Every odometer reading from every MOT test since 2005 — verify mileage and spot clocking instantly. Free, no signup.

  • Mileage timeline from every MOT test since 2005
  • Automatic anomaly flag for potential odometer tampering
  • Annual mileage trend vs. the UK average

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Get a free email reminder in good time before your MOT is due — with help to book, often below the £54.85 cap.

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Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000.

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Worried this car's been clocked?

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Your free check lists every MOT mileage reading since 2005. carVertical's full history report goes further — cross-checking the National Mileage Register and European import records to flag rollbacks between tests or before import, alongside finance, write-off and theft checks.

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1 in 16

cars are clocked

7-10k

UK avg miles/year

Since 2005

MOT mileage on record

What is a mileage check?

Every UK MOT records the odometer reading. Stored digitally since 2005, those readings form a mileage timeline for every tested vehicle.

It's the most reliable free way to spot clocking. We show every reading, calculate average annual mileage, and auto-flag drops between tests. Pair it with the full MOT history to see advisories and failures alongside.

How to spot a clocked car

An estimated 1 in 16 UK used cars has been clocked. Illegal, but tough to prosecute. Warning signs:

  • Mileage drops between MOT tests — the clearest indicator.
  • Large gaps without MOT — possibly off-road specifically to obscure mileage.
  • Wear inconsistent with stated mileage — worn pedals, shiny wheel, sagging seats on a "low miles" car.
  • Unusually low for the age — UK average is 7,000–10,000/year. A 5-year-old with 15k deserves questions.
  • Service stamps that don't match MOT mileage — story doesn't add up.

More detail in our buyer's guide to clocked cars.

What to do if you suspect clocking

  • Review the timeline — every reading; check annual increases for consistency.
  • Inspect physical wear — pedals, wheel, gear knob, bolsters, door handles.
  • Confront the seller — ask them to explain. Legitimate sellers should have docs.
  • Cross-reference service records — stamps and invoices give an independent paper trail.
  • Walk away if the seller can't explain.

Suspect fraud? Report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and Trading Standards. Already bought? You may have a claim under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Why mileage matters

Mileage drives a used car's value, insurance, warranty remaining, and service-cost expectations. Brakes, clutches, suspension, timing belts — most service intervals are mileage-based.

A high-mileage car with full service history beats a low-mileage one that's been neglected. Pattern matters more than the number on the clock. Pair this with our free valuation to see how mileage affects market value.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a car has been clocked?
Run a free check here — you'll see the mileage at every MOT since 2005. Drops or large gaps point to tampering. Also look for physical wear (pedals, steering wheel, seat bolsters) inconsistent with a 'low mileage' claim.
Is mileage clocking illegal in the UK?
Yes — under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Fraud Act 2006. Misrepresenting mileage carries criminal prosecution and unlimited fines.
What is the average mileage per year in the UK?
7,000–10,000 miles. A 5-year-old car typically shows 35,000–50,000. Significantly higher or lower deserves a second look.
Can Free Plate Check detect clocking?
We show every MOT mileage reading and auto-flag drops between tests. MOT history is the most reliable free method — though no tool catches every case.
What should I do if the mileage doesn't add up?
Don't proceed until the seller can explain it. Ask for service records to corroborate. If you suspect fraud, report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and Trading Standards.

Related guides

How to Check Mileage on a Used Car

Verify mileage history using MOT records and protect yourself from fraud.

How to Check a Car's Service History

What a full service history means and why gaps should raise red flags.

How to Read a Car's MOT History

Understand test results, advisories, and how to spot red flags.

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