Where readings are available, we can perform a car mileage check. We delve into our vast database to carry out the mileage check and see if a car has been clocked. We understand the need to verify a car's miles, ensuring that the vehicle you're eyeing is worth the investment. One of the reasons UK car buyers rely on MotorCheck over any other car history provider is our unrivalled ability to spot a clocked car, but please be aware of the limitations outlined below.
Why Checking Car Mileage Matters
Before buying a used vehicle, performing a car mileage check is essential. Clocking – or tampering with a vehicle's odometer to show lower mileage – is a serious issue that can cost UK drivers dearly. An artificially reduced mileage can mislead buyers into paying more for a vehicle that's far more worn than it appears.
MotorCheck helps you detect mileage discrepancies and avoid clocked vehicles using over 500 million verified odometer readings sourced from:
- MOT records
- DVLA data
- Manufacturer and dealership service records
- Vehicle valuation data sources
What exactly is car clocking?
Car clocking involves tampering with the odometer in order to falsify the mileage on a car or vehicle. Clocking is a widespread problem in the UK.
What Does the MotorCheck Mileage Report Include?
With a MotorCheck mileage report, you’ll get:
- Previous mileage readings (from MOT, DVLA, dealer records and more)
- Any discrepancies in mileage over time
- Dates and sources of each reading
- Alerts on mileage rollbacks or gaps
- Access to our Mileage Investigation Service if discrepancies are found
Where readings are available, MotorCheck uses both the vehicle’s registration number and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to cross-check historical data and flag any signs of odometer tampering.
What Happens If a Mileage Discrepancy Is Found?
If your report shows unusual patterns or gaps in the odometer history:
- You’ll receive a clear warning in the MotorCheck report
- You can contact our team to request a manual investigation to rule out data input errors or reporting gaps
- This service helps clarify whether a discrepancy suggests intentional clocking or a harmless recording issue
Please note: We can only display odometer readings where previous data exists in our national and manufacturer databases. Not every UK vehicle
Please note – this service is only available via the official MotorCheck website.
A MotorCheck report saved James McEvoy thousands
"It had only 70,000 miles on it with a full BMW service history. You will want this car as soon as you see it, he said. I thought this was the one but how wrong was I!" James McEvoy was on the brink of making a pricey mistake. The car looked perfect – with only 70,000 miles and a full BMW service history. But, a MotorCheck report unveiled a hidden history, saving James thousands. Discover how MotorCheck aids countless customers like James daily.
Read James' and other customer experiences here
Please be aware of the limitations
Of course it’s worth noting that odometer readings can only be supplied where there are previous odometer readings available for the vehicle. Whilst MotorCheck cannot guarantee that we have odometer readings for all vehicles in the UK (nor do we guarantee to have a complete mileage history for all vehicles), we have access to over 500m recorded odometer readings and can also provide a manual investigation service for our customers. Where we do have previous odometer readings and a discrepancy exists, this does not necessarily mean that the vehicle has been clocked. If the is a discrepancy highlighted on your report and you want to verify if the information is correct then please contact us (support (at) motorcheck.co.uk OR 0330 331 0150) and we will perform an investigation.
FAQs – Car Mileage Check in the UK
- How do I check if a car has been clocked?
Use MotorCheck’s mileage check tool to review previous odometer readings. We’ll flag any inconsistencies or rollbacks in the car’s mileage history. - Is clocking illegal in the UK?
Yes, car mileage clocking is illegal. It is a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations and can lead to fines or prosecution. - What’s the most common sign a car has been clocked?
A sudden drop or unusually low mileage between services or MOTs is the most common sign. Inconsistent gaps in mileage history can also raise suspicion. - Can a car be clocked even if it has a full service history?
Yes. Even vehicles with service records can be tampered with, especially if some intervals were undocumented. That’s why cross-checking data from multiple sources (as MotorCheck does) is essential. - Can I request an official investigation if a discrepancy is found?
Yes. Contact our support team at support@motorcheck.co.uk or call 0330 331 0150 to request a manual review of your report. - How accurate is a MotorCheck mileage check?
MotorCheck uses data from over 500 million odometer readings, including trusted UK sources such as the DVLA, MOT test centres, and dealership records. While we can’t guarantee 100% completeness, our checks are among the most thorough in the UK market.
