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Free mileage check — detect clocked cars instantly.
Enter a UK registration plate. CarVouch pulls every odometer reading from the DVSA's full MOT record and checks for mileage drops, suspicious gaps, and advert discrepancies.
How CarVouch checks mileage
Clock fraud costs UK buyers millions every year. DVSA MOT records contain the odometer reading at every test — making mileage tampering visible. CarVouch analyses every data point.
Mileage drops detected
If the odometer drops between any two consecutive tests, it's flagged as a high-risk clocking indicator.
Unusual annual mileage gaps
We calculate the implied annual mileage between tests. Unusually low or suspiciously consistent gaps are flagged.
Advert mileage vs MOT record
Paste the advert and we compare the advertised mileage against the most recent MOT reading.
Full odometer timeline
See every recorded mileage reading in chronological order, from first MOT to the most recent test.
Unexplained time gaps
Long gaps between MOT tests may indicate the car was off the road, scrapped and re-registered, or used without a valid certificate.
Risk score contribution
Mileage inconsistencies are weighted into the overall 0–100 risk score alongside MOT history and advert analysis.
Example mileage verification
Check mileage history now — free
Official DVSA odometer data from every recorded MOT test. Instant, no sign-up.
Mileage check FAQ
How can you tell if a car has been clocked?
The DVSA records the odometer reading at every MOT test. If the mileage drops between two consecutive tests, or shows an unusually low increase over several years, it is a strong indicator of clocking (mileage fraud).
Is mileage check free in the UK?
Yes. CarVouch's mileage check is completely free. We analyse the full MOT history from the DVSA and flag any mileage inconsistencies, drops, or suspicious patterns. No payment, no sign-up.
What is car clocking?
Clocking (also called "mileage fraud") is when a car's odometer is wound back to show a lower mileage than the vehicle has actually travelled. It is illegal under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Fraud Act 2006.
How common is mileage fraud in the UK?
According to industry estimates, around 1 in 16 used cars sold in the UK has had its mileage tampered with. The total cost to buyers is estimated at over £800 million per year.
What is a mileage discrepancy?
A mileage discrepancy occurs when the recorded mileage at one MOT test is lower than a previous test, or when the pattern of annual mileage is implausibly low (e.g., 500 miles per year on a daily driver). Both are red flags for clocking or odometer tampering.
Can a seller wind back a digital odometer?
Yes. Digital odometers can be reprogrammed using specialist tools. This is illegal in the UK (fraud by misrepresentation), but it still happens. A full MOT history check is the best defence — the DVSA records are harder to falsify than the dashboard.
Is this mileage check guaranteed to detect clocking?
No check can be 100% guaranteed. DVSA records only exist from when the car was first tested — typically 2005. A car clocked before its first recorded test, or between two tests where no drop is visible, may not be flagged. Always use this as one of several checks before buying.
Can a car pass an MOT with wrong mileage?
Yes. MOT testers record the odometer as displayed — they do not verify its accuracy. A clocked car can pass an MOT with a falsely low reading.
Does CarVouch check mileage against the advert?
Yes. If you paste the advert text into CarVouch, the AI compares the advertised mileage against the most recent MOT reading. If the advertised figure is lower than the last test, it flags it as a clocking risk.
What should I do if I suspect clocking?
Walk away, or negotiate a significant price reduction. If you have already bought the car, you may have legal recourse against the seller under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or the Fraud Act. Consider reporting to Trading Standards.