When buying a used car in the UK, one of the biggest risks is unknowingly purchasing a vehicle with clocked mileage — where the odometer reading has been illegally reduced to make the car appear newer or more valuable. Fortunately, MOT data plays a crucial role in uncovering such fraud. The UK’s digital MOT database provides detailed information about a vehicle’s mileage, helping buyers identify any suspicious changes.

You can easily check your vehicle’s MOT history at CheckMot.com, a trusted platform offering instant access to official MOT data.

What Is Clocked Mileage?

Clocked mileage occurs when the mileage reading on a car’s odometer is tampered with to make it appear lower than it truly is. This illegal practice is often done to increase the vehicle’s resale value or hide signs of wear and tear. Even with the rise of digital odometers, mileage fraud still exists — sometimes through software manipulation or replacing the entire dashboard unit.

The result? Buyers may pay thousands more for a car that’s far less reliable than it seems.

How MOT Data Reveals Mileage Irregularities

Every time a car undergoes an MOT test, the recorded mileage is stored in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) database. This creates a public mileage history that can be checked online by anyone.

When viewing a vehicle’s MOT history on CheckMot.com, you can see each test date alongside the mileage reading at the time. If the recorded mileage ever drops between MOTs, that’s a red flag — indicating potential odometer tampering.

For example, if a car’s MOT history shows:

• 2019: 82,000 miles
• 2020: 79,500 miles
• 2021: 83,200 miles

It’s clear that the mileage reading decreased between 2019 and 2020 — a strong indication that the odometer was clocked.

Why Mileage Data Matters When Buying a Used Car

Understanding a vehicle’s mileage consistency is essential for several reasons:

1. Prevents Overpaying – A car with falsely reduced mileage could be overpriced by thousands of pounds.
2. Reveals Hidden Wear and Tear – Genuine mileage data helps estimate the true condition of major components like the engine, brakes, and suspension.
3. Supports Transparency – Sellers who provide a full MOT mileage record demonstrate honesty and accountability.
4. Assists Legal Protection – If a buyer discovers fraud after purchase, MOT data can serve as crucial evidence.

By using a trusted tool such as CheckMot.com, buyers can quickly confirm whether a vehicle’s mileage history is consistent and accurate.

Tips to Avoid Clocked Mileage Cars

• Always check the MOT history before purchasing any used car.
• Compare MOT readings with the service history and maintenance records.
• Be cautious if a seller refuses to show MOT documents or offers vague answers about the car’s history.
• Trust your instincts — if the car’s condition doesn’t match its displayed mileage, investigate further.

FAQ

How common is mileage clocking in the UK?

Mileage fraud affects tens of thousands of cars each year, particularly imports and high-mileage vehicles.

Can digital odometers still be clocked?

Yes, even digital odometers can be altered using specialist software — though it’s illegal to do so for resale purposes.

How can I check if a car has been clocked?

Use CheckMot.com to review the vehicle’s full MOT history and mileage records for any inconsistencies.

In summary, MOT data is one of the most reliable tools for detecting clocked mileage in used cars. It empowers UK car buyers to make informed, safe, and transparent purchasing decisions — reducing the risk of fraud and costly mistakes.