Car Clocking: How to Spot Mileage Fraud in the UK

Summary

• Clocking is illegal: Tampering with a car's odometer to reduce the mileage is fraud under UK law.
• It's still common: An estimated 2.5 million clocked cars are on UK roads.
• A mileage check catches it: Our mileage check compares odometer readings across MOT records.

Car clocking is when the mileage on a car's odometer is deliberately reduced. A car with 100,000 miles might be made to show 60,000. This makes the car seem worth more than it is.

It's dishonest. It's illegal. And it costs UK buyers millions every year. Here's how to avoid becoming a victim.

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How Common Is Clocking?

Very. According to various industry estimates:

• Around 2.5 million clocked cars are on UK roads
• It costs UK consumers an estimated £800 million per year
• 1 in 16 used cars may have a mileage discrepancy

Clocking used to require mechanical tools. Now it can be done with a laptop and cheap software in minutes. This has made it even more widespread.

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How to Spot a Clocked Car

1. Check MOT history: The MOT history records the mileage at every test. If the mileage drops between tests, the car has been clocked.
2. Service history: Compare mileage in service records with the current odometer. Any jumps or drops are red flags.
3. Wear and tear: Does the interior look worn for the mileage shown? Heavily worn seats, pedals, and steering wheel on a "low mileage" car are suspicious.
4. Run a mileage check: Our mileage check cross-references multiple data sources to spot discrepancies.
5. Check the dashboard: Look for signs of dashboard removal. Scratches around the instrument cluster, misaligned panels, or different-coloured screws may indicate tampering.

Key check: The single most reliable way to spot clocking is to compare the current mileage with the MOT history. Mileage should only ever go up between tests, never down.

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Why Clocking Is Dangerous

Clocking isn't just a financial problem. It's a safety issue too.

• Missed servicing: If a car has really done 100,000 miles but shows 60,000, it may have missed critical service intervals like timing belt replacement.
• Worn components: Brakes, suspension, and tyres may be more worn than expected.
• Shorter lifespan: The car will reach its true mileage limits much sooner than expected.

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Is Clocking Illegal in the UK?

Yes. While altering an odometer isn't itself specifically criminalised, selling a clocked car is illegal under several laws:

• Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008: Makes it illegal to mislead consumers about a product.
• Fraud Act 2006: Clocking with intent to sell at a higher price is fraud.
• Road Traffic Act: Providing false information about a vehicle's condition.

Trading standards can prosecute sellers. But catching them is difficult, which is why buyer vigilance is so important.

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How to Protect Yourself

1. Always check MOT history before buying. It's free on gov.uk or through our MOT check tool.
2. Run a full history check. Our car history check covers mileage, finance, stolen status, and write-offs.
3. Ask for full service history. No history? Walk away.
4. Inspect the car carefully. Does the wear match the mileage?
5. Buy from reputable sellers. Approved used car schemes and franchise dealers are safer than unknown private sellers.

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What If You've Already Bought a Clocked Car?

If you discover after purchase that the car has been clocked:

• Contact the seller: You may be entitled to a refund under consumer protection law.
• Report to trading standards: They can investigate and potentially prosecute the seller.
• Contact your insurer: The incorrect mileage could affect your policy.
• Get legal advice: Citizens Advice can help you understand your rights.

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Clocking is one of the most common used car frauds in the UK. A few simple checks before buying can protect you from spending thousands on a car that's not what it seems. Always check the mileage, always check the history, and always trust your instincts.

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