How Mileage Anomalies Are Detected in Vehicle Reports

In this guide, we’ll explore how mileage anomalies are detected in vehicle reports, what they mean, and how a car history check from TopCarCheck.co.uk helps uncover the truth before you buy.

What Exactly Is a Mileage Anomaly?

A mileage anomaly means the recorded mileage of a vehicle doesn’t make logical sense when compared across its service or MOT history.

For example, if a car had 85,000 miles recorded in 2022 but only 75,000 miles recorded in 2023, that’s a mileage anomaly. It suggests either the odometer has been tampered with or an error was made during reporting.

Mileage anomalies are often a sign of clocking - when someone rolls back the odometer to make the car look newer or less used than it really is.

Why Mileage Matters When Buying a Used Car

Mileage is one of the biggest factors that influence a car’s price, value, and overall condition. Lower mileage usually means less wear and tear, so it’s no surprise that sellers sometimes try to manipulate it.

Here’s why accurate mileage matters:

A mileage check through TopCarCheck confirms that a car’s recorded mileage makes sense - giving you the confidence to buy without worry.

How Vehicle Reports Detect Mileage Anomalies

Mileage anomalies don’t just appear out of thin air. They’re identified by comparing official records from several reliable data sources.

When you run a car history check with TopCarCheck.co.uk, the system analyses data from the DVLA, MOT records, service history, and previous owners to flag any inconsistencies.

Let’s break down how the detection process works step-by-step.

1. Pulling Data from the DVLA

Every time a car in the UK undergoes an MOT test, its mileage reading is logged in the DVLA database. This provides an official timeline of how the vehicle’s mileage has progressed over the years.

A proper vehicle report will pull all those MOT readings and check whether the mileage increases consistently with time. Any drop in mileage readings instantly triggers an anomaly flag.

Example:

In this example, mileage dropped from 74,100 to 60,400 - a clear sign of potential clocking.

2. Analysing Service History and Dealer Records

Mileage data is also collected every time a car is serviced or repaired at a garage. These figures are often printed on service invoices or recorded digitally.

When TopCarCheck compiles your report, it cross-references these service records with official MOT and DVLA data. If the mileage on a garage record is lower than a previous MOT reading, it’s flagged as suspicious.

3. Checking Auction, Finance, and Insurance Records

Vehicles that have been financed, insured, or sold at auction often have their mileage recorded in each transaction.

Our system compares this data with official readings to make sure they align. If a car was sold at auction showing 100,000 miles but was later advertised with 70,000 miles, that’s a red flag.

4. Detecting Manual Tampering or Replacement Parts

Sometimes, anomalies are detected because the car’s odometer has been replaced or tampered with.

This could be:

• A deliberate clocking attempt

• An odometer replacement after dashboard damage

• An import car where kilometres were incorrectly converted to miles

Vehicle reports highlight these cases, helping you question the seller and ask for documented proof of any repairs or replacements.

Common Causes of Mileage Anomalies

Not all mileage anomalies mean fraud. Sometimes they occur due to simple human error or legitimate repairs.

Here are the most common reasons for mileage discrepancies:

Even if the cause is innocent, it’s still essential to verify it. An unexplained anomaly can reduce resale value or raise questions from future buyers.

How to Read Mileage Data in a Vehicle Report

Mileage data in a TopCarCheck report is presented in an easy-to-understand table that tracks the car’s progress over time.

You’ll see each recorded mileage reading, the date it was logged, and a trend line showing whether mileage increases normally or not.

Example section from a report:

When an anomaly is detected, the report explains possible causes and recommends additional checks before buying.

How a Mileage Anomaly Affects Car Value and Insurance

A single mileage anomaly might seem minor, but for buyers and insurers, it’s a big deal.

• Resale impact: Cars with inconsistent mileage histories can lose 15-30% of their market value.

• Insurance concerns: Some insurers may refuse to cover a car with unverifiable mileage.

• Finance risks: Lenders may reject applications if the car’s value can’t be confirmed.

By running a car history check, you protect yourself from overpaying or inheriting future ownership issues.

How to Verify Mileage Anomalies Before Buying

If a vehicle report shows an anomaly, don’t panic - it doesn’t always mean fraud. Here’s what to do next:

1. Ask for service history records
   Request garage invoices or service book stamps that confirm the mileage.

2. Check MOT certificates
   You can verify past MOT mileages using the DVLA’s MOT history service.

3. Inspect the car physically
   Worn pedals, seats, or steering wheels on a “low mileage” car can indicate tampering.

4. Run a full car history check
   Use TopCarCheck.co.uk to confirm official mileage data and cross-check all sources.

5. Speak to the seller
   Honest sellers should be able to explain inconsistencies or provide documentation.

Is Mileage Clocking Still Common in 2025?

While digital odometers were supposed to stop tampering, mileage clocking remains a real issue in the UK. In fact, recent figures suggest that over 1 in 16 used cars on UK roads show signs of altered mileage.

The problem is more common in:

• Imported vehicles

• Cars with private sellers

• Older models with less electronic security

That’s why it’s more important than ever to verify every used car’s mileage history before you buy.

How TopCarCheck Helps You Detect Mileage Fraud

At TopCarCheck.co.uk, our vehicle check combines official data from multiple verified sources to give you a complete mileage history.

Here’s what makes our mileage checks different:

• Data pulled directly from DVLA, PNC, and MOT databases

• Analysis of every mileage record across time

• Instant alerts for any inconsistencies or tampering

• Integration with other checks like finance, write-off, and stolen vehicle records

You’ll get a full digital report showing every recorded mileage reading and whether any anomalies were detected.

Quick Tips to Avoid Mileage Scams

• Always run a full car history check before paying a deposit

• Don’t trust handwritten service books without official stamps

• Be cautious of cars with no MOT history available online

• Compare dashboard mileage to MOT and DVLA data

• Trust your gut - if the mileage feels too low for the car’s age, it probably is

Final Thoughts - Always Check Before You Buy

Mileage anomalies can tell you a lot about a car’s past. Whether it’s a simple mistake or a sign of tampering, you deserve to know before you commit.

A quick mileage check through TopCarCheck.co.uk can uncover the full truth about any used car’s history. It’s fast, affordable, and essential for safe used car buying in the UK.

Before you buy, check it - and make sure the mileage adds up.