How to Spot Odometer Clocking in the UK

In this guide, we’ll break down how odometer clocking works, the red flags to look out for, and how you can protect yourself before you buy.

What Is Odometer Clocking?

Odometer clocking is when someone illegally rolls back a car’s mileage to make it look like it has less wear and tear. Why? Because lower mileage cars fetch higher prices. That extra 50,000 miles could knock £1,000 or more off a car’s value, depending on the model.

Clocking used to involve physically turning back analogue dials. Now it’s mostly digital - but that doesn’t mean it’s any less dodgy or hard to detect. In fact, digital dashboards have made it easier for fraudsters to change the numbers without leaving visible clues.

Why It’s a Big Deal

A car that looks like it’s done 50,000 miles might actually have done 120,000. That’s not just a pricing issue - it’s about safety, too. Parts wear down with use. A heavily clocked car could be closer to major engine, gearbox or suspension failure than you realise.

Buying a clocked car means:

• You’re paying more than it’s worth

• You’re at higher risk of breakdowns and repairs

• You’ll likely have issues selling it later

• Insurance claims might be affected if discrepancies come to light

Common Signs of Odometer Clocking

Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

1. MOT History Doesn’t Add Up

The first thing to check is the car’s MOT history on Gov.uk. If the mileage suddenly drops in a previous year or doesn’t increase consistently, that’s a major red flag.

2. Excessive Wear for the Mileage

Check the wear on the seats, steering wheel, gear stick, and pedals. If the car says it’s done 40,000 miles but the seat looks like it’s done 140,000 - something’s off.

3. Inconsistent Service History

Service books often include mileage readings. A gap in service records or numbers that don’t align with the MOT history could point to tampering.

4. Missing or Replaced Dashboard

Sometimes, sellers will replace the instrument cluster completely. Ask why. A swapped dash should come with proof - and could be innocent - but it’s worth digging into.

5. Cheap Price for the Model

Clocked cars are often sold cheap to make a fast sale. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always ask why a car is cheaper than similar listings.

How to Properly Check for Clocking

Doing your homework can save you thousands. Here’s what you should do before buying:

Use a Vehicle History Check

Services like TopCarCheck.co.uk let you see:

• MOT history and mileage changes

• Previous mileage readings from services and records

• Any discrepancies that hint at clocking

This takes just a few minutes and costs less than a takeaway. It’s one of the best tools to catch mileage fraud.

Cross-Reference Paperwork

Ask for:

• The service history

• MOT certificates

• Repair or maintenance receipts

Compare all the recorded mileages. They should follow a natural upward curve. If the numbers jump or dip, ask questions.

Check with Previous Owners

If you’re serious about a car, contact the previous owner listed on the V5C logbook. They might give you useful info about the mileage when they sold it.

Is Clocking Illegal in the UK?

Yes, it’s illegal to sell a car knowing it has been clocked without disclosing it. Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, that’s considered a criminal offence.

If you're caught clocking:

• You can be prosecuted

• Fined

• In extreme cases, even jailed

If you unknowingly buy a clocked car, you can pursue a refund or compensation, but it’s not always easy. Prevention is better than cure.

Real Life Example: Claire’s Costly Mistake

Claire bought a 2015 Ford Fiesta that had supposedly done just 43,000 miles. Everything looked tidy. The seller was charming. She didn’t bother checking the MOT history.

A few weeks later, the car started acting up. When her local garage ran a check, the records showed the car had 118,000 miles just a year earlier. It had been clocked.

She tried to track the seller but he’d disappeared. No comeback. Claire was stuck with a worn-out car she overpaid for - and zero legal options.

How to Avoid Getting Mugged Off

Before you even go to view a car:

• Get the reg number

• Run a full vehicle history check

• Compare MOT and service records

• Look at market prices

And when viewing:

• Trust your gut

• Inspect the car thoroughly

• Ask to see all documents

• Bring someone with you if possible

If something feels shady, walk away. There are always more cars out there.

The Bottom Line

Odometer clocking is still alive in the UK, and it’s costing car buyers millions each year. The best way to protect yourself? Knowledge. A quick vehicle history check from TopCarCheck gives you the real picture behind the dashboard.

Don’t trust the mileage at face value. Verify it, question it, and always double-check the paperwork. That five-minute check could save you thousands - and a whole lot of stress.

Ready to Check a Car’s True Mileage?

Head over to TopCarCheck.co.uk and get the facts before you buy. Don’t let clockers take you for a ride.