Clocking — winding back a car's odometer to show lower mileage than it has actually done — is illegal in the UK under the Fraud Act 2006. It's also, unfortunately, still fairly common. The trade body SMMT estimates around 20% of used cars have had their mileage tampered with at some point. Here's how to protect yourself.
Why Does Clocking Happen?
Mileage has a direct impact on used car value. A 2016 Ford Focus with 40,000 miles is worth considerably more than the same car with 120,000 miles. Clocking the odometer to show 40,000 miles on a 120,000-mile car can add £2,000–£4,000 to the asking price — and cost the buyer that much in unexpected repair bills and reduced lifespan.
The Warning Signs
MOT History Mileage Inconsistencies
This is the most reliable check. Go to check-mot.service.gov.uk and look at the mileage recorded at every MOT test. The mileage should increase consistently over time. If it drops — even slightly — the car has been clocked. No legitimate explanation exists for a car's mileage to decrease.
Wear Inconsistent With the Claimed Mileage
Look at:
- Steering wheel — heavily worn leather on a "low mileage" car is suspicious
- Driver's seat bolster — should show wear proportional to mileage
- Pedal rubbers — foot pedals wear down over miles. Near-new pedal rubbers on a claimed 30,000-mile car might mean the rubbers were replaced to hide wear
- Gear knob and handbrake — both show wear from heavy use
Service History Gaps or Suspiciously Low Stamps
A car with claimed 40,000 miles should have roughly 3–4 services. If it has one stamp and some gaps, the history doesn't add up. Check the mileage on any invoices or stamps against the current reading.
Telltale Digital Odometer Signs
Modern digital odometers are harder to tamper with but not impossible. Look for:
- Dashboard that looks like it's been removed and refitted (screw marks, gaps in trim)
- Odometer display that looks slightly misaligned with the rest of the dash
- Any evidence the instrument cluster has been replaced
How to Protect Yourself
- Always check MOT history — free and definitive. A single mileage drop ends the conversation.
- Run an HPI check — includes mileage discrepancy alerts from multiple databases
- Ask for a full service history — invoices with mileages recorded let you cross-reference
- If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is — a very low-mileage example priced significantly below market value should prompt questions, not excitement
What to Do If You've Already Bought a Clocked Car
If you can prove the seller knew about the mileage discrepancy (hard with a private seller, easier with a dealer), you may have grounds for a claim under the Fraud Act. Report it to Trading Standards and seek legal advice. Citizens Advice can help guide you through your options.
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