Has the mileage been clocked?
"Clocking" — winding back an odometer — makes a car look less used and worth more than it is. A mileage check exposes readings that don't add up.
Quick answer: Enter the plate for a free preview, then unlock the mileage analysis in a full report from £7.99. We cross-check every recorded reading to flag discrepancies.
What is clocking?
Clocking is the practice of reducing the mileage shown on a car's odometer to make it appear to have covered fewer miles. With modern digital dashboards, it can be done in minutes with cheap tools — and it's more common than most buyers realise. A clocked car hides wear and can be dangerously overdue for major servicing.
How a mileage check reveals it
Every time a car has an MOT, its mileage is recorded. Service records, finance applications and other industry data add more readings over time. Our check plots these readings in order — if a later reading is lower than an earlier one, or the mileage jumps implausibly, that's a red flag for clocking or an error worth investigating.
- Mileage that decreases between readings
- Unusually low annual mileage for the car's age
- A big gap with no readings, then a sudden low figure
Tip: Combine the mileage check with the car's MOT history and service book. Consistent, steadily rising mileage across all three is the sign of an honest car.
Mileage check FAQs
How do I check a car's mileage history?
Enter the registration into GuruCarCheck. We cross-reference recorded readings from MOT and industry sources to flag discrepancies, from £7.99.
Is clocking a car illegal?
Adjusting an odometer isn't automatically illegal, but selling a car without disclosing incorrect mileage is. A mileage check helps you spot a clocked car before you buy.