When buying a used car, it’s essential to check a car’s mileage history. This means finding out how far the vehicle has traveled. Why is this so important? The mileage tells you much about how well the previous owner(s) cared for the car. Knowing the true mileage is also important because it can affect the price you pay for the vehicle. So, it’s worth to pay for the mileage history check before purchasing. Let’s explore mileage anomalies, clocking, and mileage history so you can be an informed buyer or seller.
What are mileage clocking and mileage anomaly?
Mileage clocking is when someone alters the mileage on a car’s odometer to make it look like the vehicle has been driven less than it has. This can be done by physically tampering with the odometer or using special devices to alter the mileage reading electronically.
Sometimes, the recorded mileage of a vehicle may go down, even though it has been driven more. This is called a mileage anomaly. It can signify that something is not quite right with the car.
Mileage clocking is a trick that some dishonest dealers and sellers use to make a car’s mileage appear lower than it is. People used a drill to turn the odometer back in the past, but nowadays, they use special software because many odometers are digital.
We cross-check the mileage reports from multiple sources and flag any discrepancies as mileage anomalies. This ensures that our customers get accurate information about the vehicles they want.
Why is it essential to check the mileage on a car before you buy?
It’s essential to check the mileage on a car before buying it because the mileage reading can give you valuable information about the car’s condition and history. It can help you determine if the vehicle has been driven a lot or a little, which can affect its value and potential maintenance needs.
If a car has high mileage, it may have more wear and tear on its components, and it may require more frequent repairs. On the other hand, a car with low mileage may have been driven infrequently, which can also lead to maintenance issues. By checking the mileage before you buy, you can better understand what to expect from the car and avoid surprises.
How are mileage records typically recorded?
MOT testing is the UK’s most commonly used source for mileage history. Every time an MOT test is done, the engineer records the vehicle’s mileage, creating a useful mileage log that can be accessed for free from GOV.uk. When viewing a car, it’s essential to compare the reading to the actual odometer reading and ask the seller if there are any discrepancies. Almost 2.5 million UK vehicles have a discrepancy between the odometer reading and the mileage data held by the DVLA.
How to check if your car mileage is genuine?
If you suspect that the mileage on a car may not be genuine, there are a few steps you can take to investigate further:
- Check the MOT certificates and service documents for consistency of mileage readings
- Contact previous owners named on the log book and ask what the mileage was when they sold the car
- Carry out a mileage anomaly check to get an accurate mileage reading for a vehicle
- Inspect the car for signs of wear and tear that may not match the recorded mileage
- Verify the condition of the odometer itself to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.
By following these steps, you can better understand the car’s true mileage and make an informed decision before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How to check the mileage of a car for free?
You can obtain free mileage information through the Gov UK website, but it only provides the most recent mileage record and has certain limitations.
If you want complete peace of mind, reviewing the historical mileage records to detect suspicious activity is essential. At roadtaxcheck, we offer this service and take it further by mapping all mileage records into easy-to-read graphs for your convenience.
2.Is clocking a car illegal in the UK?
Yes, it is illegal to sell any mileage-clocked car knowingly. To prevent falling victim to mileage fraud, buyers must take precautions, such as checking the vehicle’s history for discrepancies and inspecting the car’s condition. Completing a mileage anomaly check can provide additional peace of mind and help avoid potential issues with the car’s mileage history.
3.Is a mileage history check enough when buying a used car?
A mileage history check is one of many reports needed when buying a used car. It’s essential also to conduct a comprehensive vehicle data check to ensure that the vehicle’s registration is genuine and has not been cloned or copied. You must conduct these checks to check the car’s authenticity in the first place.
4.How does car clocking impact the value of a vehicle?
“Clocked” cars often have their odometers tampered with to deceive buyers into believing the vehicle has lower mileage than it does. This can significantly reduce the car’s actual market value and make it more challenging to sell, as savvy buyers will likely notice the discrepancy and hesitate to purchase.
5.Where does the mileage check details comes from?
The DVSA records the mileage data of vehicles during their MOT tests. We analyze this data by scanning the recorded mileage at each test to identify any inconsistencies, such as instances of mileage drops or a mix of miles and kilometers in the odometer readings.