Check if a Vehicle Has Mileage Issues by Reg Number

Check a Car for Mileage Issues and Hidden History

Use this service to verify mileage discrepancies for any vehicle registered in the UK.

What are the risks associated with cars and mileage anomalies?

  • Car clocking is illegal. Some car owners reduce the odometer reading to increase resale value.
  • Higher mileage cars have worn parts that can be dangerous if not maintained or replaced.
  • You may be driving a car that has travelled significantly more miles than displayed on the mileometer.
  • A car’s value is reduced when checked for mileage issues.
  • Selling a car with ‘rollback’ or clocked mileage is difficult.

Verifying a car for mileage discrepancies is crucial in buying a used car. CarVeto database investigates mileage history across major motoring databases, ensuring a vehicle has genuine miles.

Enter a vehicle registration number in the field above and run a comprehensive mileage check.

Explore a detailed vehicle history report that reveals hidden history, including:

  • Mileage checks
  • Theft, stolen or stolen recovered
  • Write off markers
  • Outstanding finance
  • Number plate changes

Where Does Mileage Data Come From?

The CarVeto database investigates the following mileage registers:

  • BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association)
  • RMI (Retail Motor Industry Federation)
  • DVLA: Specifically, MOT mileage history

 

How Is BVRLA Mileage Data Verified?

If a vehicle’s records include BVRLA mileage, it indicates that it was either personally leased or used as a company car, often with multiple drivers. These records pertain to vehicles previously operated by a British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association member (BVRLA), primarily including rental and leasing companies.

The mileage data captured is typically the disposal mileage reading, recorded when the vehicle is returned to the leasing company or prepared for resale.

This data can be a valuable reference for prospective buyers to assess a vehicle’s historical usage and verify its mileage integrity.

How is RMI Mileage Data Collected?

The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) collects mileage data through its member retailers and garages network. This data is gathered during routine activities such as stock audits, vehicle servicing, repairs, and other maintenance-related tasks.

Each mileage reading submitted to the RMI database is documented as part of these activities, ensuring a consistent and reliable record.

RMI mileage records are valuable for cross-referencing and validating a vehicle’s historical mileage.

DVLA Mileage Records

DVLA mileage records are sourced from the official DVLA MOT history database, which logs the recorded mileage at each MOT test. During our checks, we compare the recorded mileages across all MOT tests to identify and highlight any anomalies.

These checks are crucial in verifying whether a car’s mileage is genuine and accurate.

The DVLA relies on MOT testers to record the exact mileage during each test. While this data is considered reliable, its accuracy depends on the testers’ precision. The mileage history is easily accessible through the official GOV—UK website, allowing motorists to perform a basic mileage check.

For more in-depth insights and validation, this data is a foundation for premium CarVeto history reports, ensuring added layers of confidence and protection for car buyers. More information about the MOT History of a Vehicle.

How to Check if a Vehicle Mileage is Genuine

Buyers can verify a vehicle’s mileage through manual inspections, reviewing documentation, and conducting a CarVeto online history check. By paying attention to physical signs of wear and comparing records, you can identify misrepresentations in the vehicle’s mileage.

 

Key Indicators to Watch for Misrepresented Mileage:

  • Signs of High Usage:

    Look for excessive stone chips on the bonnet, front bumper, grille area, and door mirrors. These often indicate extensive motorway driving.

  • Wear on Interior Components:

    Check for worn gear stick gaiters, pedal rubbers, seat lumbar support, steering wheel grips, or webbed seat belt tensioners. Excessive wear on these parts can be a clue to high mileage.

  • Unusually New Parts:

    If an older car has shiny or new replacements for the above parts, it may suggest attempts to conceal mileage issues.

  • Oil Check

    Inspect the engine oil by dipping the oil stick. Ensure the oil level is adequate and check for unusual signs, such as moisture, sludge, or white residue. These can indicate mechanical issues, such as engine wear or damage, associated with excessive mileage.

 

Cross-Check Documentation:

  • Service History vs. MOT Records:

    Compare dates and recorded mileages in the service history with those in the MOT history and your CarVeto history report. Look for inconsistencies or unusual gaps.

  • Verify With Maintenance Providers:

    Contact garages or service providers listed in the service history. Confirm the mileage they recorded during maintenance to ensure it matches your records.

 

By combining these inspection methods and documentation checks, you can better understand the vehicle’s actual mileage and avoid potential misrepresentation.

Why Does My Car Show No Mileage Data Available?

Common reasons why a vehicle lacks mileage data. Determine the next steps for verifying the vehicle’s history:

 

Common Reasons for Missing Mileage Data:

  1. Young Vehicle with No MOT History:
    There are no MOT history records if the car is relatively new (less than 3 years old).
    It may not have records with organisations like BVRLA or RMI. In such cases, manual inspections (as outlined above) are essential. You can contact our expert team or consider an independent vehicle inspection for further assistance.
  2. Vehicle Registered in Northern Ireland:
    Vehicles registered in Northern Ireland may not appear in the DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service, limiting mileage data availability.
  3. Plate Transfer Process:
    Our database might need to reflect updated DVLA mileage information if the vehicle is currently undergoing a plate transfer.

 

How Can I Correct Mileage History Errors?

If you believe your vehicle’s mileage history is incorrect, there are steps to correct the error, depending on the source of the discrepancy:

Correcting Errors in MOT History:

  1. If the Error Was Made Within the Last 28 Days:
    • Contact the MOT test centre that recorded the mileage.
    • Request an amendment to correct the mistake.
  2. If the Error Was Made More Than 28 Days Ago:
    • Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to request a correction.
    • Follow the official process outlined in the GOV—UK website.

 

Correcting BVRLA or RMI Mileage Inconsistencies:

  • Contact our expert team if discrepancies are found in BVRLA or RMI mileage records.
  • We will investigate the issue with the respective organisation and work to resolve it on your behalf.

How Many Cars Have Mileage Alterations in the UK?

Clocked mileage alterations have become increasingly common in the UK, reflecting a growing issue in vehicle fraud.

Here are the statistics and contributing factors:

Mileage Statistics:

  • According to hpicheck.co.uk, 1 in 20 cars were clocked in 2014.
  • By 2021, the National Mileage Register (NMR) reported that 1 in 11 cars had clocked mileage.
  • Our data reveals that 1 in 18 vehicles were clocked in 2020.

 

Why the Rise in Clocked Mileage?

The increase in clocked cars is partly attributed to the popularity of PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) and PCH (Personal Contract Hire) finance deals. These agreements include strict mileage limits, with expensive penalties for exceeding the agreed mileage (usually 10,000 miles per year).

Some vehicle owners turn to mileage correction companies offering rollback services to avoid these charges, artificially reducing the vehicle’s mileage reading. While illegal in most circumstances, this practice is widespread due to the financial incentives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy a Car With Mileage Discrepancies?

You can buy a car with mileage discrepancies, but it is not recommended. Clocked cars may be unsafe, illegal, excessively worn, and difficult to resell. Due to unverified mileage, they are also worth significantly less. Assess mileage and hidden history with a free vehicle details check.

What Is the Average Mileage for a Used Car?

The average mileage for a used car in the UK is approximately 10,000 miles per year, but this figure can vary depending on the vehicle type and usage.

How Do I Check My Car Mileage on the Dashboard?

To check your car mileage on the dashboard, turn on the ignition and locate the mileometer. Some vehicles require the infotainment system to display mileage. For older cars, the mileage is usually displayed in the centre of the odometer.

How Do I Compare Vehicle Documents to Verify Mileage?

To compare vehicle documents to verify mileage, match the dates and mileages in the service history with MOT records and your CarVeto report. Look for discrepancies and inspect the vehicle for signs of tampering, like unusual wear or new components.

What Is Odometer Rollback?

Odometer rollback is the illegal act of reducing a vehicle’s mileage to increase its resale value. It is also called car clocking and is a common form of mileage fraud.

Why Clock a Car?

A car is clocked to increase its resale value by artificially lowering the recorded mileage, often to hide excessive use or wear.

What is the Difference Between Mileage Clocking and Alternation?

Mileage clocking is the illegal practice of rolling back odometers to reduce mileage. Mileage alteration can include legal adjustments, such as corrections for errors.

What Is an OBD Scanner Used for Vehicle Mileage?

An Obd2 scanner adjusts a vehicle’s mileage by altering odometer reading data stored in its Electronic Control Unit (ECU). It is commonly used for illegal mileage correction or tampering.

Why Is My MOT Mileage Wrong?

Your MOT mileage may be wrong due to an error made by the MOT tester during the test. These mistakes can occur during both passes and failures. Read on DVLA Mileage History.

Are Mercedez Benz and VW Golf vehicles the most clocked cars?

Currently, German cars are most commonly clocked, including the BMW X5 and Volkswagen Touareg.

Can I Get a Mileage Check for My Motorcycle?

You can get a mileage check for your motorcycle by running its registration number through our database. We will identify any discrepancies or missing mileage records.