Your car’s mileage, as the name suggests, is the number of miles your car has travelled since its registration.
In this blog, we’ll talk about all the reasons a mileage check is important, when to check a car’s mileage and why is mileage recorded during your annual MOT test. We’ll also let you know the easiest way for you to check your car’s mileage yourself.
What is car mileage and why is it important
Your car’s mileage refers to the distance your car has travelled since it was first manufactured.
There are various reasons your car mileage will need to be checked:
How to perform a mileage check
Checking your car's mileage is straightforward.
The total mileage is usually displayed on the car's dashboard, typically behind the steering wheel. Here's how you can check your car mileage:
Don’t have access to the car right now? Check the recorded mileage during the last MOT mileage check in Caura! Here’s how:
Why MOT testers record car mileage
A lower car mileage often increases a car’s resale value. A recent study by HPI showed that one in 11 cars on the used car market have changed their mileage by rolling it back, equating to roughly 2.5 million cars with incorrect mileage. That’s a 45% increase in the number of “clocked” cars over the last five years.
The DVLA prevents mileage fraud by having MOT testers record the vehicle mileage annually.
Other reasons MOT testers record mileage include:
Remember, MOT tests, including mileage records, are publicly available in the UK. Therefore, it is essential for car owners to ensure the recorded mileage is accurate during each test. You can check a vehicle’s mileage and up-to-date MOT history in Caura.
When should you do a mileage check?
Checking a car's mileage should be part of regular vehicle maintenance and awareness, but there are circumstances when it becomes particularly important:
In conclusion, the habit of frequently checking car mileage will make you more aware of your vehicle's health, ensure it receives timely maintenance, and helps car buyers make an informed decision.