At MotorCheck, we understand that accurate mileage information is crucial for trade professionals when assessing a vehicle's value and integrity. Our mileage database is designed to provide detailed and reliable data, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Common Causes of Odometer Discrepancies
Many "Odometer Discrepancies" flagged in vehicle reports are often the result of simple data input errors rather than intentional tampering. These mistakes typically occur when private individuals submit odometer readings and inadvertently:
Add an extra zero (e.g., entering 100,000 instead of 10,000)
Misplace a comma or decimal point
Transpose digits (e.g., entering 23,456 instead of 32,456)
Such errors can create anomalies in the vehicle's mileage history, showing sudden and illogical spikes or drops in the readings.
Identifying Data Input Errors with MotorCheck
Our platform features a comprehensive mileage graph that visually represents the vehicle's mileage progression over time. Data input errors are usually easy to spot on this graph:
Anomalies: Look for readings that are exceptionally high or low compared to previous data points.
Trajectory: If the mileage returns to a normal trajectory after the anomaly, it's likely a data entry mistake.
By analysing the graph, you can distinguish between genuine odometer discrepancies and simple input errors, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the vehicle's true mileage history.
Avoiding Unnecessary Discrepancies
We recognise that some provenance providers require trade users to input a current mileage reading before providing a mileage check. This practice can lead to:
Guesswork: Users may estimate the mileage if the exact reading isn't available.
Inaccuracies: Estimated readings can introduce false data into the vehicle's history.
Unnecessary Discrepancies: Guessing can create conflicts with existing data, leading to confusion and mistrust.
MotorCheck's Flexible Approach
To promote accuracy and ease of use, MotorCheck does not require you to enter a mileage reading for our Trade Check services. Our approach offers several benefits:
Optional Input: Enter a mileage reading only if you have accurate information.
Editable Entries: If you realise you've entered an incorrect reading, you can modify it directly in the report at any time.
Reduced Errors: By eliminating the need to guess, we help maintain the integrity of the mileage data.
Commitment to Quality Data
Our mileage database is built on the principles of detail and quality:
Comprehensive Data Collection: We aggregate mileage readings from a wide range of reliable sources that totals in excess of 500 million readings.
Contributors include government sources such as the DVLA and MOT databases, private sources such as Fleet Management companies, Service Records, Classified Listings, Auction Providers, Trade Users.
Regular Updates: Our database is continuously updated to reflect the most recent information.
Data Verification: We employ robust verification processes to minimize errors and discrepancies.
Understanding Discrepancies in Mileage Data Across Providers
As explained above, Mileage checks performed by MotorCheck and other providers, such as HPI, are built on a common foundation of data sourced from the MOT, DVLA, and established mileage providers. Both providers use similar methodologies, comparing current readings (if available) against historical data.
However, each provider maintains its own database. For instance, HPI has the NMR (National Mileage Register), Experian has the VMC (Vehicle Mileage Check), while MotorCheck manages its own database. Although the majority of data sources are shared, discrepancies can occasionally arise. For example, if an insurance company submitted a mileage reading while making an enquiry through HPI but not through MotorCheck, that reading would appear only in the HPI database.
This setup means that any reading logged by a MotorCheck customer won’t necessarily appear in HPI’s database, and vice versa. Our goal is to deliver comprehensive and up-to-date mileage information, but some differences may arise based on individual provider usage.
Should you have any questions or need assistance interpreting mileage data on a specific report, our support team is always ready to help.