Look Out For ‘Clocking’ in Hire Cars
People who are looking to buy a used vehicle or hire cars from a firm in the UK are being warned to do their homework first to ensure that 'clocking' has not taken place. Clocking involves a vehicle's mileage reader being tampered with, so that it displays a lower mileage then the car has actually traveled. This practice is surprising not illegal in Britain, though some groups are campaigning to make it so.
Until the government does take cation, there are ways that consumers can avoid purchasing or renting a clocked vehicle. For one thing, people should only rent vehicles from reputable car hire firms or buy them from trustworthy dealers. Those who buy privately should always be sure they conduct a full and independent vehicle history check. Statistics from the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency revealed that clocking is a relatively common problem, with one in 39 cars having their mileage altered.