Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer admits ‘visual trick’ for all used car buyers

Mike Brewer has revealed how used car owners can identify hidden damage (Image: X / @MartinLewis)

Wheeler Dealers’ TV host Mike Brewer has revealed a secret “visual trick” everyone can use to not be caught out while buying a second-hand used car.

The presenter of the popular classic car restoration programme stressed potential buyers can identify hidden vehicle damage in seconds using a simple tip. 

Mike admitted that checking car number plates at the front and rear of the vehicle was vital to identifying hidden messages. 

Different plates could suggest the car has previously been involved in an accident which may not be easily identifiable. 

The hack could stop petrol, diesel and electric car buyers from parting with money and finalising a deal without knowing all the information.

Different number plates on the fornt and rear could be a sign of damage (Image: X / @MikeBrewer)

Speaking on his One Automotive YouTube channel, Mike said: “You need to turn yourself into a crime investigator. One of the things you can do that is really simple is just take a look at the number plates. 

“Take a look at the front number plates at the very bottom, it says ‘The Trade Centre’. That’s the dealer that put the plate on it. 

“Now if we go to the back of the car, the number plate on the back of the car also says ‘The Trade Centre’. 

“And there’s a ‘Trade Centre’ sticker in the rear window. If it had an accident on the front or the rear it’s likely to have a number plate changed by the accident centre.

“That means this car hasn't had an accident in our opinion because it's got matching front and back number plates.”

Mike previously stressed that road users could be caught out if they purchase a vehicle at a car auction. 

This is because potential owners won’t have long to thoroughly check over a car or get a proper test drive before agreeing to a deal.

With so many models available, quick checks which take just moments to complete could be crucial in getting a great deal or being caught out.

Mike concluded: “And that’s a really visual trick that you can do in two seconds at the cart auction.”

“If it's got ‘Trade Centre’ at the front and ‘Brewer Motors’ at the back why? 

“Why has it got a different number plate at the back than the front, so you need to start looking for signs of accident damage.”