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Start with a free vehicle check, then go deeper only when you need to.

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Vehicle CO₂ emissions

Check the car's recorded CO₂ emissions in context.

CO₂ figures are useful when comparing vehicles and can be relevant to vehicle tax rules. The recorded figure should be treated as part of the vehicle specification rather than a promise of real-world fuel economy.

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CO₂ is a specification and tax reference

Recorded CO₂ emissions can affect how a vehicle falls within particular tax rules depending on its age and registration date. Tax treatment is not determined by one figure for every vehicle.

Do not confuse CO₂ with fuel economy

A lower official CO₂ figure does not guarantee a particular real-world MPG result. Driving style, journey type, weather, vehicle condition and engine technology all affect actual consumption.

Use emissions when comparing similar cars

CO₂ can be a helpful extra comparison point between engines or models, particularly when combined with vehicle tax cost, fuel type and the way you plan to use the car.

How to use this information

MyPlateCheck combines available vehicle data into buyer-focused checks. Data can contain omissions or recording errors, so use it alongside the V5C and VIN, service history, seller evidence and a physical inspection. Resolve material inconsistencies before paying for a vehicle.

Learn before you buy

Guides related to this check.

Use these practical guides to understand what the data can mean and what to verify with the seller or vehicle.

Tax & DVLAWhy Check a Car's CO2 Emissions Before Buying?How CO2 data can help explain vehicle tax, compare models and understand a used car's official emissions figure.Read guide →Tax & DVLAHow Is Car Tax Cost Calculated in the UK?A buyer-friendly overview of why vehicle tax cost can vary by registration date, emissions, fuel type and vehicle rules.Read guide →Vehicle dataDVLA and DVSA Vehicle Data Explained for Car BuyersUnderstand the different jobs of DVLA and DVSA vehicle information and how public data fits into a wider used-car history check.Read guide →

Questions buyers ask

Useful answers before you check.

Does CO₂ determine car tax for every vehicle?+

No. UK vehicle tax rules vary by registration date and vehicle type, so CO₂ is only one part of the calculation for some vehicles.

Is CO₂ the same as MPG?+

No. CO₂ is an emissions figure, while MPG describes fuel consumption.

Can I check CO₂ from a registration?+

Where the vehicle data contains a recorded CO₂ figure, MyPlateCheck can present it as part of the vehicle information.

Start with the registration

Check the vehicle before you commit.

Run the free vehicle check first, then choose deeper history checks if the purchase needs them.