star Mike Brewer has previously admitted one "visual trick" every second-hand car owner should check. The host of the popular TV series explained how looking at a car number plate could reveal hidden details that private sellers or dealers may have kept quiet.

According to Mike, both car number plates should look identical and have similar identifying marks. However, a different plate on one side of the car could indicate the plate has been replaced for one reason or another. He suggested it could be suspicious if sellers try to keep this information quiet and may indicate the vehicle has previously been involved in an accident.

Mike explained: "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.

"And that's a really visual trick that you can do in two seconds at the car 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."

said there are several signs that indicate that a vehicle

This can , bodywork cracks and even

A difference in paintwork and uneven worn tyres could also be a sign of an uncertain past.

added: "A change in number plates can simply have occurred as people want to personalise their vehicles, but it can also be done to hide the car's past.

"Therefore, arranging a reg check on any car, van or motorbike that you are interested in buying is a great way of staying safe and avoiding becoming a victim of vehicle fraud."