Time has a way slipping by—especially when it comes to getting your vehicle serviced. 

A few years ago, a customer brought his 10-year-old vehicle into the repair shop for an oil change; since colder weather was approaching, the technician servicing his vehicle decided to inspect a few vital components that are essential to have working properly during the winter months, including the battery. 

The technician performed a battery test to check its ability to hold a charge, only to discover it was weak. When the service advisor asked the customer how old the battery was, the driver said he thought he had had it replaced “a couple of years ago.” The battery said otherwise! 

Most batteries have a manufacturing date stamped on them, so the technician was able to determine that it was five years old. This is around the time most batteries start to fail—and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on an old battery with a weak charge. To cover all bases, the technician also checked to see if the vehicle’s charging system was sending enough current to fully charge the battery; it was, so the recommendation was to replace the battery. 

If the technician hadn’t run that simple test on the battery, the customer may have ended up stranded on a cold winter day because the battery didn’t have the cranking power to start the engine. This story is a perfect example of why it’s important to maintain records of your vehicle’s maintenance, rather than relying on memory alone. With so much to keep track of these days, it’s easy to forget when essential maintenance was last performed. 

Why Drivers Should Keep a Car Maintenance Record

While we maintain complete records of every service you’ve had performed at our shop, and we’re always happy to look them up for you, there are several reasons why it’s a good idea to keep a car maintenance record yourself. 

Having your own maintenance records gives you quick and easy access to your vehicle’s service history; you can look it up at any time and don’t need to rely on anyone else to provide the information you’re looking for. This makes it a lot easier to keep track of your maintenance schedule and make sure you don’t miss any important services. It also helps with budgeting!

Some cars have reoccurring issues that can be tricky to resolve; keeping records of maintenance and repairs that have been performed can be invaluable when diagnosing them, especially if you’ve been to several mechanics for the same issue. Using the records as a guide, technicians can better understand the history of the problem and be more effective at solving it. 

If your vehicle is still under warranty, maintaining your own records can help you provide proof of proper maintenance if you need to make a claim. Many manufacturers require you to provide evidence that the maintenance was performed as recommended. If your vehicle changes hands at any point, you can pass on the records to the new owner. A car that has a well-documented maintenance history is also more attractive to potential buyers and can help increase its resale value. 

Tips for Creating a Vehicle Maintenance Record That Works for You

The good news is that creating a vehicle maintenance record is easy and can be completely customized to whatever system works best for you. 

If you prefer the low-tech route, you can file your service records and invoices in a file folder or binder or jot down notes in a notebook. To help you stay organized, consider adding a table of contents and dividers for different categories. It’s also important to keep your log updated with any new services you have performed. 

If you’d like to go the digital route, you can use a spreadsheet or a digital records app (like aCar, Drivvo, or MyCarfax) to keep track of everything. A cloud-based app, like Google Sheets, is a great option because it’s free and can be updated via your phone or computer. You can also create custom tables, filter data, and set up reminders. 

Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to keep your physical records and invoices as well, and include the following information:

• Date the service was performed
• Type of service performed
• Mileage at the time of service

This will help you monitor your car’s maintenance needs and keep it on schedule. 

If you purchased a used vehicle, you may have incomplete records. In this case, you may be able to find more information about your car’s maintenance history from:

• The dealership
• Online services, like Carfax and AutoCheck
• The previous owner

As we mentioned before, we also keep records of every service you’ve had performed at EuroCar Service and are always happy to provide any information you need to complete your maintenance record. And if you find your vehicle is overdue for routine maintenance, schedule an appointment today at (208) 527-8828! We specialize in all European makes and models, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Mini-Cooper, Fiat, Volvo, Volkswagen, Saab, Jaguar, and Smart Car. Don’t let time slip away—take control of your vehicle’s maintenance today! 

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