How Do I Find Service Records For My Car?

Keeping track of a car’s service history is an essential task for every vehicle owner. Regular maintenance is necessary for a car to run smoothly and last longer. When the time comes to sell or trade-in your car, service records help to prove that the vehicle has been well-maintained, which increases its resale value.

However, sometimes it can be difficult to keep track of the service history of a car, especially if it has changed ownership multiple times. Fortunately, there are several ways to find service records for your car. In this article, we’ll go over the different methods and discuss some frequently asked questions about car service records.

How to Find Service Records For My Car

Here are a few options to consider when attempting to find service records for your car:

1. Check Your Glove Box
The first place to check for service records is your car’s glove box. Most car owners keep service records, receipts, and other important documents in the glove box. Look for a folder or envelope labeled “Service Records” or “Maintenance Records”. If you find any records, review them to see what services have been performed on your car.

2. Contact the Previous Owner
If you purchased a used car, you can try to contact the previous owner to obtain service records. If you bought the car from a dealership, they may have information about the previous owner and could provide you with their contact information. You can also try to find the previous owner by searching social media or online directories. Once you find the previous owner, ask if they have any service records for the car and if they can provide you with copies.

3. Contact the Dealership
If your car was serviced at a dealership, you can contact them to obtain service records. Provide them with the make, model, and VIN number of your car. They should be able to pull up the service history and provide you with copies of the records. If the dealership has closed or you don’t remember which dealership serviced your car, you can contact the manufacturer’s customer service department for assistance.

4. Contact an Independent Mechanic
If your car was serviced at an independent mechanic, you can try to contact them to obtain the service records. If the mechanic is still in business, they should be able to provide you with copies of the records. If the mechanic has gone out of business, you can try to find other independent mechanics in the area that may have information about the previous mechanic. You can also try to search for reviews of the mechanic online to see if other customers have mentioned service records.

5. Check Online Databases
There are several online databases that compile service records for cars. These databases collect information from dealerships, repair shops, and car owners. Some popular databases include Carfax, AutoCheck, and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. These databases may charge a fee for their services but can provide you with a comprehensive service history of your car.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Service Records

Here are some frequently asked questions about car service records:

Q: What information should be included in service records?
A: Service records should include the date of the service, the type of service performed, the parts used, and the cost of the service. It should also include the name and address of the mechanic or dealership that performed the service.

Q: How often should I have my car serviced?
A: The frequency of service varies depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically, cars should be serviced every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or every 6 months to a year.

Q: Can I perform maintenance on my car myself?
A: Yes, many car owners perform basic maintenance on their cars, such as changing the oil, replacing the air filter, and rotating the tires. However, some maintenance requires specialized tools or knowledge and should be performed by a professional mechanic.

Q: Are service records important for my car’s resale value?
A: Yes, service records are important for establishing the value of a car. They show potential buyers that the car has been well-maintained and can be expected to perform well in the future. Cars with service records typically sell for a higher price than cars without records.

Q: Should I keep my car’s service records?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to keep all service records for your car. You never know when you’ll need to reference them or when you’ll sell or trade in your car. They’re also helpful for budgeting for future repairs and maintenance.

Conclusion

Finding service records for your car is an important task that can help you keep your vehicle running smoothly and increase its resale value. By checking your glove box, contacting the previous owner, the dealership, an independent mechanic, or searching online databases, you can obtain a comprehensive service history of your car. Always keep your car’s service records to ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained and to establish its value.