How to check the service history of a car
Misplaced your service booklet? Or perhaps you're recently purchased a vehicle that did not come with one? Not to worry - your car's service history can still be retrieved. Find out the easiest ways to check your car's service history today from our helpful guide.
What does full car service history mean?
A car's full-service history refers to the record of repair work or maintenance the vehicle has had conducted on it throughout its lifetime. This shows what work was completed, and, equally importantly, when the work was completed.
It's important to have a record of this, as one of the most important things to consider before purchasing a new car is that you're aware of the service history. Without a record of this, buyers may be more reluctant to purchase your vehicle - as there may come a time where the owner may need to know the in-depth service history of the car, and may not have easy access to do so.
How to check car service history
So, what are the best ways to check your vehicle's service history if you do not have the vehicle service booklet?
- Getting in touch with your garage - if you know where your car's last service took place, you should be able to get your hands on the service history relatively easily. Due to modern technology, most garages have computerised files - meaning your previous service history should be easily available.
- Speaking to the manufacturer I if you do not know which garage the car was last serviced, speaking directly to the manufacturer of the vehicle can help, as they should be able to provide you with information on your car's service history. Simply provide them with your VIN number - which is located on the car's door frame, or in the engine compartment. They should then be able to advise you which dealer performed the last service, so you can then approach them for more information.
When is my car service due?
In many modern vehicles, a reminder service will appear on the dashboard when the car is due for a service. However, if your car does not have this modern technology, it's best to go by the mantra that a full service should be completed every 12 months, and an interim (or short) service should be undertaken every 6 months. Learn more about how often you should service your vehicle.
Ways to find out when your car service is due include:
- Service book - looking in the service book. This will be your physical evidence of servicing, which you should keep in a safe place. This should show the last date of service.
- Months/miles - the service book will also state the service intervals which are required (e.g. every 12 months or 6 months, or every 10,000 miles).
- Dashboard - your car's dashboard will often prompt you for when a service is due. However, as this is now more dependent on how the car has been used as opposed to length of time, the intervals between services may vary.
Now you know how to check a car's service history, perhaps you're ready to book in your own service? Find your local PTA Garages today. Alternatively, get in touch with a member of our expert team for more information and advice on your service history check.
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