(Newswire.net — August 18, 2018) — Being a car owner comes with lots of responsibility. One of the key obligations involves getting the vehicle regularly serviced so that small issues don’t become major problems. But as important as getting the vehicle serviced is, it could be argued that keeping careful documentation of the service is equally as significant.
Why Do Vehicle Maintenance Records Matter?
In certain countries, such as Australia – logbook services are standard when it comes to buying and selling a vehicle. When you go to service your car, the inspections, repairs, and maintenance are all recorded in the logbook so that the information can be accessed by the manufacturer, owner, and future buyers.
In the United States, this isn’t always the case. Sure, there are records, but very few car owners have all of this information recorded in a single place that’s clear and accessible. Despite a lack of standardization in the industry, it’s imperative that you keep meticulous vehicle maintenance records.
There are numerous reasons for keeping maintenance records – including to appease future buyers – but, perhaps most importantly, it can help you in a situation where you need a factory or manufacturer warranty to kick in. Just ask an individual who recently called into the Car Pro Show detailing a story about a problem he had with his Kia. The Kia was purchased pre-owned and had a factory certified warranty up to 100,000 miles. At 42,000 miles, the engine seized and the car stopped running.
When the individual’s dealer called the factory for authorization to repair the engine – which had completely sludged up – the request was denied. Despite that they were performed, there wasn’t adequate documentation to support the proper oil changes and engine care.
“Automakers will deny coverage of any repair if it appears neglect or abuse are factors,” Car Pro explains. “In cases like this, the owner of the car must prove they performed all the prescribed services. If that cannot be proven in detail, the warranty claim can be denied.”
In other words, we aren’t just talking about keeping records for the sake of being organized. We’re talking about keeping records as a way of protecting your investment and potentially saving thousands of dollars.
3 Tips for Keeping Auto Maintenance Records
If you’re like most people, you don’t have a good system for documenting repairs and keeping vehicle maintenance records. Here are a few tips:
1. Ask for All Documentation at Purchase
When purchasing a used car, it’s important that you ask for all documentation. In addition to the basics – such as the VIN number, make, model, and warranty information – you also want as much history on the vehicle as possible. This includes everything from oil changes and tire rotations to serious damage and/or repairs. You may not have another chance to get this information, so do it while you can.
2. Keep All Receipts and Service Records
Any time you have service performed, ask for comprehensive records. Even if they promise to record the service digitally, it’s good to have your own paper copies that can be stored with the vehicle and accessed at any given moment.
The same goes for any services you handle on your own. For example, let’s say you change your own oil. Type up a report each time that states when the oil was changed, what the mileage was at the time, the type of oil used, and any other pertinent information. Not only does this help you remember, but it could also come in handy if other issues arise in the future.
3. Keep a Logbook
It’s smart to keep a logbook in your vehicle and use it to document information that doesn’t get recorded formally.
For example, let’s say you’re driving down the highway one day and you hear a strange thumping sound in the engine. You pull over, pop the hood, and poke around. Even if you don’t find anything, it’s a good idea to record the incident with the date, mileage, and personal notes. That way, if you hear the strange sound again, you’ll be able to compare it with the previous experience.
Do Your Future Self a Favor
The problem most people have in life is they only think about the short-term. They’re so focused on the present – i.e. how something makes them feel today – that they rarely look at how choices impact future realities. This leads to poor decision making and outcomes that are less than ideal.
When it comes to your vehicle, you can do your future self a favor by looking beyond the present and thinking about the long-term ramifications of the choices you make today.
While it requires a bit more time and effort, keeping meticulous maintenance records will ensure you have the information you need to protect and maximize your investment for years to come.