Regular servicing helps to keep the vehicle in good condition, avoid unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of the vehicle. The service history is a document that contains information about the previous services and repairs of the vehicle. It should be as accurate and detailed as possible so that the vehicle owner and the workshop can understand which works have already been done and which still need to be done.

Service history is important to the owner, workshop and future buyer

For a vehicle owner, a service history is necessary to ensure the vehicle’s long-term reliability and maintain its value. It provides an overview of the services performed and the condition of the vehicle.

The workshop needs information about previous jobs in order to better plan future activities. If the workshop knows when, for example, the engine oil or fuel filter was last changed, it can recommend when they should be changed next time. If the customer has questions about previous jobs, a workshop with a service history will quickly find the necessary information.

A potential buyer wants to make sure that the vehicle is properly serviced and well maintained. A clearly documented service history has a positive effect on the sales price and sales success of the vehicle.

Service history helps to avoid misunderstandings

Keeping a proper service history will help avoid unnecessary disputes and costly mistakes. For example, one day an upset customer came to the workshop that the wheel bearing that had been changed half a year ago was making noise again. In the workshop, the history of the works was quickly checked and it was discovered that the previous time the problem was with a completely different bearing. The customer misremembered and apologized for his mistake. The real situation was quickly revealed and the client left satisfied. This shows how important it is to properly document the work done to avoid disagreements.

A comprehensive service history contains a lot of information

• Vehicle data – registration number, make and model, year, engine, etc.
• Date and mileage – when the vehicle was serviced and what was the mileage at that moment.
• Performed work – all completed services and performed repairs.
• Installed spare parts – for example, what type of oil was used, who was manufacturer of brake pads that were installed, whether the wheel bearing was changed on the right or left, etc.
• Notes – errors found during service that require attention.
• Recommendations – workshop suggestions that will help to maintain the vehicle better in the future.
• Reports and files – offers,worksheets, printouts, images, etc. of the diagnostics or wheel alignments.

Vehicle owner is mainly responsible for the service history

The owner of the vehicle is primarily responsible for keeping a correct service history. It is in his interest that the vehicle is regularly serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Car dealerships and authorized workshops also have an interest in ensuring that accurate and complete service history is maintained for the vehicles they service. This is important for both the vehicle owner and the workshop, as it helps document the vehicle’s history, which affects its value and warranty coverage.

Workshop software helps with service history management

Today’s workshops have to manage a large amount of vehicle data. Special workshop management software offers a simple and convenient way to store and manage service history. This allows the service team to monitor the work done, process data and make the necessary service and repair plans. Solutions that can send notifications about upcoming services are especially cool. It’s a worry-free upsell for the workshop and one less thing to remember for the customer. With the help of the software, workshops can quickly and efficiently respond to customer inquiries, make recommendations regarding service and repairs, and improve the overall quality of service.