In some cases, the dealership will not want to release the maintenance records.
The reason for this is privacy
; maintenance records often contain addresses, phone numbers and credit card information of the car’s previous owners. If the dealer tells you that it won’t release the records, you should try another dealer.
How can I check my car maintenance history?
Check the service history
on the CARFAX Report
. The CARFAX Vehicle History Report contains all reported service and maintenance records over the course of a vehicle’s lifetime.
What if a car doesn’t have a full service history?
If you miss a service,
your vehicle will only have a partial service history, which could affect the resale value
. It may have been maintained very well, but the lack of a full service history can limit how much you sell it for. You can read up on our additional guides to servicing to make sure you’re up to speed.
Can you sell a car without service history?
It is legal to sell a car without a service history
, but the seller may not get as much money for the sale. Although having a service history is ideal, you should still be able to sell a vehicle without one, especially if it is an older car.
How important is a full service history?
Why is a Full Service History Important
A car with a full service history
demonstrates to potential buyers that the vehicle has been properly maintained
. As well as showing the work that has been carried out it also gives a buyer insight into how the car has been looked after.
How much value does a car lose with no service history?
“Depending on the car’s age and make a partial history might be acceptable, but if it’s more than two years old and comes with no history at all its value will be dramatically affected – it could be worth
as much as 40% less than an equivalent car that comes with a full service history
”.
Is full service history important on a car?
It’s important to look for a full service history when buying a car
: you want to know for certain that a vehicle has been properly looked after, and that the seller isn’t trying to hide any mechanical issues that could come back to haunt you at a later date.
Can you trace a car’s service history?
To find your car’s digital service history,
contact your local franchised dealership
. If the information hasn’t been stored online previously and you would like it to, make sure you visit a franchised dealership for your next car service. You will then be able to view and update your service history yourself.
Do receipts count as service history?
A full service history usually means that the car’s service book has been stamped by the garage to confirm the relevant work has been completed, with
receipts for the specific work carried out and parts fitted normally being provided
.
Do cars come with service books?
Every car should come with a service book
, marked out with stamps denoting the date of a car’s service and how many miles were covered at the time of the work being carried out. If you’re struggling to find it, they’re often bundled in the wallet that also includes the owner’s handbook.
Does full service history include timing belt?
This covers everything from your oil and other vital fluids to your tyres, brakes and
timing belt replacement intervals
.
Does main dealer service history matter?
The two times that a service history becomes vital are when you come to buy or sell a used car. Not only does it have a big effect on vehicle valuations, as a well-maintained car will depreciate less, but
it will also factor into the cost of ownership if you want to maintain a full-service history with a main dealer
.
Is it illegal to not service your car?
FALSE: “Servicing your vehicle is a legal requirement”
While regular servicing is highly recommended to keep your vehicle in good shape, unlike an MOT check,
an annual service is not a legal requirement
, nor is it a pre-requisite to insuring your vehicle.
Is a car service mandatory?
Although servicing your vehicle is
not mandatory by law
, is it highly recommended to keep up to date with regular car servicing – as, without it, the condition of your car can deteriorate compromising your vehicle’s safety and performance, but also potentially causing costly repairs.
Can I stamp my own service book?
The stamps are suitable for the Home / DIY Mechanics who service their own or customers vehicle
. Always remember to back your Self Service stamp up with corresponding parts receipts.
