How important is a car’s service history and how to find it
Maintaining your car’s routine maintenance and servicing is essential to its long-term health. But how can you look up or verify your vehicle’s service history?
Whether you are planning to buy or sell a vehicle or use it for personal use, knowing your car’s service history can help you avoid future issues and keep it in good working order for many years.
The vehicle service history is an essential piece of information regarding vehicle upkeep. You can ensure that your vehicle is in excellent condition and stays safe on the roads by tracking when and what was done and if and when it has had a service.
Not only will a well-maintained car endure longer, but it will also operate more efficiently and well.
Make sure you save all service records and invoices in one location to maintain a record of your vehicle’s maintenance history.
At Wrexham Service Centre, we will always give you an itemised receipt detailing all the work done on your vehicle if it has ever undergone any maintenance. This includes specifics like the service’s date and mileage, the kind of repair done, the person who did it, and any changed parts.
It’s important to find out about the vehicle’s servicing history when purchasing a used car. This can help you get a better idea of the repairs that have been made to the automobile, how frequently it has been serviced, and any possible problems that have been found and resolved.
What is the difference between a car with a full-service history (FSH) and one with a part-service history (PSH)?
Maintaining a comprehensive service history of your car is crucial because it can help with future repairs and prove the vehicle’s condition. If you are trying to sell your car, demonstrating to a potential buyer that it has been well-maintained will make them more willing to pay the asking price.
Furthermore, a car owner can preserve the performance and worth of their vehicle throughout time using the service history. Keeping your car’s servicing up to date will save you money by preventing problems and keeping it safe and legal to drive.
Vehicles can have a full-service history or a part-service history. The difference is!
Full service history (FSH)
A comprehensive vehicle service history accounts for every repair and maintenance procedure performed on a vehicle during its lifespan.
It contains information about every examination, fix, replacement, and additional servicing performed on the vehicle.
For owners, a comprehensive service history is essential since it helps preserve the vehicle’s worth and guarantee that it has been operated safely and effectively since purchase.
Part service history (PSH)
An incomplete history of the work done on the vehicle is contained in a part vehicle service history, which is a record of the maintenance and repair services done on it, and you can see a record of it.
This is a part service history if there are any missing or incomplete details in the record.
Depending on the car’s age and the locations where the work has been done, you might be able to obtain historical data to finish it in some situations.
Where can I find my car’s service history?
There are several ways to get the servicing history of a vehicle.
- Suppose you have always had your car serviced by the manufacturer through one of their approved dealerships. In that case, you can contact the manufacturer, who will be able to provide you with a detailed service history of the vehicle.
- If you or they ( if you are purchasing a vehicle) have used a franchised or national garage, they will likely have kept digital and paper records of all of the work carried out. You can contact them and request copies (there may be a charge).
- Lastly, you might inquire with your car’s former owner. If the vehicle was previously owned, the prior owner might have preserved a record of the maintenance records. This is particularly valid if the vehicle belonged to a company or dealership. This is why it is important that you, as the owner of the vehicle, keep this information yourself, in case you ever need it.
To request your service history, you will need to prove your ownership of the vehicle. The garage or dealership may charge you an administrative fee for providing the servicing documentation. It is necessary to have your V5C form, VIN number, car keys, and possibly a receipt of previous work performed on the vehicle.
Wrexham Service Center keep detailed digital records of all vehicles that we service. Copies can be requested, depending on the amount of historical data and retrieval complexity. There may be an administrative charge.
Why is my vehicle’s service history so important?
Having a complete or partial record of the services performed on a car is highly beneficial for car owners. Of course, possessing the entire service history offers more significant advantages.
When purchasing a car, you gain access to comprehensive knowledge regarding its past and the maintenance it has undergone.
For those intending to sell their vehicle, disclosing a complete service history allows them to ask for a higher price since there will be no unexpected surprises.
If you are currently the owner of the car, having the service records can provide you and your mechanic with a detailed account of the vehicle’s history, including the maintenance work done, when it was performed, and whether any recurring issues exist.
By conducting at least an annual service, you ensure that your vehicle remains in optimal condition, guaranteeing safety and fuel efficiency and safeguarding against costly repairs.
Wrexham Service Center offer a complete range of servicing options. Contact us on 01978 265 660 and speak with one of our customer service advisors.