One of the essential things to look at while buying a used car is its service history. The car history check gives a hint on whether the vehicle has been well-maintained or not. A vehicle with a Full Dealer Service History (FSDH) or Full-Service History (FSH) is better as it gives you peace of mind that the seller has records of any services, maintenance, and repairs. You can’t trust the vehicle with Part Service History (PSH), as you never know how the car has been maintained over the years. Is there a car service check that reveals the vehicle service history from Car Analytics? This guide will resolve your questions and help you to check your car service history.
What are ways to find the service history of a car?
There are primarily two ways;
- Service history booklet: The buyer’s right to ask for the service booklet and read it carefully to trace any differences. However, not all the sellers have the service book (they may have a legit reason, or their vehicle does not have it) & scams are possible by fake service history records with exact garage details.
- Car service history online: You can directly contact the vehicle manufacturer dealership and request the service history (if the leading dealership maintains the car). The seller can ask for the vehicle’s digital service history records to keep as evident while buying. If the manufacturer did not service the car, you can search for the garages that repaired it. Using a VPN for iPhone while checking your car service history online can help protect your privacy and ensure secure transmission of your information.
Why is it important to check a car’s service history?
Checking a car’s service history is vital for several reasons:
- Maintenance and Repairs: The service history lists every service and repair the car has received. It gives you insight into how well the vehicle has been maintained. Regular servicing is crucial for optimal vehicle performance, reliability, and longevity. By reviewing the service history, you can ensure that the necessary maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks, have been carried out at the recommended intervals.
- Performance and Safety: A well-maintained car will likely perform better and be safer. Routine servicing helps identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems. For example, regular inspections may catch worn-out brake pads or tires that need replacement, ensuring the vehicle remains safe to drive.
- Warranty and Resale Value: Many new cars require warranties following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Failing to maintain the vehicle per the warranty terms could void the warranty coverage. Additionally, having a complete and documented service history can increase its resale value when it comes time to sell or trade in the car. Prospective buyers are more likely to trust a vehicle with a well-documented maintenance record.
- Diagnostic Assistance: In case you encounter any recurring issues with the car, a vehicle service history check can be helpful for diagnostic purposes. It records past repairs and services chronologically, allowing mechanics to pinpoint frequent problems or patterns and troubleshoot more efficiently.
- Recall and Technical Bulletins: Automakers occasionally issue recalls or technical service bulletins to address specific vehicle safety concerns. By trying a vehicle service history check, you can determine whether the car has undergone any necessary recall or warranty-related repairs.
Overall, checking a car’s service history allows you to make informed decisions about its reliability, safety, maintenance, and potential future costs. It helps ensure you purchase or maintain a vehicle that has been appropriately cared for and can provide reliable transportation.
How do I check my digital service history?
To check your digital vehicle service history, you can follow these general steps:
- Review your email
- Check your online accounts
- Visit the service’s website or app
- Review billing statements
- Use digital wallet platforms
- Explore your browser history
- Consult your app store or marketplace
By following these steps, you should be able to gather information about your digital service history. Remember to keep track of the services you use in the future, such as by saving confirmation emails or maintaining a record of your subscriptions.
Terms standard with service history:
Entire Dealer Service History:
It is also known as Main Dealer Service History or MDSH. This is the case when the manufacturer has always maintained the car.
For instance, a “Main Dealer” would be a Vauxhall dealer, presumably where the automobile was purchased when it was brand new. The best option is FDSH, but you’ll have to fork over more money.
Full-Service History:
This term is good; it only applies to vehicles with an entire service history.
Part Service History:
This is when the vehicle’s owner has fulfilled only part of their service obligations. They either lost the service logs or haven’t serviced the car yet.
How do you tell if the vehicle service history is genuine?
- The first way is to check the service booklet and find the independent garage where it was serviced or repaired and contact them. The garages might confirm the service, not the repairs. Still, no worries! Knowing whether the car has undergone service and repairs before is good.
- Secondly, write down the mileage at the different tune-ups. You should feel better if the vehicle had a maintenance check-up within the recommended service intervals. If you still need to, ask the seller why they missed the suggested tune-up, and then it is a red flag, asking you to search more on it.
- If you are getting the tune-up details from the primary dealer, it is genuine.
Do we offer online vehicle service history?
Car Analytics has no exclusive vehicle service history check, but you can find the best car service garages from our partner site.
The plus is you can find the free vehicle check report that allows you to give the registration number & provide you MOT service records with advisory and failure notes (providing information on the parts that failed or minor problems during the test).
The report includes the test results performed in England, Scotland, and Wales since 2005. However, you can find the locations if you provide the gov.uk website with the 11-digit V5C number from the vehicle logbook.
However, you can’t tell the MOT report as a service history; it indicates how well the car is maintained. You should run this check before the purchase & it is free.
Also Read: How often should your vehicle need service?
Can I buy a vehicle without a service history?
Checking the car service is not a legal requirement to sell the vehicle. However, it concerns the buyer’s concern about choosing a car in good health condition. The fundamental importance of service history is evident to inform the vehicle undergoing routine maintenance.
There are reasons why “missing” or “lost” service records eventually impact buying decisions. Although you can negotiate with the aspect of missing service history, it is impossible to say the vehicle is issue-free.
Nowadays, the car is serviced & stored digitally, so don’t worry about the service records. Check when the vehicle was last serviced and the miles recorded in the previous service.
Buying without service history seems like the purchase is within the budget, but you never know the car’s condition.
What if I’ve lost my service book?
Contact the mechanic who often works on your vehicle if you can’t find your service book. Most auto repair shops maintain paper or digital records of each vehicle’s service history.
This information will only be revealed when you prove the car’s owner. The garage may also request to examine your vehicle’s log book (V5C form).
Can I see the Digital Service History?
Yes, in some instances. You can ask for a copy of a car’s digital service history by asking the manufacturer. But you must include your reason(s) for doing so (for example, “I am interested in buying this vehicle”).
However, remember that this differs from manufacturer to manufacturer and that the seller will be the only one who can access it if you can’t acquire access by asking the manufacturer.
Most trade and private vendors should be aware that you can request to see the service history logs. Trade vendors are required by law to provide you with an essential service history disclosure.
The impact of missing or falsified service history records in a vehicle can have significant implications for buyers and sellers. Here are some key points to consider:
- Buyer’s Perspective:
- Limited Insight: Buyers lack essential information about the vehicle’s maintenance and repair history without complete service history records. This makes it challenging to accurately assess the overall condition, reliability, and potential issues of the vehicle.
- Risk of Hidden Problems: Missing records raise concerns about whether the vehicle received regular servicing, which could indicate neglected maintenance. This increases the risk of hidden problems, such as mechanical issues or premature wear and tear.
- Difficulty in Resale: When the time comes to sell the vehicle in the future, the absence of service history may reduce its market value. Potential buyers prefer vehicles with a documented service history as it installs confidence in the vehicle’s care and maintenance.
- Seller’s Perspective:
- Limited Credibility: A seller who cannot provide a complete service history raises doubts about the vehicle’s maintenance and care. This can decrease the seller’s credibility and make attracting potential buyers or negotiating a fair price more challenging.
- Lower Perceived Value: Falsifying service history records or providing complete information can lead to trust from potential buyers. It can result in a lower perceived value of the vehicle, as buyers may assume that the seller is hiding major repairs or neglecting maintenance.
- Legal and Ethical Implications:
- Deceptive Practices: Falsifying service history records is unethical and may be fraudulent. It misrepresents the vehicle’s proper condition and can lead to legal repercussions if discovered.
- Consumer Protection: In some jurisdictions, sellers may be legally obligated to disclose accurate and complete service history to potential buyers. Failure to do so could have negative legal repercussions for the seller, including cash penalties and reputational harm.
Do “Full Service History Checks” actually exist?
Not at all. Although you may perform most of the checks above in minutes, there is no such thing as a service history check from us or any other provider. Make sure to perform a car check with us here to find out things like import/export status and outstanding financing.
In summary, missing or falsified service history records can undermine the trust and transparency necessary for successful vehicle transactions. Buyers may face increased risks and uncertainties, while sellers may need help establishing credibility and securing fair prices. Both parties must prioritize accurate and complete service history records to ensure a smooth and informed transaction.
