One of the essential things to look at while buying a used car is its service history. The vehicle service 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 answer your questions and help you 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 your 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 tyres 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.
- Saves your money: Checking a car’s service history helps you avoid hidden faults and unplanned repairs, ensuring vital maintenance was done. This lets you make a more informed decision, potentially negotiating a lower price or avoiding an unreliable vehicle altogether.
If you have been involved in a vehicle accident, it’s important to seek legal counsel from experienced auto accident lawyers who can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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, 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, they are genuine.
Using the Car Analytics database to find out if a car has hidden history
Car Analytics offers a comprehensive, free vehicle check report that gives you valuable insights into a car’s MOT history, including advisory and failure notes, at no cost. Simply enter the registration number, and you’ll gain access to MOT records from across England, Scotland, and Wales, dating back to 2005.
While we don’t provide a dedicated service history check, our partner site can help you locate top-rated car service garages. By checking the MOT records, you can understand how well a car has been maintained over the years, helping you make a more informed decision before purchase. For more detailed service history, you can also visit the gov.uk website with the vehicle’s 11-digit V5C number to uncover additional information.
Make the most of this free tool to check essential vehicle information and buy with confidence!
Also to know more about vehicle services check out our blog: How often should your vehicle need service?
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.
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:
| Aspect | Buyer’s Perspective | Seller’s Perspective |
| Limited Information | Without complete service history records, buyers lack essential information about the vehicle’s maintenance and repair history, making it challenging to assess the overall condition, reliability, and potential issues. | A seller’s inability to provide complete service history affects credibility, making it harder to attract buyers or negotiate a fair price. |
| Risk of Hidden Problems | Missing records raise concerns about regular servicing, increasing the risk of hidden problems such as mechanical issues or premature wear and tear. | Providing falsified or incomplete information can lead to buyer mistrust, resulting in a lower perceived vehicle value as buyers may assume hidden issues. |
| Impact on Resale Value | When reselling, the absence of service history may reduce the vehicle’s market value, as potential buyers prefer documented service histories for confidence in vehicle care. | In certain jurisdictions, sellers may be required to disclose accurate service histories; failure to do so can lead to legal consequences like penalties and damage to reputation. |
Answering Your Question
What if the service history is incomplete?
A complete service history could point to ignored maintenance or unreported services, which could cause issues down the road.
Still, you can learn valuable information from the readily available records.
It’s crucial to have the car effectively inspected and to get any more paperwork from the seller.
Can I use this report to negotiate the price?
Yes, you can bargain for a lower price by using the service history report.
If the report indicates poor maintenance, frequent repairs, or possible problems, you may use this data to support a reduced offer.
However, a well-documented service history can confirm that the vehicle is in good condition and may even give you negotiating power over the price.
Can I buy a vehicle without a service history?
Yes, you can buy a vehicle without a service history, as it’s not legally required for sale. However, a missing service history could hide issues, affecting the car’s reliability.
While you may negotiate a lower price, remember you’re risking potential hidden problems. Today, many service records are stored digitally, so check if there’s any digital record showing recent maintenance and mileage before buying.
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 that your vehicle’s log book (V5C form) be examined.
Do “Full Service History Checks” actually exist?
No, a “full service history check” doesn’t exist from Car Analytics or any other provider. While you can quickly perform various checks, there isn’t a way to verify the complete service history.
However, a car check with Car Analytics can reveal crucial details like import/export status and outstanding finance. Accurate service records help build trust, allowing buyers to make informed decisions and sellers to establish credibility.
