One of the most important things you want to know when buying a second-hand car or keeping your own in good condition is its service history. The history of service gives one an idea about the kind of maintenance and repairs done previously on the car, hence knowing if the car will be reliable and perform well in the future. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you on how to check car service history online using the right tools and resources. With these steps, it is quite easy to check a car’s service history and drive peacefully.
Why Should You Check a Car’s Service History?
Before showing you how you can check a car’s service history, it is important to understand why you are doing this in the first place. A car service history check provides all of the major services, repairs, and routine maintenance conducted on a vehicle, reported in detail. This information can be used to evaluate the extent to which the car has been well-maintained or had significant problems. Additionally, in the service history, some other red flags could be found: missed services, repeated mechanical failure, and even accidents.
If you do not check the service history of a car, you could end up buying one with hidden problems or bad maintenance and start spending on costly repairs down the road.
Also Read: What are some best car service hacks in perth
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Information
Before searching your vehicle service history online, you’ll first have to gather the following information:
- Vehicle Identification Number or VIN: This is the unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. It can be located near the windshield on the dashboard or on the driver’s side door frame.
- Registration Number: Commonly known as the license plate number, this is usually required as a check service history of a vehicle.
- Manufacturer and Model Details: This detail is not usually necessary, but occasionally a make and model can be helpful when running service histories through individual manufacturer websites.
Step 2: Use Official Manufacturer Websites
One of the best ways of consulting a car service history online is by using the official manufacturer website of the vehicle you are interest in. Most automobile manufacturers have online access services where you can enter the VIN for an access pass into the service records of your vehicle. Here is how you can do it easily and quickly:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website: See if they have a section such as “Owner Resources” or “Service History.”
- Enter the VIN and Registration Number: This is what usually accompanies one when they want to check the service history online.
- Access to the service history: Once you put in all the details you will be able to see the complete history of the services that have been receive by the car, whether it is routine or major repair work.
Step 3: Use Third-Party Services
If it is not available on the manufacturer’s website, then many third-party services provide a car service history check. You can check a car service history using VIN or registration number. These are the most famous third-party websites:
- Carfax: Providing the car with trusted accident and service information history.
- Carinfo: CarInfo has a report feature that can include service history details.
- AutoCheck: The product is similar to Carfax, which provides detailed reports, such as service history, mileage, and previous ownership.
Most of them charge a fee but give you the whole service history check about a vehicle when you buy a used one.
Step 4: Contact the Dealership or Previous Owner
If the online tools cannot provide complete records, then contact the dealership where your car was serviced or the previous owner. Most dealerships take service records very seriously and may be able to offer you a check on the service history of a vehicle they have worked on. If you’re buying from a private individual, ensure that they give you a copy of the vehicle’s service records.
Here’s how you can proceed:
- Contact the Dealership: If you also happen to know which dealership the car was service at, you can simply pick up the phone and give them the VIN.
- Ask the Previous Owner: Your previous owner would probably keep proper service histories and can provide it for you.
Step 5: Use Government or Industry Websites
Some places and countries are also offering this kind of free access, like going to a government website or an industry portal, to check the service history of a vehicle online. These could be useful in particular when you are buying a vehicle privately and, therefore, want to acquire evidence that it has a clean service record.
Take, for example, some countries where specific government agencies maintain databases. From there, you can input your registration number or VIN, and you can obtain your service records, MOT information, or even emission test results. These websites are also a good source for conducting a check on the service history of a vehicle to be relied upon and accessed.
Final Thoughts
A check vehicle service history online is important; it keeps your car in good health or when buying a car from third parties. Understanding how to check a car’s service history and how to use the right tools will ensure that you make informed decisions. Checking your car service history online may be possible through the manufacturer’s website, third-party services, or by contacting the dealership; you will be save from the potential problems and costly repairs associate with the service history.
For a smooth process, have the following information on the vehicle before using this service: VIN and registration number. Using this book, you should be well-equipp to investigate car service history and gain peace of mind regarding your vehicle’s maintenance history.
