A car’s service history is the record of any maintenance that has been carried out on it. That includes everything from a basic service to major surgery like an engine rebuild. When you’re looking for a used car, look out for the terms full service history or FSH in the advert and ask to see the physical documents when you go to view the car. Having a full service history for your own car helps to maximise its residual value, as well.
But there’s much more to a car’s service history so, in this guide, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about car service history and why it’s important.
What form does a service history come in?
It’s absolutely vital that you have your car regularly serviced to keep it fit, healthy and safe. A service history is any records showing that servicing and other repairs have been carried out. But what sort of documentation constitutes a service history? Here’s what it can include:
Stamped service book
Many cars come with a pack of books including the owner’s manual and a service book. The pages of a service book list the service schedule – what work needs to be carried out when – and, at each service, the garage that carries out the work should stamp and date the page to show its been done. The car’s mileage on the day should also be recorded.
Digital records
A number of car manufacturers including BMW and Peugeot stopped issuing service books many years ago. Instead, they keep digital service records showing the maintenance and repairs carried out on their cars. It’s not just the manufacturer’s approved service centres who can update the records – independent garages can do so, as well, though there’s no guarantee they will. In some cases, you can view the car’s history on the infotainment system or an app. Alternatively, you can get a print-out from a dealer.
Receipts and notes
Having a stamped service book or a print-out is all well and good, but they don’t tell the whole story. Receipts from the garage that carried out the work show an itemised breakdown of exactly what was done, and the parts and fluids used. Unscheduled maintenance doesn’t get recorded in a service book either, so receipts will be the only evidence of it. Some particularly diligent car owners also keep their own notes detailing maintenance work, including any they do themselves.
Why is a service history important?
A service history is the only evidence that a car has been maintained at all. So it’s vital to make sure any used car you’re thinking about buying comes with as much paperwork as possible. A car that’s been maintained properly, on schedule, is likely to be fit and healthy enough to give many more years of service. One that’s been neglected could expire in a cloud of smoke on the way home from the seller. Cars that have been regularly serviced also tend to be in better overall condition.
Service history can also tell you a lot about a car. If it’s had several sets of brakes, it may have been driven particularly hard. Similarly, a car should never really need the head gasket replacing; if it has been, maybe the car has been neglected. Manual diesel cars tend to need the clutch and flywheel replacing at around 100,000 miles; has that been done? You’ll also find out if the servicing was done by a dodgy backstreet outfit or a proper service centre, either manufacturer-approved or independent. If it’s registered with The Motor Ombudsman, so much the better.
As used car buyers look out for ones with a full history service, you should keep the records for the car you currently own, as well. They help maximise its value and make it easier to sell. Car manufacturers and third-party providers also look at service records before honouring car warranty claims.
Should I buy a car without service history?
A car’s service history is easily lost. Maybe it got shoved in a drawer that was emptied into a bin. Maybe the car’s owner just didn’t think to keep it. Or maybe the dog ate it – anything could have happened. We’ve also heard reports of vendors shredding service histories for fear of falling foul of data protection rules. As a result, there are loads of cars out there with only a partial service history, or none at all.
At Parkers, we advise against buying a car that doesn’t have a full service history. If you’re looking at a car that has little or no paperwork, you need to satisfy yourself that it has been properly maintained. Give it a thorough inspection yourself or engage a trusted mechanic to look over it for you. The RAC and AA also offer vehicle inspection services. If you have any doubts about the car, walk away.
