Car maintenance logs protect consumers. Reputable car maintenance shops will be able to service consumers cars better when car owners maintain a repair log. Logs can provide insight into the past and help budget for future repairs. They can play a key role in determining when preventative maintenance is due. Maintaining a complete repair log does need some attention to detail.
Below are some recommendations to follow.
Use your car owner’s manual
All new and used cars sold by a reputable dealer or seller will come with a car owner’s manual. Put this important document to use. Turn to the back of the book. More than likely there will be some empty pages. There is a reason for this emptiness and these pages provide an optimal place for taking notes and maintaining a great car maintenance log.
Record every repair you ever have done on your car including the date, costs and shop name. This includes simple things like oil changes to complex like alignments. Having written documentation is crucial for keeping track of your car.
Use a Spreadsheet
Some people simply love spreadsheets. For those wanting to save money while maintaining an efficient log, consider buying some prepared paper spreadsheets. Accounting ledgers are perfect for this. Find those in your office supply store.
Make your own spreadsheets. Find a software program that is comfortable to you. Print up some blank spreadsheets. Staple these spreadsheets together to enhance organization and record keeping.
For individuals preferring computerized work, you can use any number of programs. Consider using Excel, Open Office, or Microsoft Money for this purpose. Make certain you have your repair bill in hand to enter information. Enter this information as soon as you return home from your car repair. Entering data, while it is still fresh in your mind, is the perfect way to record all details.
Keep with receipts
Receipts and car repair bills contain valuable information. Do not discard them. This is especially true for major repair bills . The best way to organize your repair bills is by first folding the documents into a tri-fold. Put this tri-fold into the car owner’s manual. For those not having a manual, simply put the bills into a large envelope. Mark the envelope “car repair bills.” Consolidating your bills and log saves time and frustration.
Keep this information in your glove compartment and is the ideal place to store your maintenance log. For those not already doing this, start doing it now as it makes easy access to your car repair history.
Car maintenance logs need to be maintained from the first day you own a car to the day you sell it. This reference tool provides an invaluable insight into the operations of your vehicle for car maintenance shops. Use it properly and it will increase your resale value to a buyer with proof of the investment you have made to keep your car safe and reliable.
