How to Keep a Vehicle Repair Log

One of the easiest ways to improve the actual value of your vehicle is to keep accurate records of service and repairs to the car. This gives the buyer of such an automobile a written record that the car was cared for. This is easily done and there are many such record keeping logs already available.

• Maintain your warranty information in one location. The owner’s manual, and purchase related pamphlets should be kept in the glove box. Try not to let them get all dog-eared and messed up. They show how you take care of your car. You should also try to keep a record of all service and repairs done to the vehicle in a safe place in the car.


• Keep all your purchase info such as contracts and warranty documents in a file folder at home. When you actually take possession of the vehicle write down the mileage.


• Make a record of every visit to the dealership or your own mechanic. You should record on each visit the following:
  
  
  1. Name of the repair location
  
  
  2. Put in the date and mileage when you dropped it off and when you picked it up.
  
  
  3. Describe of what the problem or visit was for. If you are having a persistent problem make certain you describe it to them in that way. You don’t want them saying later that it was for different problems. Do not sign the ticket if it does not say what you told them.
  
  
  4. Make certain that the work performed is described on the dealer or mechanics invoice. If it was warranty work and there is no invoice make a clear note in the log to that effect.
  
  
  5. Place notes about whether the problem you took it in for was fixed or not. There are cases where they just cannot duplicate a situation or some things are really tough to fix. If the problem only happens when the car is warm, be sure to advise the mechanic of that. Just in case you purchased one of the “lemons” we often hear about your log will help you to prove that if it comes to legal action.