Do You Keep a Car Log?
First, if you don’t know what a car log is, we can tell you!
A car log is a simple record of repairs, including warranty and recall repairs your vehicle has had completed on it—and much more.
You can make a car log on your own or buy a pre-printed car log at most office supply stores. Actually, a car log folder is better because it can hold all the invoices from your repairs in one place when you need it.
Another good reason for keeping a car log is in the long run, if you have an extended vehicle warranty, it can ensure that you have obtained all the recommended maintenance your owner’s manual suggests. Warranty companies need to know that you have been responsible in your car care and really shouldn’t pay for things because you missed important upkeep.
What to Include
Your car log should be organized properly. The first elements should contain everything about the vehicle when you purchased it, whether it was new or used, its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, make and model—and don’t forget the mileage on the car when you first bought it—that’s important. You should also keep a copy (not originals) of your insurance card, your finance company (if you have one), and if you own the car outright, a copy of the title—keep the original title in a safe place other than your car log.
Vehicle Repair Records
Repair records for every single repair, even if it was a warranty repair should also be kept in your car log—with the repair shop’s invoice. The invoice should clearly state the type of repairs, the cost of the repairs, and the mileage of your car at the time it was repaired.
You should also keep a good record of the gas mileage you are getting each time you fill up your tank. If you find any variation in this, ask your repair shop if they know why this is happening and if you should be concerned. More often than not, getting lower gas mileage can be an indication that something may need to be fixed or is on its way to decline.
The type of tires and tire purchases you have made over the time that you have owned your car are other good things to keep in your car log. Make sure to include the invoice from the repair shop or tire shop where you tires were put on. This invoice will show the type and size of tires you bought and recommended replacement times as well as mileage at time of replacement.
Vehicle Maintenance Reminders
Keep some pages or space in your car log that you can refer to for maintenance reminders. This could include brake pads, lube-oil-filter changes, hoses, belts, and other repair maintenance your owner’s manual recommends. You manual will also give you recommended times these repairs should be completed. For instance on most vehicles, a lube-oil-filter should be performed every three thousand miles.
Miscellaneous Items
If your vehicle has been damaged through an accident, keep a record of the accident and what body and paint facility repaired your car. Keep a copy of the estimate from your insurance company as well as the body shop’s estimate and final invoice. You should also keep copies of checks paid to the body shop on your behalf from your insurance company and any payments you made on your deductible.
Why So Important?
Keeping a car log is beneficial for many reasons but two reasons are high on the list. First, a repair shop can use your car log to diagnose and recommend repairs. Second, if you decide to sell your vehicle, having the life record of the car is gold when it comes to selling it.
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