In order for any vehicle to keep functioning as intended, it needs to be serviced at the intervals set by the vehicle manufacturer. As items like timing belts and clutches wear, they become less efficient and can even fail, which can cause damage to the mechanical components of your vehicle.
But what if you are considering a used vehicle, or recently purchased a used vehicle, how will you know it was maintained regularly? Don't despair, there are ways to find out. Also if you are worried that you checked in your vehicle for a service but that not all the service steps were completed, we have a few tips for you to check after the fact.
Service history
When a vehicle is sold new, it comes with a service/maintenance booklet which is usually kept in the glove compartment. After every vehicle service, the centre will indicate what kind of service was completed, at which kilometres and will stamp the booklet as evidence that they completed all the tasks on that particular date.
Even if you have purchased a used vehicle, this booklet will normally accompany your vehicle and will serve as an easy reference to when last your vehicle went in for a check-up. If the used vehicle does not have the booklet due to the previous owner misplacing it, you can contact a service department of the manufacturer of the vehicle, and by providing your vehicle's VIN number, can access the service history that is kept on their systems.
For older models, you can try and find out at which branch the vehicle was first sold and ask that particular dealership if they still have any record of the vehicle being serviced at their facilities. Vehicle dealerships will usually try and find out as much they can about the service history of the vehicle prior to purchasing the model as it increases the vehicle's value if it has a full service history.
Thus it is very important for you to keep to the set service intervals and be sure to get your booklet stamped as it will bolster your vehicle's value when you want to sell it on. Furthermore, try to keep all invoices regarding the replacement or fixing of components on your vehicle, as more information will always be better, especially if the vehicle has been well maintained under your custodianship.
Service check
You checked your vehicle in for a service but you are wondering if they did everything it says on the invoice. Here are a few tips if you want to check if your vehicle was serviced after the fact. Please note that these are merely guidelines and we recommend consulting a manufacturer service department as they are experts on your particular vehicle and have all the tools and expertise.
Tip 1:
Comprehensively clean the vehicle and engine bay of your vehicle before booking it in for a service. This way you can see the condition of all the components prior to the service.
Tip 2:
Check the condition of the vehicle oil. Clean the dipstick with a white rag and note the colour, dark brown or black is old. After the service, you can check the oil again and if you get a lighter hue, the oil is new.
Tip 3:
If possible, check the coolant level of the vehicle and the condition of the coolant prior to the service. Depending on the coolant used, vibrant green or blue will mean it is new while older coolant will be faded versions of those colours.
Tip 4:
Check the brake fluid and power steering fluid levels. If they are at the correct levels after the service and with clear colour consistency, you can be sure that they have replenished them.
If you are servicing your vehicle at the manufacturer dealership, you can feel more confident as the dealerships and manufacturer will always want to provide as good a service as possible to bolster your relationship with the brand and your ownership experience. If your vehicle is outside of its service or maintenance plan, be sure to get your vehicle serviced at a reputable centre and preferably one that is RMI approved for better results. Smaller shops might be cheaper right now but might not have the expertise to work on your vehicle.
