How to access and understand a car’s service history – a simple guide

Vehicles have hundreds of moving parts that wear out over time, so regular maintenance is crucial. A car’s reliability largely depends on how well it’s been maintained, making the service history a key factor when buying or selling a used vehicle.

However, while most people recognise the importance of service history, many fail to check if it’s detailed and genuine. Learn to verify a car’s service history and understand its impact.

What is a car’s service history?

A car’s service history is a booklet containing receipts or official papers detailing its past maintenance. Reputable repair shops typically provide receipts and a list of replaced parts, along with labor costs. The history covers everything that has been replaced, including fluids, brake pads, faulty sensors, and other components.

The extent and completeness of a car’s service history can vary, with different service records providing different levels of information.

Full service history (FSH)

A full service history (FSH) is the most desirable option for used car buyers. It means the service book has been updated after each visit to a repair shop. As the name suggests, FSH includes all maintenance and repair records, along with receipts, dates, and costs.

Ideally, a car will have a full service history dating back to when it was new. However, sellers often only have records covering the last few years.

Sometimes, you may come across a full dealer service history (FDSH) when buying a used car. This indicates that regular maintenance and repairs were carried out by the dealer. Dealer services are typically more reliable and thorough, making an FDSH more valuable than a standard full service history.

Part service history (PSH)

If even one major service is missed, the service history is no longer considered complete and becomes a partial service history (PSH). This means that some parts or systems may wear out prematurely. Many used car owners and sellers claim to have a full service history but actually have a PSH, especially if they weren’t the first owner of the car.

Missing maintenance can reduce the car’s value, but the impact depends on what was skipped. Missing an air filter change isn’t a major issue, but if there are no records of maintenance over the past few years, that’s a much bigger concern.

Digital service history

Some authorized dealerships and repair shops are switching to digital service histories, instead of traditional service booklets. In these cases, the digital service log is automatically updated after each visit and can be accessed through the owner’s online account.

While some people still prefer the old-school booklets for tracking service history, digital versions are user-friendly and offer more benefits. In most cases, you can download a printable version of digital records, which is useful when selling the car.

Why is a car’s service history important?

A car’s service history reflects how well it’s been maintained, helping you to evaluate the current vehicle’s condition more accurately. For example, regular oil changes minimise engine wear, so missing even one can accelerate wear and tear.

Let’s explore some scenarios where a car’s service history can be particularly helpful.

Buying a used car

Used car buyers benefit the most from a car’s service history. Asymmetric information is still a major issue in the used car market, so a detailed service history helps evaluate the car’s condition more accurately. Plus, with a service history available, you don’t have to rely solely on a seller’s honesty.

Selling a car

A good service history can ease many buyers’ concerns. It provides extra assurance and can save you from answering numerous questions.

Additionally, having a comprehensive car service history can boost your car's value and attract more potential buyers. According to a Kwik-fit survey, almost half of 2,000 surveyed car owners said they wouldn’t buy a car without a full service history, meaning that even a partial service history can be a deal breaker for many buyers.

For car owners

With strict intervals for oil changes, brake pad replacements, and other maintenance tasks, keeping up with your car’s maintenance can be tricky unless you track servicing.

Most servicing booklets list every mileage milestone along with all the required maintenance tasks. Missing a service creates a gap in the booklet, which can help your mechanic identify potential problems in the future.

How to check the service history of a car

You can check a car’s service history in a few ways:

• Ask the owner. If you’re buying a used car, start by asking the owner about its service history. Most people keep their maintenance records, which can be of different types. Sometimes it’s a manufacturer’s booklet with records from an official dealer, while others use independent repair shops and keep all the receipts from maintenance or repairs.
• Call the dealership or repair shop. Even if the seller doesn’t have proof, you might still be able to check the car’s service history. With the vehicle’s VIN number, most reputable repair shops can provide at least some information about recent maintenance. Many keep records of serviced cars for over five years, which can be useful if the seller is being dishonest or doesn’t have the receipts.

Get a carVertical report to better understand a car’s condition!

While the service history is essential for evaluating a car’s technical condition, there are other ways to get a complete picture. These include checking the mileage history, past damages, MOT records, and more – all of which you can find in a carVertical report.

You can also find out if the vehicle was used as a rental or taxi, check its legal status and financial restrictions, and even view historical photos to get a clearer picture of its true condition all with just a VIN number.

Always combine service records with a vehicle history report to fully understand a car you’re looking to buy or to provide transparency to potential buyers.