Service book and digital service history

What belongs in the service history?

• Date and mileage of every service.
• What was done: oil and oil filter, other filters, spark plugs, brake fluid, timing belt.
• Which oil, with the manufacturer's approval (for example VW 504 00/507 00 or BMW Longlife-04).
• Name and address of the garage.

Paper or digital

Older cars have a paper service book with stamps. On many newer cars the history is stored digitally by the manufacturer and the book stays empty. Whether an independent garage can add a service to that digital history differs by make. Ask beforehand so you know where you stand.

The invoice is your proof

Stamp or digital entry: the invoice with date, mileage, the oil used and the part numbers is the strongest proof. Keep all invoices together, on paper or as photos. For warranty, what counts is that servicing followed the manufacturer's specifications, not where it was done.

When you sell

Buyers and dealers ask for the history. A folder of invoices and a filled-in book strengthen the price and avoid discussion about the mileage.

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose warranty if I don't service at the dealer?

Not if the servicing follows the manufacturer's specifications, with the right parts and oil. Keep the invoices as proof.

My car no longer has a book. Is the history gone?

Often it is stored digitally by the manufacturer. Your invoices always remain the proof of what was done.

Do I get an invoice listing all parts?

Yes. The work carried out is recorded and you get an invoice; feel free to ask for the part numbers and the oil used.

Work out what the next service costs in the service calculator or read more about car servicing in Tilburg.