How to Find a Vehicle’s Service History and Maintenance Records

If you're thinking about buying a used vehicle, knowing its service history can be helpful. Service records can provide insight on how well the vehicle has been taken care of it by its previous owners and what types of work have been done to it in the past. That, in turn, can give you an idea of what to expect if you buy it. Of course, depending on the information you find, or a lack of thereof, you may decide that the vehicle isn't worth your investment.

[image: pexels]

Though maintenance records are important, they're not always easy to find. Fortunately, there are a few ways to dig into a vehicle's service history to find out if it has been taken care of by experts like those at northside service center. Keep the following measures in mind if you need to look into a vehicle's past.

Check the VIN

One of the easiest ways to find information about a vehicle's service history is to check its VIN. This 17-digit code is unique to each vehicle, and it's usually located in the lower left corner of the windshield or on a sticker inside the driver's side door. You can run the VIN through an online checker to see the vehicle's history. Some websites offer free basic checks whereas others charge for more detailed reports. These checks can give you information about a vehicle's past, including accidents, maintenance records, number of owners, and title status.

Ask the Seller

Another way to find out about a vehicle's history is to ask the seller for maintenance records. Vehicle owners are advised to keep copies of service records so they can show them to potential buyers if they decide to sell. If the seller doesn't have maintenance records to show you, that doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle hasn't been taken care of. Documents like those have a way of getting lost over time. Still, if they can't show you maintenance records, consider taking further measures to find out about the vehicle's history before buying it.

Check With Service Centers

If those other solutions don't give you the results you're looking for, you can check with local service centers. If they worked on the vehicle at some point, they may have that on record. Call service centers and give them the vehicle's VIN. They may be able to use that to look it up in their databases. There are certain details they're not allowed to divulge for privacy reasons, but they may be able to tell you if the vehicle has been serviced recently or had major repairs in the past.

Knowing a Vehicle's History Before Buying

A vehicle's maintenance records can give you a great deal of valuable information. They can tell you whether the vehicle has been taken care of and the types of maintenance and repairs it has received. They can also help you decide if it's worth your investment. Though you can certainly buy a vehicle without knowing its past, doing so isn't recommended. It could leave you to suffer through a few unpleasant surprises.

Finding a vehicle's service history isn't always a straightforward process, but it's well worth the extra time and effort you put into it. It'll give you peace of mind and may save you a great deal of money in the long run. Once you purchase a vehicle, be sure to keep track of its service records for your benefit and to show prospects if you decide to sell it in the future.