A Guide to Keeping Vehicle Records

Regular maintenance is very important to keep a vehicle on the road, but it can come with a lot of paperwork.

Much of this is going to seem unnecessary, but life has a way of ensuring the thing you threw away is exactly what you need sometimes. This is why all drivers should keep their vehicle records organised.

Organising your records doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Start storing today, and you can keep track of faults and stop small problems from becoming big issues. Read this quick guide, and get organised in no time.

What vehicle records should you keep stored?

Whenever you get your vehicle serviced, records will allow you to keep track of your car’s history, and ease any future sales. Always ask for a receipt, even if no work is done, and make a note of the date.

Keep track of your insurance details alongside your other vehicle records, and include any damage reports as well.

Repair records and new parts receipts are also worth keeping on hand. If you regularly perform maintenance yourself, keep track of any changes made.

Make sure to include the purchasing paperwork and anything the previous owner might give you. These may need to be referred to later.

Most of the records are unlikely to need to be accessed, or at least not accessed frequently. However, by organising now, you’ll never have to struggle to find a lost receipt tucked between seat cushions.

Storing your vehicle records digitally

Digital storage is often the neatest and most effective method for keeping track of all your vehicle records for any vehicle maintenance that you encounter.

Scan the records that you wish to store, and save them to a folder on your computer. Back these records up to the cloud, and you have easy access to data on the go. For some added backup, download the folder to a USB drive. You can then use this if you need access without the internet, or if you have a computer fault.

A digital folder means you’re a lot less likely to lose an errant receipt in a pile of paperwork. Just make sure to consider an online backup, so your data doesn’t rely on on-device storage.

Storing your vehicle records physically

By keeping your vehicle records stored in a physical location, you have access to them in emergency situations.

These physical records can also act as a backup for any digital storage. Effectively organising your vehicle records in one place means you never have to panic over lost receipts, and you can reduce clutter in your car and home.

Use a folio or three-ring binder, and organise your vehicle records chronologically. Clear pockets can hold receipts and other small items. Make written notes of servicing dates, for an easy reference point.

Keep this folder inside your car, and immediately update it with every new piece of information.

Start record keeping today

Start keeping your vehicle records now, and slowly grow the collection as you add servicing records, repair records, new part receipts, etc.

It might seem more effort upfront, but you’ll soon discover the benefits when you need quick access to old paperwork.

If you have any questions about your vehicle’s maintenance, get in touch with the experts at your local Kwik Fit centre.