When purchasing a used car or looking after one you already have, the car service history is one of the most critical items to check. It provides insight into how well the car has been kept, whether it has had any major repairs, and gives you confidence in your decision. The good news is that you can check car service history free of charge using several methods.
In this article, we will discuss why service history is important, how you can complete a service history check, and the different methods of completing a vehicle history check online.
What is Car Service History?
A vehicle service history is the documented record of maintenance and repairs on a vehicle, including:
- Oil changes and servicing
- Brake replacements and tire changes
- Battery checks and engine checks
- Accident repairs
- Mileage recorded at each service
You can think of it like your vehicle’s “medical history.” Having a full vehicle service history allows you to know how the vehicle has been treated over time.
Why is Service History Important?
There are many advantages to checking a service history report prior to purchasing or selling a vehicle:
- Trust & Transparency: It verifies that the seller is not concealing any significant repairs.
- Greater Resale Value: Cars with a complete vehicle service report was sold at higher values.
- Dissuade Fraud: It allows you to pick up whether the odometer has been rolled back.
- Peace of Mind: You have the comfort of knowing the car has been kept up with.
If you do not have a proper vehicle service history, you are taking a risk purchasing what generally looks like a good vehicle, but could ultimately give you costly troubles down the road.
Read: International Driving Permit: How Indians Can Apply
How to Check Car Service History Online Free
There are different online strategies to check car service history without spending any money. Below are the best:
1. Manufacturer’s Official Website
Most car manufacturers in India (for example, Maruti, Hyundai, Honda, and so on) give you the use of vehicle service history online.
- You will need to enter your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or registration number.
- You will see records of service performed at authorized centers.
- This is one of the most trusted sources of a vehicle service history.
2. Government and RTO Portals
Some of the state RTOs allow you to perform a complimentary vehicle history check.
- Go to the Parivahan website or your state RTO portal.
- Enter the registration number at the appropriate place.
- You might receive information such as the owner’s name, registration date, and sometimes service-related information.
3. Authorized Service Centers
When the vehicle has been regularly serviced at authorized workshops, you can simply go in with the car’s registration number.
- Ask them for the car service history report.
- Most of the time, they provide this for free.
- This is especially useful when considering the purchase of a used vehicle.
How to Check Vehicle History Offline
Not every way is done digitally. Occasionally, you can conduct a vehicle history check in person too:
- Contact the car owner for printed service bills and receipts.
- Review the service booklet that came with the car.
- Double-check the mileage written at each service.
These offline checks provide another level of assurance in the service history of the car.
Documents You Need for a Service History Check
In order to conduct a service history check, you may require:
- the car registration number
- the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- the insurance papers (sometimes requested)
- the owner ID proof (in case of authorized centers)
Having these documents will allow you to have full access to the service history of the vehicle.
Also Check : How to Increase Car Mileage: Practical Tips for Every Car Owner
Common Issues in Car Service History
When checking a car service history you’re going to run into:
- Incomplete Petty Records: If their cars were maintained locally vs. authorized dealerships
- Fake Receipts: some sellers improvise and create invoices
- No Direct Entries: Regular service maintains have not been entered online.
Thus the reason it’s always best to get a proper vehicle history from multiple resources.
Benefits of a Complete Vehicle History Check
By conducting a comprehensive vehicle history report, you:
- Will Feel Confident About Your Purchase: Know the car’s true story.
- Will Have Proof That the Vehicle Has Been Maintained: Great if you sell your car.
- Will Feel Legal Safety: You will not have to worry if the car has been in an accident or involved in fraud.
- Will Save Money In The End: You won’t be hit by surprise repair costs.
Conclusion
It has now become easy to check vehicles’ service history. With online portals, RTO websites, applications, and service centres, you can easily complete a no-cost service history lookup. Always check the vehicle service history before purchasing, selling, or maintaining the vehicle.
A full vehicle history check will help you avoid vehicle fraud and give you peace of mind about the true condition of the vehicle.
