How to Check Maintenance Records?
3 Answers
To check a vehicle's maintenance records through official channels, you need to visit a 4S dealership. However, nowadays many apps, websites, and official WeChat public accounts (collectively referred to as third-party query tools) also offer this service, though they usually charge a fee, typically around 20 RMB. The details are as follows: 1. Required documentation: Generally, the vehicle record systems of 4S dealerships under the same brand are interconnected nationwide. Usually, the vehicle owner needs to visit in person and provide proof of ownership, purchase invoice, and other relevant documents. However, it's important to note that even with these documents, the 4S dealership may not readily provide the records. Access to the database requires permission, and the leakage of such privacy-sensitive data into the market could have serious consequences. In such cases, having a contact at the 4S dealership can be helpful. Using third-party data queries is not highly recommended due to uncertainty about data accuracy. 2. Value of historical records: Vehicle history records help owners gain a deeper understanding of a used car's past usage and condition. These records typically include maintenance records, repair records, parts replacement records, insurance claim records, and vehicle recall records. Such information is crucial in used car transactions and significantly impacts the valuation of the vehicle.
Checking maintenance records is quite convenient. I usually rely on three main methods: The most straightforward is flipping through the glove box to find the paper manual—every time after maintenance, the dealership stamps and signs it as a record. Downloading the brand's official app on my phone and binding the vehicle information allows me to see the entire maintenance history clearly. If buying a used car, I directly ask the owner for repair invoices or electronic records. What many people don’t know is that dealerships can pull up complete records in their computer system by just entering the license plate number, but the owner must bring their ID to check. By the way, maintenance records are crucial, especially when inspecting a car to avoid odometer rollbacks. Always remember to keep detailed receipts in a folder—when needed, it takes just two minutes to retrieve them.
I'm quite familiar with checking maintenance records and would like to share several methods with everyone: If you've been servicing your car at the same dealership, just call them and provide your license plate number—they can pull up the records immediately. Nowadays, many brand official websites have member centers where you can check electronic records. It's common practice for the last page of the vehicle manual to have a maintenance sticker attached. Personally, I recommend taking photos of your maintenance receipts every six months and storing them in cloud storage as backup. The key to checking records lies in the completeness of details—proper records should specify the oil type, replaced part models, technician signatures, and timestamps. Here's a lesser-known tip: search for third-party platforms like 'Che 300' or 'Cha Boshi' on WeChat Mini Programs, input your VIN, and spend a few dozen yuan to access some dealership maintenance records.
