How to Check Vehicle Maintenance and Accident Records?
4 Answers
Vehicle maintenance and accident records can be checked at 4S stores or online using the VIN. Here is more relevant information: 1. Materials needed at 4S stores: The original owner should bring vehicle documentation, driver's license, and ID card to the 4S store with you for the query. 2. Vehicle maintenance: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Modern car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance scope of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc. The purpose of car maintenance is to keep the car clean, in normal technical condition, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent faults, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.
Last time I bought a used car, my car dealer friend taught me how to check the maintenance and insurance claim records, which was super helpful. First, you need to get the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), usually found on the lower left corner of the windshield or the driver's door pillar. Then, I downloaded an app like che300 on my phone, entered the VIN, and paid a few dozen yuan for a report. It shows all the maintenance and repair history, as well as accident records from insurance companies. Sometimes, you can also go directly to a 4S shop, but you need the owner's permission. After checking, I found that the car had been in a minor accident but was well repaired, which gave me peace of mind when closing the deal. Regular checks can also help avoid hidden problems. I highly recommend doing this before buying a car—don’t skimp on that small expense, safety comes first!
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I understand the importance of vehicle records. Before checking maintenance and accident records, first prepare the VIN code and note it in your phone's memo. Then contact your insurance company or the original manufacturer's service station—their systems have databases where you can print historical reports by providing the vehicle number. For accident records, check with the insurance clerk; for maintenance records, look at authorized dealerships. For example, when my SUV had a minor scrape last year, I downloaded the details from the Pacific Insurance website. If you can't handle it yourself, you can also delegate it to an intermediary, but you'll need to pay a service fee. Transparent records make second-hand transactions smoother and can also help prevent recall risks.
When I first got my driver's license, I was completely clueless about cars, but I learned quickly by checking records. Step one, memorize your car's VIN code, which can be found under the hood or on the vehicle registration certificate. Step two, use online tools like WeChat mini-programs to search for vehicle history reports. Enter the VIN, pay a fee, and you'll see all the maintenance and insurance claim details at a glance. Third-party platforms are convenient and fast, taking just a few minutes. If that doesn't work, ask a repair shop to check for you, though they might charge a fee. Checking thoroughly can help you avoid buying a car that's been in an accident—a friend of mine fell for that once.
