The free car-maintenance log: exactly what to track (and why)
A guide from AI Certified Mechanic
Short version: A maintenance log protects your resale value, keeps warranties valid, catches problems early, and stops you from over- or under-servicing. Record six things for every service, track what’s due next, and keep your receipts with the car. Here’s the full checklist — and a free way to keep it that reminds you when something’s due.
Why bother keeping a log
- Resale value. A documented service history is worth real money and makes buyers trust the car.
- Warranty. Manufacturers can deny claims if you can’t prove scheduled maintenance was done.
- Catch problems early. Patterns jump out — topping off coolant every month means you have a leak, not a habit.
- Save money. You stop paying twice, servicing too soon, or forgetting a covered repair.
What to record for every service
- Date and odometer — the two anchors for everything else.
- What was done — oil change, brake pads, tire rotation, etc.
- Cost — total, plus parts vs. labor if you want the detail.
- Parts used — with part numbers; it saves you time next round.
- Who did it — you, or the shop’s name.
- A note — “fronts at 3 mm, watch them,” “used 0W-20.”
Track these too
- Reminders — the next service due by date or mileage (oil, rotation, inspection).
- Warranties — when parts/service coverage ends, so you never pay for something that’s covered.
- Receipts & manuals — kept with the car, not lost in a drawer.
A starter checklist (typical intervals)
- Oil & filter — about every 5,000–10,000 mi
- Tire rotation — about every 5,000–7,000 mi
- Brakes — inspect at each rotation; pads often last 30,000–70,000 mi
- Fluids (coolant, brake, transmission) — per your schedule
- Engine & cabin air filters — about every 15,000–30,000 mi
- Battery — test every 3–5 years
- State inspection — annually, where required
Intervals vary by vehicle — your owner’s manual (or a guide grounded in your exact year, make, and model) is the source of truth.
Paper, spreadsheet, or app?
- Glovebox folder: easy to start, easy to lose, and it never reminds you of anything.
- Spreadsheet: flexible, but only works if you remember to open it.
- App: always with you, and it can nudge you when something’s due.
Keep it all in one place — free
AI Certified Mechanic logs every service with parts and cost, reminds you by date or mileage, tracks warranties, and stores receipts and manuals per vehicle — all free. (The AI repair guides are the only paid part.) Your whole garage, on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Get it on the App Store
The bottom line
You don’t need a fancy system — you need a consistent one. Record those six things every time, track what’s due next, and keep your receipts with the car. Future-you (and your car’s next owner) will thank you.