generic maintenance log?
- Thread starter OM617YOTA
- Start date
I like Evernote personally and use it extensively. I can log items by date and mileage, of course, but also add narratives that explain what I did, why I did it, what parts I used, links too articles or forum posts, any problems I had, or other information that helps provide context to my future self. This is how I've been rolling for the better part of 15 years.
I use Google sheets for car, boat and motorcycle maintenance tracking.
I'm not sure if it's possible but it would be cool if in Google sheets you could attach a picture of either work done and or receipt, in addition to text
Maybe someone could fill us in if that's possible.
I'm not sure if it's possible but it would be cool if in Google sheets you could attach a picture of either work done and or receipt, in addition to text
Maybe someone could fill us in if that's possible.
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One potential upgrade I have in mind is finding some software to use that will allow me to invoice myself for parts, labor, fees, and supplies. This way I can print off a complete history in a more "buyer acceptable format" perhaps when I go to sell a vehicle, which rarely happens anyways. I do probably 95% of my own vehicle and equipment maintenance.
My existing method works fine though, and allows me to attach pictures of the car or parts or whatever, or even scans of documents, like the alignment report I get from the alignment shop. I don't do wheel alignments.
I should add that I'm atrociously horrible at managing anything that involves paper, which is why I scan to Evernote relentlessly anything that needs to be archived for record keeping, like car maintenance, medical records, mortgage documents, etc. Everybody has their own way of doing these kinds of things. Mine Is almost entirely paperless. If we get hit by an EMP strike in the future, I'm probably screwed, but then again, my digital records probably won't be my highest priority at that point.
My existing method works fine though, and allows me to attach pictures of the car or parts or whatever, or even scans of documents, like the alignment report I get from the alignment shop. I don't do wheel alignments.
I should add that I'm atrociously horrible at managing anything that involves paper, which is why I scan to Evernote relentlessly anything that needs to be archived for record keeping, like car maintenance, medical records, mortgage documents, etc. Everybody has their own way of doing these kinds of things. Mine Is almost entirely paperless. If we get hit by an EMP strike in the future, I'm probably screwed, but then again, my digital records probably won't be my highest priority at that point.
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I'll have to check out the Evernote mentioned above.
I like the "idea" of maintaining good records. I went on an OCD record keeping investigation some years ago. What I decided is that maintaining records just for the sake of it was not my forte. I'd rather be outdoors or anywhere else vs. managing records. Especially with records that are not being used to make decisions nor needed on a regular basis, I decided as long as I have them stored somewhere, some way, that is what mattered. In the rare occasion I actually need the information, I would rather spend a few extra minutes to find it then, rather than spend a lot of time constantly assembling and maintaining seldom (if ever) used records. I toss receipts in a folder chronologically. They contain dates, part numbers and descriptions (scan would work). Why repeat that information in a database? I hope that makes sense - just my unsolicited opinion.
A spreadsheet is just an electronic form of a log book and both work well. I will see if Evernote makes sense.
I like the "idea" of maintaining good records. I went on an OCD record keeping investigation some years ago. What I decided is that maintaining records just for the sake of it was not my forte. I'd rather be outdoors or anywhere else vs. managing records. Especially with records that are not being used to make decisions nor needed on a regular basis, I decided as long as I have them stored somewhere, some way, that is what mattered. In the rare occasion I actually need the information, I would rather spend a few extra minutes to find it then, rather than spend a lot of time constantly assembling and maintaining seldom (if ever) used records. I toss receipts in a folder chronologically. They contain dates, part numbers and descriptions (scan would work). Why repeat that information in a database? I hope that makes sense - just my unsolicited opinion.
A spreadsheet is just an electronic form of a log book and both work well. I will see if Evernote makes sense.
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You absolutely can insert a picture into GSheets. Just go to the Insert menu and select image. Upload direct, as a link, etc, etc
If I were to go that route, I would make a drive folder of maintenance pictures and link to that folder.
I use a spreadsheet that someone posted here a few years back. Tracks everything. I've tweaked it here and there for my needs.
A notebook and a pen!!!
App on the phone cause it’s 2025.
I have started playing with some software called LubeLogger. It's a bit advanced to set up since you host it yourself instead of it being on the cloud, but it's got a lot of customization and let's you output reports.
It will also let you scan and load receipts if you want to keep them which is pretty handy.
It will also let you scan and load receipts if you want to keep them which is pretty handy.
That's basically it. Date, miles/kilometers, service performed, notes. I keep a separate spreadsheet for each vehicle though.
Definitely understand that. I have a small nerdy part of me that does enjoy some of the record keeping, but I'm not a masochist. It needs to be seamless and not a burden or a chore. I keep vehicles 10+ years and usually modify them quite a bit; being able to look back a decade and find when I did what with just ctrl+f is nice. If I was just tracking oil changes I doubt I'd care.
Then pop it on a USB stick and hand it to the next owner. I do believe good records add to resale value.
Also helps bolster your case if your vehicle was totaled.
A few years ago when my Accord was totaled, they tried to say I had major wear on the engine and transmission.
Then I showed them my detailed records where I had kept up with transmission fluid changes and replaced various engine parts when they needed to be replaced and then they ended up giving me mint condition.
The original old school spreadsheet. Still do that with my generator. Hard to go wrong.
Phone apps just aren't my jam. Only benefit to a phone is that it's in my pocket. Every bit of it's UI is severely compromised from ideal in support of fitting in my pocket. A full size desktop computer with multiple monitors, a keyboard, and a mouse will continue to be my preference.
Problem for me is I don’t have my computer with me when I’m at the store getting something or actually doing the maintenance. The app allows for quicker access without the need get in front of the comp screen.
I’m trading the speed and efficiency for less capability. To each his own.
My wife made me a couple of forms that I use to track maintenance and repairs . It lives in the vehicle file with all of the receipts . I'm old school . I want hard copies . No computer database for me .
I literally still use a dry erase board for last changed info and then copy that to an excel spreadsheet for the history.
I use Google Keep on my phone to take a photo of the VIN plate with tire sizes for each vehicle, and then I add in the common part numbers so I have them handy. Works well for filters, headlights, wiper sizes, etc.