Maintenance Log?

05LGTLtd · Mar 25, 2013

I'm sure this has come up before, but searching this forum didn't yield any results.

Does any one have a source for a downloadable maintenance log book? Trying to keep better records than in the past and figured there is no need to re-invent the wheel, right? I'd prefer a paper form based log that I can keep in the car or shop. Spreadsheet would be less convenient since I'd most likely end up having to write it down first then enter, making for more steps. Also more steps means more likely to get side tracked in between.

Please feel free to post links to the four other people who had this question a month ago!

Thanks for any help

apwillard1986 · Mar 25, 2013

I print the maintenance log pages out of the PDF of my owner’s manual available thru the manufactures web site. This why I am not writing in my owners manual and I never run out of pages.

randomhero439 · Mar 25, 2013

$1 Composition notebook.

(left margin)_______________________________________________________________(right margin)
(Date work performed)______Work performed & parts/fluids used/cost $$_______ (date & mileage of next interval)
(Mileage work performed)

AandPDan · Mar 25, 2013

I keep a notebook handy (paper, not a computer). It's easy and fast to log all the repairs.

No need to write it down and transfer it to the computer.

morepwr · Mar 25, 2013

I buy a nice little notebook in an office supply store that I can just keep in the glove box or center console. You can get small little ones that are maybe 3"x5" and have a decent hard(ish) cover so they are durable.

earlyre · Mar 25, 2013

lots of folks just use "the little book" approach, my brother has one for each of his cars, and when i bought my neon from him i tried to keep it up.
Actually, i didn't like the design/layout of his notebook, so i bought my own, and painstakingly copied everything over. then that got old fast. so i found an android app that lets me keep track of fuel purchases right there @ the pump, and made my own spreadsheet to cover everything on my pc (there are excellent excel templates available online btw, but i used open office/now libreOffice, so i just made my own.) and copied everything over AGAIN.
keep the file right on my desktop, and enter all the data as it occurs.

surfstar · Mar 25, 2013

I use an excel spreadsheet. One worksheet for MPG/gas, one for oil changes (formulas calculate months on oil, miles per day avg, etc) and one worksheet listing maintenance and repairs.

Recalculating · Mar 25, 2013

http://www.tquill.com/

I have this site bookmarked to checkout as possibility for my digital maintenance log.

rjundi · Mar 25, 2013

If you have a smartphone using Google Docs with their spreadsheet you can work with it anywhere. I fill in my mileage log for IRS records that way with some cryptic words and actual mileage and update it when I am on a real computer.

wander2039 · Mar 25, 2013

Originally Posted By: rjundi
If you have a smartphone using Google Docs with their spreadsheet you can work with it anywhere. I fill in my mileage log for IRS records that way with some cryptic words and actual mileage and update it when I am on a real computer.

I just did this with both of my cars. Came to realize spent too much money on maintenance! I like the fact I can check it anywhere at anytime.

NateDN10 · Mar 25, 2013

I put a small notebook in the glovebox and write it in there. I keep a pen with it as well.

94astro · Mar 25, 2013

Look here, http://www.aa-ownercenter.com/logbook/

I use it, just join and use it.

KD0AXS · Mar 25, 2013

I keep my maintenance records in the somewhat spherical shaped file that sits on top of my shoulders.

Falken · Mar 25, 2013

Small black hard cover book from Staples.

Keep it in the house, it adds value to the vehicle when you sell it. If you loose it you wont have a warranty anymore.

I was thinking at one point of having 2 books for the same car, and for each maintenance routine (oil change, ATF, air filter), copy it out twice at the same time.

Then keep one book at home and one in the car. So if you loose one you aren't in trouble. Again, it is crucial to log your maintenance.

05LGTLtd · Mar 25, 2013

I'm thinking of a shop binder with sections for each car (three right now). I will probably print up some pages from a spreedsheet layout to get close to what I'm picturing in my mind. That way I can get a keeper for receipts and have a sleeve to put UOA printouts in too. I'll probably pull the PDF for maintenance for each vehicle to have reference, that's a good idea.

OtisBlkR1 · Mar 25, 2013

Originally Posted By: randomhero439
$1 Composition notebook.

(left margin)_______________________________________________________________(right margin)
(Date work performed)______Work performed & parts/fluids used/cost $$_______ (date & mileage of next interval)
(Mileage work performed)

This is exactly what i do ! PLAIN YELLOW legal pad as thats what i had at the time and a $1 clip board. anything worth noting that i do in the garage gets documented. And for that matter when something gets done that i dont do (at the shop) i write it down anyways, just so i can remember.

If i dont have any oil change reminder stickers on hand i like to use the blue painters tape ! why ? thats what i have handy

Oldmoparguy1 · Mar 26, 2013

Search Amazon for auto maintenance log book. Lots of options.

I use: 3 pack Auto Mileage Log, Undated, 3 1/4 x 6 1/4, 32 Forms. Made in the USA by DomeSkin $10.80

I have one in each car (5).

You can find them at most stationary stores, I think my wife found them at a dollar store.

I've used them for 20 years or so.

Wayne

Doog · Mar 26, 2013

I use a plain steno notebook.($1) Each page is a separate maintenance entry with the receipts stapled to it. I keep one for each vehicle. I have brought it into my dealership when questioned about maintenance. After 50,000 miles the pad was twice it's normal thickness from receipts and oil filter box proof of purchase tabs. I started flipping through it and the service manager said: "Ok, you are good. I wish all of our customers payed that much attention to their cars."

Moral of the story: Less fancy is more.

Doog · Mar 26, 2013

BTW, I know a guy who sued BMW for an engine failure due to oil pump failure while under warranty. BMW claimed he never serviced the vehicle because he did DIY service. He came to the first hearing with a spiral notebook filled with all of his service intervals and the factory recommended intervals which he had exceeded. The Judge called everyone in his chambers at which time my friend showed him the notebook. The Judge looked through the book for about 10 minutes then handed it to the BMW attorney and said: "Pay him".

dwcopple · Mar 26, 2013

Originally Posted By: Doog
The Judge looked through the book for about 10 minutes then handed it to the BMW attorney and said: "Pay him".
WIN

Maintenance Log?

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