Record Keeping?

[Stregone]

I Know I read a thread, or at least some posts buried in a thread about how people keep their oil change and maintenance records all organized and handy, but I can't find anything now that I actually want to find it.

Just got a new car (used but very low mileage, so lots of warranty left) and want to keep everything recorded and organized. I was thinking just recording the date and mileage of maintenance in a composition book, and keeping an envelope or folder with receipts in it. I've been lurking here for a while, so I know some of you obsessive [censored] have some nice and tidy systems setup that are probably better

 

[Bud]

I just use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of everything that is done to my vehicle whether I do the maintenance or someone else does it. All receipts I scan into my computer. Easy to keep track of things.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Keeping records both ways, recording the date and mileage of maintenance in a composition book and Excel spreadsheet, scan receipts onto a folder and keep actual receipts in an envelop.

If you loos one you have another for back up.

 

[bvance554]

From my experience, your idea of keeping a log in a composition book works, and is the most reliable. After an oil change or any other maintenance, the last thing on my mind is getting into my Excel spreadsheet and recording it. And scanning reciepts?! Well you did mention obsessive. Every one has their own best method, but the only one that works best for you is the one that you will use. Mine is nicely recorded in my glovebox. Easy to update and if anyone ever wants to see it i don't have to log on to my computer...

 

[jimmy87]

I do both, I record everything by hand in my owners manual and then I record the maintenance event in my computer ( whenever I get around to it, all I have to do is copy exactly what I wrote down in my om) and of course I keep all receipts.

 

[daves87rs]

My neighbor is cool with his. his a book, and takes a pic of mileage, and what was done.


Like that idea myself!

 

[ag_ghost]

I keep my receipts but am not organized about storing them consistently in one place. But all my cars since the late 70s have always had a small notebook where I record every fuel purchase, note service work by others and of course all my oil and filter changes.
Kevin

 

[Rick in PA]

I like keeping records in a little booklet. Years ago NAPA Auto Parts had a vehicle service log that was convenient. When I couldn't find it later, I made my own. It's an MS Word document that needs to be printed or copied double sided (laser printer for moisture resistance). Then the sheets are cut into thirds which makes a convenient booklet size. Laminate the front & back covers with plastic for durability. Then staple together. Yeah, it's a little bit of a project but it makes a nice vehicle service log.

It's much more that just an oil change log, 24 pages total. There's a place for pretty much anything you do to a vehicle.
PM me if anyone wants a copy.

 

[supton]

Book in the car. Sometimes I transfer info to Excel. But I often wish I wrote down more info, like tires were at x psi today and to put in y psi, that way if I had a leaky tire I would know how bad it was.

 

[fdcg27]

Originally Posted By: bvance554
From my experience, your idea of keeping a log in a composition book works, and is the most reliable. After an oil change or any other maintenance, the last thing on my mind is getting into my Excel spreadsheet and recording it. And scanning reciepts?! Well you did mention obsessive. Every one has their own best method, but the only one that works best for you is the one that you will use. Mine is nicely recorded in my glovebox. Easy to update and if anyone ever wants to see it i don't have to log on to my computer...


This is exactly what I do.
The maintenance events are recorded in the same little notebook in which I record fuel purchases.
I record all of the maintenance events with date and mileage and also record oil and filter used for oil changes.

 

[possum328]

Originally Posted By: Stregone
I Know I read a thread, or at least some posts buried in a thread about how people keep their oil change and maintenance records all organized and handy, but I can't find anything now that I actually want to find it.

Just got a new car (used but very low mileage, so lots of warranty left) and want to keep everything recorded and organized. I was thinking just recording the date and mileage of maintenance in a composition book, and keeping an envelope or folder with receipts in it. I've been lurking here for a while, so I know some of you obsessive [censored] have some nice and tidy systems setup that are probably better

I use the feature on Amsoils web site called MyAmsoil. Just set up a free account - pretty slick.

 

[johnachak]

I keep a spreadsheet named, "cars" and I also keep a copy on my smartphone. I just put any car receipts in a box in the garage. If I need any receipts I have to dig through the box but at least I know where they are. I like having the information at my fingertips. I keep track of 4 cars in the family. I only keep the receipts for my wife's and mine. I also keep a sheet with any replacement part #'s I use regularly like filters, headlight bulbs and tire sizes to name a few. I also note the registration and inspection expiration dates.

 

[Falken]

I find people trust a sturdy hardcover small notebook you get from Staples that is ONLY for a specific car.

You put all info there, including drain plug torque and the Part #s for filters for easy reference.

Then you record date, mileage, and work done and consumables used. Then keep all the bills stapled to photocopies of that bill as they fade over time.

So if there is an issue, the old school book people trust the most as it seems more physical.

If someone e-mailed me a spreadsheet of the service they did themselves I wouldn't trust it very much.

But, essentially, do what ever would make you feel good about records if you had to buy the vehicle from someone you didn't know. Go with that method.

For me, it is a "little black book" with all the receipts.

 

[R80RS]

I buy a small $1 spiral bound note book and keep it in my glove box. I record all periodic maintenance I perform and fuel purchases in the note book. I keep receipts from shop services in an envelope also in the glove box.

 

[SHOZ]

I keep a small note book in the car for fuel and oil. But I use a freeware program called CARS for all the records.


http://clarktisdale.com/cr-download.php

 

[yesthatsteve]

Originally Posted By: Bud
I just use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of everything that is done to my vehicle whether I do the maintenance or someone else does it. All receipts I scan into my computer. Easy to keep track of things.


I use an Excel spreadsheet for both the xB and the Accord, but also scan receipts for the Accord's CPO warranty.

 

[morris]

i use an index cards on spiral holder i put EVERY thing on it, gas, ALL repair. that way every thing is in one place and in order .

 

[DaHen]

For years, I've been using Vehicle Expense Record. Published by Dome Publishing Company. Sometimes you can find these at you neighborhood stationary stores. If not, on line.
These books are good for just one vehicle per book.

 

[Tzu]

I do the same except for writing down gas fill ups. A $3 small ringed 3x5 card is enough to last for 10 years worth of maintenance records for me. I keep one in each vehicle and it becomes super easy to check when things got done last or are due. Usually I say "Man, that was a long time ago since I did that____. Seemed like last year? My wife used to think I had ADHD, but now she understands the importance of it. I'm not computer savy, so a quick jot on paper works for me.
Originally Posted By: ag_ghost
I keep my receipts but am not organized about storing them consistently in one place. But all my cars since the late 70s have always had a small notebook where I record every fuel purchase, note service work by others and of course all my oil and filter changes.
Kevin

 

[Stregone]

Wow, awesome responses. I think I will stick with the composition book and envelope, and setup a google doc spreadsheet for the electronic copy and just 'scan' my receipts with my cell phone camera. Should be able to attach the photos to the spreadsheet somehow.

Thanks guys.

The car I got is a nearly new 2013 Chevy Spark, only 13k miles on it. I am really digging this little car.