How do you track your maintenance history?

[uwstevo]

I've just been keeping all the work orders and receipts in a file folder. But I find it frustrating to have to look through it all to find the last time I had my air filter changed, or my new brakes installed, or see what something cost, etc.

Ideally I'd like an online logbook, so I could reference it from home or work while I'm talking to the service center on the phone. I'd be a lot more convenient than lugging a bulging file folder around.

So far the few online logbooks I've tried are lacking. Has anyone found an online service they like? Or something else: A notebook in the glove box? A spreadsheet?

[Slemay]

Use Excel

[uwstevo]

I'm a little surprised I didn't get more suggestions. I posted this same question in passatworld (my wife's car) and got a lot more people. Granted something always seems to be needing fixing on that car, unlike my Camry.

Anyway, Excel is OK, but my problem (and I thought many other people) is that I have my car and my wife's to keep track of. I don't know what her odometer says, so I'm not always aware where the Passat is at in it's maintenance schedule. It would be nice to have a program that would email me or remind me of upcoming maintenance. I'm sure there are families with more than 2 cars (kids cars) where this would be even more helpful.

I guess lots of people just look at the oil change sticker and then the dealer suggests a bunch of other crap to do and they just take their word for it. Sorry, I think that's a waste and that's how the dealer service shops make a lot of money.

So does anyone use anything besides Excel?

[cruisn76]

Have you thought about using Access???? Database all your repairs and make macros of intervals for specific repairs when the odometer hits xxx miles. Or set a threshold of 2000 miles before the next maintenance.

Eg.
Oil change @ 40k miles
Tranny fluid change @ 98k miles

*** Bells go off, girl running naked ***
Timing belt and water pump @ 60k miles coming up as a reminder.

[Tom 2000]

I've been using Excel for the last 10 years now. It's one file, I have different sheets for each car and the lawn mower.

I have a column for miles, date, service performed, parts replaced and comments. Every oil change, I use a green background in the cell so it stands out.

It's pretty boring actually. Aside from maintenance (oil/filter, tires, 30K, 60K service, brakes, tires, wipers) the only entry in the last 6 years where I had to replace something out of the ordinary was ONE sidemarker bulb. That's it.

I get my car serviced every 30K for major service, so that's easy to remember. I buy new wiper blades every December. Tires/Brakes, I just change as they wear out. I rotate the tires every other oil change.

Maybe it's because it's such a reliable car, but there really isn't much I need to remember.

[DFBonnett]

I keep a small note pad in the GC of each vehicle. Date, mileage, and nature of service/repair etc. is entered when done. Also keep an envelope in GC for various receipts worth retaining.
I keep it simple.

[fabbb]

I track maintenance on 13 trucks for a small business. I use an excel spread sheet for each truck. I have formulas built in cells so that I only have to enter the current odometer and it tells me how many miles to go until the various services must be accomplished. I am not a computer guru by any stretch (luckily the folks a MS are) and it was pretty easy. Don't be put off by the formula box. You can email me at bakerstevend@bellsouth.net if you would like more details.
Steve

[toyomoho]

Have one 99 cent note book for every car with a large envelope stabled to the back cover for receipts.

Excel would work well, you can setup your own listings, etc.

Have you conducted an Internet search, there are software products such as the one below.

http://www.carcaresoftware.com/

[TRD VVTi]

I don't track my history at all. I simply perform maintenance on the car as it's due for it.