uwstevo29

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, see if a warrantied part has expired, 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?

Or do you just bring it in for oil changes and go by what the dealer tells you?

Brian R.

Here's a sample of my maintenance history. I keep a log of it in Outlook Notes. The note is called "2000 4Runner Maintenance". I have one for each of my cars.

5/27/03 (35,960 miles)
Drained and filled transmission and transfer case
Flushed brake lines and replaced brake fluid
Flushed cooling system and replaced antifreeze
Rotated and balanced tires ($38.00)

9/25/03 (39,623 miles)
Alignment ($75.14)

1/28/04 (44,569 miles)
Installed factory Fog Light kit
Torqued front and rear propellor shaft bolts

Changed oil and filter with small amount of AutoRx 60,000 miles

12/30/05 (60,033 miles)
Transmission flushed
Cooling system flushed
Transfer case fluid replaced

1/22/06 (60,124 miles)
Replaced battery (Die Hard Gold Group 24F, 36 mo)

5/27/06 (61,488 miles)
Alignment ($89.95)
Replace left inner and outer tie rod ends
Replace boot

8/20/06 (64,400 miles)
Flushed power steering pump
Replaced fluid with Mobil1 ATF

12/30/06 (65,400)
Changed Oil and Filter (5W20 Mobil1)
Rotated Tires

5/20/07 (70,048 miles)
Changed Oil and Filter (5W20 Mobil1)
Changed Air Filter (Purolator)

7/30/07 (71,150 miles)
Replace MAF meter ($130)

12/22/07 (74,800 miles)
Changed Oil and Filter (5W20 Mobil1)

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I've done it several ways. Here's what works for me. I keep receipts etc in a big manilla envelope. I also use a label maker (kept in garage) and stick labels forward of the radiator on the frame. If you don't like the clutter you could stick them on the bottom side of the trunk lid or anywhere else convenient. That way the info is always at the car where you need it.

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jdmccright

I keep receipts for all the warranteed items, but I also use a post-it pad or similar small (2x2 or 3x4) note pad to summarize what work I've done. I like to keep it in my car in case I'm stuck somwhere:

12/7/07 202,348 oil/filter chg, lube Maxlife 10W-30
2/6/08 203,463 repl R brake shoes/hardware

The summary lets me see when I did it...I can always search for the receipt if I need to.

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Current Garage:
NEW 2003 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L AWD
2003 GMC Envoy XL (aka "fat-a$$") - K&N air filter, otherwise stock.
1995 Chevrolet C2500 2wd, 5.7L - K&N air filter, otherwise stock...my weekend hauler.
1992 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L - K&N air filter.

Vehicle History:
2004 4.7L Dakota Quad Cab 4x4
1996 GMC Jimmy 4wd
1992 Chevrolet S10 Ext. Cab 4.3L
1995 Honda ST1100...my first (and only) new vehicle.
1980 Yamaha XS400
1980 Mercury Bobcat...my first car.