How do you track your maintenance history?

[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)

[RIP]

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.

[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.

[natrona111]

I think its really important to keep track of your maintenance history. If you are a DIY'er, it can be a challenge when you don't have the handy windshield stickers or receipts to remind you when to get your service done next. I suggest either keeping a notebook handy in your garage to track when you did and when, or use one of the numerous free apps/sites to track it. I personally use Motortab.com - its free and pretty simple to use - just make sure you're tracking your maintenance history somewhere!