A car’s service history is one of the most important documents a vehicle can have. Whether you are buying a used car, preparing a warranty claim or simply keeping your own maintenance records in order, understanding what should be included in a service history is essential.

A proper service history records far more than just oil changes. It is a chronological log of all servicing, maintenance, inspections and repairs carried out throughout the vehicle’s life. When complete, it provides a clear picture of how well the car has been maintained — and helps protect resale value, warranty coverage and long-term reliability.

This guide breaks down exactly what information is typically included in a car service history record in the UK.

1. Basic Vehicle Information

Every service history entry should start with the vehicle’s key identifiers:

• Registration number

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

• Make and model

• Engine size / variant (e.g., TDI, M Sport, AMG, Hybrid)

• Service date and location

These details link each entry directly to the car and ensure the record cannot be confused with another vehicle.

2. Mileage at the Time of Service

Mileage (odometer reading) is one of the most important pieces of data in any servicing record.

It is used to:

• Verify servicing intervals

• Detect mileage discrepancies

• Support MOT history accuracy

• Assess wear and tear

Warranty companies and dealers look closely at mileage to confirm the car was serviced on time.

3. Type of Service Performed

Service history always specifies which type of service was completed. This may include:

Routine Servicing

• Interim service

• Full/major service

• Manufacturer “A/B service”

• Inspection service

• Condition-based service (BMW, Mercedes, VW etc.)

Scheduled Maintenance

• Timing belt / timing chain checks

• Automatic transmission service

• Haldex or differential service

• Brake fluid change

• Coolant replacement

• Hybrid or EV battery health check

These define the level of maintenance carried out and show whether the car has followed its official service schedule.

4. Parts Replaced or Inspected

A good service history lists the parts changed or inspected during the visit. Typical items include:

Replaced Parts

• Oil and filter

• Air filter

• Pollen/cabin filter

• Fuel filter

• Spark plugs

• Brake pads and discs

• Timing belt kit

• Auxiliary belt

• Transmission oil and filter

• Haldex pump/filter

Inspected Components

• Tyre condition

• Steering and suspension

• Fluid levels

• Cooling system

• Exhaust system

• Brake lines and hoses

• Electrical systems

Dealers often include full checklists, while independents may list items in invoice descriptions.

5. Workshop Notes and Technician Comments

These notes help identify known issues or upcoming maintenance needs.

They may include:

• Advisories

• Wear measurements

• Diagnostic findings

• Recommendations for future repairs

• Confirmation the vehicle passed all system checks

These notes can be crucial for understanding the car’s ongoing condition.

6. Garage or Dealership Details

Each entry should clearly show:

• Name of the servicing garage

• Address and contact details

• VAT number (if applicable)

• Technician ID or stamp

• Signature (for paper books)

This provides authenticity and proof that the work was completed by a legitimate service provider.

7. Digital Service History Entries (For Modern Cars)

Most manufacturers now use digital service records, which include:

• Dealer ID

• Service timestamp

• VIN-linked digital “stamp”

• Maintenance category (minor/major)

• Additional work notes

• Online verification through manufacturer systems

Examples include:

• Mercedes Digital Service Booklet (DSB)

• BMW Digital Service History

• Audi Digital Service Schedule

• VW Digital Service Record

• JLR Online Service History

• Toyota hybrid health certificates

Digital stamps cannot be forged, which makes them trusted by warranty providers and dealers.

8. Repairs and Non-Service Maintenance

A complete record also includes any repairs performed outside scheduled servicing, such as:

• Suspension repairs

• Brake system overhauls

• Clutch replacements

• Turbo, EGR or DPF repairs

• Cooling system repairs

• Battery replacements

• Hybrid/EV system repairs

These entries indicate whether the car has suffered major faults or required significant work.

9. Warranty Work and Recall Information

Authorised dealers document:

• Warranty repairs

• Manufacturer recalls

• Software updates

• Technical service bulletins

This information shows whether the car has had manufacturer-approved repairs and software fixes, which is important for resale and reliability.

10. Stamps, Invoices, and Supporting Documentation

A complete service history should include:

• Stamped service book entries (on older vehicles)

• Invoices from garages

• Job sheets

• Diagnostic reports

• Health check forms

• Receipts for parts

Invoices are essential because they provide breakdowns of:

• Labour costs

• Parts used

• Dates

• Mileage

• VAT information

These documents often fill gaps that digital history cannot.

11. Gaps or Missing History

A good service history report should also acknowledge:

• Missing years

• Unknown servicing locations

• “No record found” confirmations

• Incomplete mileage data

This provides transparency for buyers and warranty companies.

How CarServiceHistory.co.uk Compiles Full Service History Records

When records are missing, incomplete or scattered across multiple garages, we:

• Contact all relevant dealers and service centres
• Retrieve invoices, digital entries, technician notes
• Confirm missing entries or VIN mis-uploads
• Request digital service uploads where allowed
• Build a complete chronological report
• Provide all supporting documentation

This results in the closest possible version of a complete and verified service history—essential for buyers, sellers and warranty claims.

A complete service history record typically includes:

A proper service history gives a reliable picture of how the vehicle has been maintained, helping with resale value, warranty claims and long-term ownership confidence.

If you’d like to see exactly what a completed service history report looks like, you can view a live demo here:
👉 https://carservicehistory.co.uk/reports/demo

This example shows the structure, level of detail and evidence included when we reconstruct a vehicle’s service history.