Documenting routine service work

[kltarga72]

I have three collector cars and try to do routine maintenance myself. Now its time for me to start documenting the service and repairs in a log instead of my memory/brain.

I'm looking for a preprinted document that has a list of automotive routine maintenance items that I can check off and date when work is accomplished for each car. A booklet or tablet for each auto would be great. Space for notations would also be a plus.

I looked on line but not successful.

[OldSpool87]

I use Autosist. It doesn’t prompt you for maintenance but does a nice job documenting work done and allows you to create with push of button a complete work history of the car.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

I keep all mine in Google docs for free. You will even find some people have made some free Google docs templates for various car maintenance tasks, some even model specific. Or you could easily make your own using any combination of Google docs spreadsheet and text docs that suit you. Easy access vis computer or phone if you need to look up past work on the fly or simply add a receipt while at a gas station or parts counter.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Originally Posted by OldSpool87

I use Autosist..

Just checked that out. Looks pretty cool. How much are the monthly fees?

[OldSpool87]

Originally Posted by Hi_Fi_Guy

Just checked that out. Looks pretty cool. How much are the monthly fees?

One car is free. I have four cars at home, so I use the pro plan (up to 5 cars) which I got for about $15 per year (normally $20) with a holiday discount at some point.

[BER]

I have been using the Tinkerbuilt Vehicle Logbook app. it's free. I have copies of the app on my smartphone and iPad.

The app tracks all the maintenance activities on all my vehicles. I can print a maintenance log as needed that will show everything done to the car. Handy little app.

[David Inc.]

I just use an Excel spreadsheet with tabs for my cars. Why get any more complicated?

[kltarga72]

T see that Tinkerbuilt app is no longer supported,

QUOTE: Vehicle Logbook is no longer available in the App Store. Dropbox sync doesn't work in iOS 13 and we don't have plans to update the app at this time. If you are using Vehicle Logbook we recommend exporting your data and looking for another app to track your vehicles.

I will check out Autosist
Thanks for the suggestions

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by David Inc.

I just use an Excel spreadsheet with tabs for my cars. Why get any more complicated?

Agree.

I have a really nice one, OP. PM and I'll email it.

[yelcab1]

I use Word doc. It has ability to include pictures. Then printed copies are put into a plastic sheet protector that go into a 3 ring binder with the title, smog check results, and receipts of parts. The binder goes with the car(s) whenever I sell the car. Not a single buyer has ever complained that I under-documented the car.

There was a buyer of the SC from 15 years ago told me to my face that he did not trust DIY service. So the next 5 buyers lined up to by the car instead.

I was too nice back then. I would have a much better answer for him today. Eff off.

[David Inc.]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

I use Word doc. It has ability to include pictures. Then printed copies are put into a plastic sheet protector that go into a 3 ring binder with the title, smog check results, and receipts of parts. The binder goes with the car(s) whenever I sell the car. Not a single buyer has ever complained that I under-documented the car.

There was a buyer of the SC from 15 years ago told me to my face that he did not trust DIY service. So the next 5 buyers lined up to by the car instead.

I was too nice back then. I would have a much better answer for him today. Eff off.

This is a really nice approach. A bit of work but it shows dedication.

DIY service is very trustworthy if you trust that person's skills. If someone handed me that binder and said "here's what I did" I would trust it since it would very nicely reflect that person's dedication to quality--you know they always used a torque wrench.

Then there are other sellers who could say "Oh I did this and this myself" and I would think "Okay those are my first things to fix...."

[MrBonus]

Spreadsheet on Google Docs. Helps me track my costs as well as service intervals. Easily editable and when I sell my cars, I just email the doc to the new owner.

[RDM]

Composition book from the school supply aisle plus a 3-ring binder with slipcovers for receipts. That way I can write down measurements, observations, step order, etc. Also, support is never canceled, and my data can't be rented to someone else.

[Hotshot]

On my own car I have a binder chronologically done in plastic with every receipt / car info purchase. I have another book that’s handwritten on exactly what I do and when. I am either going to do an excel sheet or make a custom garage work order template. I like to add that on a job ( say valves), I’ll write all the tolerances ( Stomski gauge) and add the stand t “ all work done as per Porsche workshop manual xx ref page xx. Im a bit into details.

I’d like to see a future seller argue with that. And I include pics.

After doing a ton of historic docs and tech logs for folks I also like adding up the cost of services vs total mileage. It’s nice looking at 30 years on 2 pages with all the info.

[MBAtarga]

I've got an excel page that "reproduces" the invoice one would receive from an indy shop or dealer. It allows me to document individual services and parts for DIY jobs that I print out and add to the paper folder docs on the car. I believe it came from someone on Rennlist that created it.

[Arctic Rat]

Cheap binder for each vehicle from walmart or staples ect.., free template on line. Print fill in, repeat as needed. No need to reinvent the wheel.

https://templatearchive.com/vehicle-maintenance-log/#Vehicle_Maintenance_Logs

Joe D

[kltarga72]

Thanks for all of the suggestions, I will keep it simple as suggested.