What’s a vehicle maintenance log?

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A vehicle maintenance log is a journal of all maintenance performed on a particular vehicle. Each entry includes a date, mileage from that day, details about the type of work performed, and who performed the service. The maintenance record may also include receipts and a schedule for further maintenance.

One of the most common reasons for maintaining a vehicle maintenance log is for a leased car to show that it has met its lease end by keeping up with standard vehicle maintenance, or before the time intervals suggested by the vehicle. maker. A vehicle maintenance log will clearly show oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections or replacements, etc. At the time you return your lease vehicle, you may be required to prove that the car has been properly maintained. The vehicle maintenance record will be very helpful.

Another common reason to keep a vehicle maintenance record is when using a company car. It is often required in this case for tax purposes. Anything related to the car, except using it for pleasure, is a write off for the company. This includes gas and all maintenance. Therefore, strict records are required. A vehicle maintenance record works perfectly.

Similarly, if you use your private car for company business, a portion of the gas, mileage and maintenance may be tax deductible. Often companies will reimburse you instead, but a vehicle maintenance record is required in any case. Whenever the car is used for business purposes, the beginning and ending mileage must be noted and dated in the log.

However, a vehicle maintenance log is a good idea for anyone. It’s easy to forget how long it’s been since a certain maintenance was performed without a record. Again, a well-maintained car is a safer car and can save money on future repairs. Also, proof that you have maintained your vehicle properly is very important to the next buyer and actually increases the value of the vehicle. It exudes an air of care and meticulousness, and a car that has been maintained is less likely to have or develop serious problems. Finally, when you have to take the car in for repair, it is helpful for the technician to see the work that has already been done.

There are many ways to create a vehicle maintenance record, either using a simple blank log book or a spreadsheet in a program like Excel. However, there are also software programs like Automotive Wolf Lonewolf Software that will not only keep track of your maintenance, but also calculate fuel consumption for you and much more. Automotive Wolf also has an attractive “vehicle interface” that uses gauges to let you know when certain maintenance is due. This software and similar programs are modestly priced and free to download from the Internet. If you use software, it’s a good idea to keep a simple spiral-bound notepad in your glove box to jot down mileage and details that you can then enter into the software or spreadsheet.

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