Keeping Records Of Your Services/oil Changes Ect....

[kidafa]

Hi All,

As of the majority of us DIY our services on our cars Im curious as to what method everyone uses to know when they have changed/replaced things. Sure oil and filter is a pretty easy one to remember as its at every 5th thousand for most of us... More curious as to how every one records when they change fuel filters, 02 sensors, longer lasting oils than engine ect ect....

Ive got into a habit of if the item comes with a sticker saying when to change it next or when it was installed and putting it in the fuse box under the ignition, how ever not all things come with these.

Cheers,

Chris

[Daleo]

Yeah, I normally write date & km on a visible area or sticker.

I started doing it a few years ago cos I had four cars & 2 motorbikes; its just too hard to remember otherwise. I also have a book with kays for tyre rotation, suspension and alignment settings.The m35 has service warnings in the pop up screen, so I use those for air, oil, gearbox and tyre rotation.

Edited February 16, 2011 by Daleo

[zoomzoom]

I just keep a table on a piece of paper in the user manual for the vehicle. Date/Kms/Description.

Lately Ive written everything into microsoft excel as well.

[JayM35]

Yeh i've been pretty slack. I keep a log of RX7 maintanance but need to start with Stagea.

Mind you, i'm very close to not servicing that damn thing and letting it blow up

[Sunkist]

i dont keep track i just have a good memory.. next one due at 87500k.. stil low

hmmmm sougi

[Commsman]

I had a little book that I pasted in a typed sheet for any "event", be it an oil change, tune or even wheel alignment.

Did this on a 4 door R33 that I had back in the 90's, before every ricer had one (no offense to anyone who may have one now). It was only 2 years old when I got it(20K kms) and more expensive than the M35, even tho it was a SUTI vehicle for my impoter, so I wanted to keep good records.

When I sold it years later at the same import place, amongst a whole yard full of really nice cars, it was the log book that sealed the deal! I'd recommend it to anyone.

[SMOKEYV35]

i write mine down on the sticker and put it in the log books - but also keep an excel spreadsheet of every cent i spent on the car, from mods to maintenance (replace or repair) to consumables (plugs, oils, fluids etc).

i find this to be hugely helpful. i have done it on all my cars and come sale time, it really helps you as an owner to have a true understanding of what the car owes you, but also to demonstrate to a buyer what has gone into the car beyond the purchase price (which is usually the market price).

for anyone more tech savvy though, there are apps available for the iphone for recording all this info

[910trx]

when the 4th last digit on the ODO is a 5 - dump oil and put in new

when its a 0 change filter and dump oil replace etc

5000km oil changes 10000km filter changes

easier to remember this way

[RubyRS4]

when the 4th last digit on the ODO is a 5 - dump oil and put in new

when its a 0 change filter and dump oil replace etc

5000km oil changes 10000km filter changes

easier to remember this way

+1

I do all my own work, and its not too hard to remember. I even schedule in removing the turbo and inspecting its condition every 20,000kms amongst other things

And every 6 months (tax time and xmas time) I inspect the engine bay for the obvious and not-so-obvious leaks, and get the car up on the hoist to check underneath.

[kidafa]

for anyone more tech savvy though, there are apps available for the iphone for recording all this info

Exactly what I was after and purchased one this morning :-)

5000km oil changes 10000km filter changes

I dont see the point in not doing the filter and the oil at the same time, they cost 7 dollars or something stupid why not spend it.

I do all my own work, and its not too hard to remember. I even schedule in removing the turbo and inspecting its condition every 20,000kms amongst other things

And every 6 months (tax time and xmas time) I inspect the engine bay for the obvious and not-so-obvious leaks, and get the car up on the hoist to check underneath.

So when you change all the little bits and pieces is all stored in your head? Wish I could keep track of 02 changes, plug changes, air regulator cleans, coolant flushes, diff oils ect ect....

I personally think a modded car engine bay needs a GOOD visual inspection from above and below at least 3/4 times a year

[SMOKEYV35]

which app did you go for, kidafa?

[kidafa]

Car minder. Can post some screen shots later today if youd like?