A simple maintenance log helps you stay on schedule, spot problems early, budget for upkeep and show a buyer the car was cared for when you sell it.
What to record for every service
Date, odometer reading, what was done, who did it (shop or DIY), cost and notes. Keep receipts in one folder.
Services to schedule
Oil and filter, tire rotation, brakes, air filters, wiper blades, battery checks, fluids and inspections. Use the intervals in your owner's manual; they vary by car and driving conditions.
Track fuel too
Logging fill-ups lets you work out miles per gallon. A sudden drop can be a sign something needs attention.
Budget for upkeep
Add up a year of service costs and put a monthly amount into a car repair sinking fund. The free sinking funds calculator does the math.
Checklist
- ☐ Owner's manual intervals noted
- ☐ Every service logged with date and mileage
- ☐ Receipts saved
- ☐ Next oil change and rotation due
- ☐ Fuel fill-ups logged
- ☐ Monthly car repair fund set
This is record-keeping, not mechanical advice.
Buying a used car?
Check the paperwork and service records, inspect the outside, inside and under the hood in daylight, take a proper test drive, and ask for a history report and an independent mechanic's inspection before you pay. This is a checklist, not mechanical or legal advice.
Printable: Used Car Buying Checklist Printable (10 pages) ($4 on Payhip, made with AI assistance).