DIY service logs - any tips on keeping them.

forgotmyname

londonTiger wrote: »

the the subject of cambelts, It's amazing that car manufacturers will use such cheap part (belt) for something that could kill the engine if it goes wrong.

Would be a lot better if cars just timing chains instead.

Unfortunately they're only used on 4wd and other heavy duty vehicles where there is a chance that crap can get it the way of a cheap timing belt and snap it.

But chains can break also and also slip their teeth. Some engines with chains are fairly fragile. I have never had a cambelt snap on me.

Because if it doesnt look new i replace it and then again well before the interval in the books which is the MAXIMUM not a target.

Servicing every 12,000 miles again its a maximum not a target to get as close as you can to.

For a manufacturer that want you to buy a shiny new car every couple of years they dont care how long the car lasts as long as its out of the warranty period. They can last much longer with a better service plan.

With my oil changes every 4000 miles or so i expect my engine to have the same amount of wear as it did when i bought it just over 3 years ago.

steve-L

forgotmyname wrote: »

I keep everything.. Every bulb, part for the service etc the lot.

Which car would you buy. The one where the owner says yeah its had this and that done trust me. Or the identical one where the guy gives you a wallet for every part bought, With dates and mileages.

I know which one i choose and so far its done me well.

+1

It might nor make that much difference to sale price but it might make a whole load of difference to being able to sell at its value or not.

The quality of the parts also influences me.
The easier to spot (budget disks/pads or tyres) influences what I think they have spent on other parts.

andygb

vaio wrote: »

just keep the receipts for the parts......

I wouldn't attach great weight to claims of DIY maintenance but a big fat wedge of part receipts would incline me more to believe it had been done

Exactly this.
I keep a note in the back of the handbook, showing dates and mileages that services were done, cambelt/water pump changes, tyres, shocks, suspension parts.
These are all backed up with receipts.
I believe that this is actually better than a garage stamp, and it also helps if you keep the car looking good, the engine bay really clean and all the fluid levels topped up.

Trebor16

GolfBravo wrote: »

VW and BMW are using timing chains again. Major problems with them.

Do you have more info or a source for this?

Limey

I have an excel spreadsheet for the car and list date, milage and work done to the car. I try to keep the receipts but more often than not they get lost.