A proper maintenance of a car doesn’t just mean regular wash or keeping the tank full. It refers to periodic servicing that helps preserve its performance, value, and safety in the long haul. In that respect, Log Book Servicing is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance.
This article will cover everything you need to know about log book servicing, including the misconceptions surrounding it, allowing you to save money and time on future car servicing.
What is Log Book Servicing?
Log book servicing is scheduled servicing that follows a maintenance program set out by the manufacturer. It is performed at specific time or kilometer intervals. Log book refers to maintaining a recorded history of all the times the servicing was done in a vehicle’s logbook provided by the manufacturer at the time of purchase. A vehicle’s log book outlines:
- The service components performed in that session.
- Details of the parts and fluids used in the oil change and other services, in compliance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- The time or kilometer interval at which the servicing is done.
- Date of the next service appointment according to manufacturer’s instructions, detailing what’s due in the next service.
Why Sticking to Your Vehicle's Service Log Book Could Save You Thousands
Following your car’s service log book guarantees prompt maintenance, therefore helping to avoid expensive future repairs. It increases resale value and safeguards your warranty. Following the Manufacturer’s advised service schedule helps to identify possible problems early—before they become significant ones. Regular log book servicing helps your engine to run effectively, therefore enhancing fuel economy and prolonging the life of your vehicle.
A full service history assures purchasers that the car has been well maintained, so helping to drive a higher price.
Can Only an Authorised Dealer Perform Log Book Servicing?
There is no requirement under law that only an authorised dealer can service your car. You can consult an independent repairer or any third-party car service outlet for log book servicing, without voiding your manufacturer warranty, given the independent party is licensed and qualified to conduct the service and follows the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, including service intervals.
A third party car service log book can help you:
- Maintain your statutory warranty in case you are not able to go to dealership for regular service.
- Save money as you can compare log book servicing costs of different repairers and choose a competitive price.
- By sending regular reminders for your next service, keeping you updated on your log book service schedule.
What Comprises a Log Book Servicing?
The services outlined in a logbook servicing may vary according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A typical log book servicing components may look like this:
- Oil and filter change
- Brake inspections
- Fluid level top ups, including coolants.
- Engine checks
- Battery testing
- Tire rotations and pressure check
- Air and Cabin filter replacement.
- Transmission Check/service
- Complete safety check
What's Typically Included in Log Book Servicing?
Each service is done at a certain time, usually every 10,000 to 15,000 km or 6 to 12 months, based on the car. Even though every car has a different service schedule, here are some things that might be part of a normal log book repair:
| Service Item | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter change | Every service |
| Brake inspection & fluid top-up | Every 10,000–20,000 km |
| Tyre rotation & pressure check | Every 10,000 km |
| Air & cabin filter replacement | Every 20,000–40,000 km |
| Coolant flush & refill | Every 2–3 years |
| Transmission check/service | Every 40,000–60,000 km |
| Battery check | Every service |
| Full safety check (brakes, suspension, steering) | Every service |
Why Is the Vehicle Service Log Book Important?
Vehicle Log book servicing helps you keep up your car’s service appointments. However, its benefits go deeper than that, for a log book servicing:
- Maintains Manufacturer Warranty: One of the biggest advantages of log book servicing is maintaining your car’s statutory warranty. Manufacturers often require proof that you’ve maintained your car’s service logbook regularly. Therefore, an up-to-date service logbook helps you settle a warranty claim in your favour.
- Preserves Vehicle Value: A well-maintained service history indicates optimal performance of a car, adding significant resale value. Buyers are more likely to trust a regularly serviced vehicle by a qualified professional.
- Ensured optimal performance & safety: Regular service ensures your car runs smoothly. Periodic brake and transmission checks make sure that your car’s safety is uncompromised while on the road. Maintaining a car service log book saves you from costly repairs in the future.
- Legal and Insurance Benefits: A consistent log book service record is helpful in insurance claims or legal matters requiring proof of diligent vehicle maintenance.
How To Know If Your Car Needs A Log Book Service
Check your vehicle service log book—it will tell you:
- The last service date
- The next due service (based on time or km)
- Exactly what’s due (oil, filters, transmission, etc.)
If you’re unsure, a qualified mechanic can help you interpret it and schedule your next car log book service.
How Often Should You Service Your Car?
The regular intervals at which you should service your car depend on the manufacturer’s instructions. Moreover, not all servicing is done at the same time or kilometer intervals. For example, engine oil change is done at every car service, but transmission check is mostly done every 40,000 to 60,000 kms as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. It also depends on how you drive it. If you occasionally drive your car, you may need less work done on regular servicing. However, it’s important to see a qualified mechanic for log book servicing to maintain the service record. Typically, manufacturers recommend a service at 6–12-month intervals.
Do you need a Car Service Log Book ?
At Ultimate Car Expert, we perform manufacturer-approved log book servicing for all makes and models of cars, without the dealership markup on parts and fluids. We stamp your logbook, use high-quality parts and fluids, provide affordable log book servicing, and offer mobile and workshop servicing. Give us a call or book your log book servicing online to maintain your statutory warranty.
Key Highlights - Log Book Service
- A log book service follows the manufacturer’s official schedule and checklist
- It helps maintain your car’s warranty, reliability, and resale value.
- You don’t have to go to the dealership—licensed mechanics can do it
- The vehicle service log book is your car’s maintenance bible—use it
- It’s an investment that prevents future mechanical headaches
