Complete Guide: How to Check Car Service History Before You Buy or Sell

Imagine you’re standing in front of a gleaming used car, the seller assuring you it’s been perfectly maintained. But how do you know for sure? Whether you’re buying a pre-owned vehicle or just keeping tabs on your own car’s maintenance, knowing how to check car service history is crucial—especially in India’s varied driving conditions.

The service history of a vehicle tells its complete story, from regular oil changes to major repairs, accident records, and everything in between. In the diverse automotive landscape of India, where cars face a lot from dust storms to zigzag roads, maintaining proper service records becomes even more critical.

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What Is Included In a Car Service?

A car service acts as a regular health examination for your vehicle. A mechanic will assess the condition of your car for any signs of damage, wear, and tear, and will replace any necessary parts. It is advisable to have a completely comprehensive car service every 12 months or after driving 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Routine inspections may include:

• Charging port, cables, and connections (for hybrid and electric vehicles)
• Wheel alignment, balancing, and rotation
• Car battery
• Wipers and wiper blades
• Suspension
• Fluids and coolants (including re-gassing of air conditioning)
• Brakes and steering
• Lights, tires, and exhaust
• Bodywork
• Fuel filter replacement (for diesel vehicles)
• Engine, oil, and oil filters.

Why Does Checking Car Service History Matter in India?

Before diving into the ways or methods of how to find service history of a car, let us understand why this information is so important for Indian car owners and buyers.

For used car buyers

• Avoid costly surprises after purchase
• Negotiate better prices based on maintenance records
• Ensure the vehicle can handle India’s challenging road conditions
• Verify warranty claims and insurance history

For current owners

• Track maintenance schedules effectively
• Maintain resale value
• Identify recurring issues early
• Plan future service expenses

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Official Methods: How to Check Car Service History?

Checking your car’s service history is key to keeping it in top shape. Here are the official ways to do it.

Authorized Service Centers

The most reliable way to check car service history is through authorized dealerships. Every major automotive brand in India – Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Mahindra, and others – maintains digital service records.

Steps to follow

• Visit the authorized service center of your car’s brand
• Provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or registration number
• Submit proof of ownership or valid ID
• Request a detailed service history report

Most authorized centers in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad offer this service within 24-48 hours. Some brands like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai have made this process available through their mobile apps.

Insurance Company Records

Insurance companies maintain comprehensive records of claims, which form a crucial part of the question: “how do I check a car’s history”. In India, where third-party insurance is mandatory, these records are particularly valuable.

What you can find

• Accident history and claim amounts
• Natural disaster damages (floods, hail, etc.)
• Theft reports and recovery details
• Previous insurance holders

Contact your insurance provider or visit their branch offices in major cities. Companies like ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, and HDFC ERGO have streamlined this process through their customer portals.

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Regional Transport Office (RTO) Records

The RTO maintains official vehicle registration and transfer records. While not detailed service information, RTO records help verify ownership history and legal status.

Available information

• Registration details and transfer history
• Outstanding challans and fines
• Fitness certificate status
• Hypothecation details (loan information)

You can access RTO information through the government’s Vahan portal or visit your local RTO office.

Digital Platforms and Third-Party Services

Several online platforms and third-party services allow you to access a car’s service history quickly. Here is how to find the service history of a car digitally or with a third party.

Online Vehicle History Check Services

Several digital platforms have emerged to simplify how to check car service history in India

• CarDekho AutoInspekt: Provides detailed vehicle history reports including service records, accident history, and ownership details. Popular options to verify in metros and tier-2 cities.
• CarWale Inspection Services: Offers comprehensive vehicle history checks along with physical inspection services. Particularly useful for cars from Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Pune markets.
• Droom History: Provides detailed reports covering service history, accident records, and legal verification. It is widely used across major Indian cities.

Mobile Apps and Online Portals

Many car manufacturers now offer mobile applications that help owners track their service history

• MyMaruti App: For Maruti Suzuki vehicles
• MyHyundai App: Complete service tracking for Hyundai owners  
• Tata Motors Connect: Service history and booking platform
• Mahindra Connect: Integrated service management system

Documentation You’ll Need

When learning how to find the service history of a car, having the right documents is essential

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Primary Documents are

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
• Insurance policy documents
• Previous service receipts and invoices
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Aadhar card or valid government ID

Additional Helpful Documents are

• Previous owner’s contact information
• Warranty cards and booklets
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates
• Any accident or claim documents

Red Flags to Watch For

While checking service history, certain warning signs should immediately catch your attention

Service-Related Red Flags

• Irregular or missing service intervals
• Multiple engine or transmission repairs
• Flood damage indicators
• Accident history with major structural damage
• Outstanding loan or legal issues

Documentation Red Flags

• Mismatched VIN numbers
• Altered or duplicate documents
• Missing insurance claim records
• Incomplete ownership transfer papers

In India’s used car market, sellers sometimes attempt to hide problematic histories. Cities like Mumbai and Chennai, prone to flooding, see many flood-damaged cars being sold in other states.

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Regional Considerations for Indian Car Buyers

Different regions in India present unique challenges that affect how do I check a cars history

Metro Cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore)

• Higher pollution levels affect engine health
• Frequent traffic jams lead to clutch and brake issues
• Better service infrastructure but higher costs

Coastal Areas (Mumbai, Chennai, Goa)

• Salt corrosion and humidity damage
• Monsoon-related flooding risks
• Regular AC maintenance requirements

Northern Plains (Punjab, Haryana, UP)

• Dust and extreme temperature variations
• Agricultural area dust affecting air filters
• Highway driving patterns affecting tire and brake wear

Key Takeaway 

Learning how to check car service history is an invaluable skill for anyone involved in India’s automotive market. A proper service history verification can save you thousands of rupees and countless headaches.

The key is to use multiple verification methods – don’t rely on a single source. Combine official dealership records with insurance company data and third-party reports for the most comprehensive picture. Remember, in India’s diverse automotive landscape, where a car from Kerala might end up in Rajasthan, thorough service history checking becomes even more critical.

With the growing digitisation of automotive services and the increasing transparency in the used car market, checking service history has become more accessible than ever. Take advantage of these tools and resources to make informed decisions that will serve you well on India’s roads.

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