How to Check a Car's Service History in the UK

Checking a car's service history is one of the most important steps when buying a used vehicle. A complete service record proves the car has been properly maintained, validates mileage claims, and can prevent you from purchasing a vehicle with hidden problems. This guide will show you exactly how to check service history in the UK using various methods.

Why Check Service History Before Buying?

Before diving into the methods, it's important to understand why service history checks are essential:

• Verify maintenance claims - Sellers often claim "full service history" without proof
• Detect mileage fraud - Service records show mileage at each service, revealing odometer tampering
• Identify recurring issues - Repeated repairs may indicate ongoing problems
• Protect resale value - Cars with full service history sell for 10-20% more
• Maintain warranty coverage - Many warranties require documented servicing

Method 1: Check Using Registration Number (Fastest)

The quickest and most reliable way to check service history is using the vehicle's registration number (number plate). This method accesses manufacturer databases directly.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Obtain the registration number - Get the vehicle's number plate (e.g., AB12 CDE)
2. Use an official check service - Services like CheckThisReg connect directly to manufacturer databases
3. Enter the registration - Input the number plate into the check system
4. Review the report - Receive complete service history document

What You'll See in the Report:

• Complete list of all services with dates and mileage
• Detailed work performed at each service
• Parts replaced (oil filters, brake pads, timing belts, etc.)
• Servicing dealership or garage locations
• Verification of manufacturer-approved servicing
• Service schedule compliance (on-time vs. overdue services)

Method 2: VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for Vehicle Specifications

The VIN is a unique 17-character code that identifies every vehicle. While the VIN itself doesn't directly provide service history, it's essential for decoding detailed vehicle specifications and confirming the exact model, engine type, and factory options.

How to Find the VIN:

• Driver's side dashboard - Visible through the windscreen (bottom corner)
• Driver's door jamb - Sticker on the door frame or pillar
• V5C logbook - Listed in section D of the vehicle registration document
• Engine bay - Usually on a metal plate or stamped on the chassis
• Insurance documents - Listed on your insurance certificate

What the VIN Reveals:

When decoded properly, the VIN can reveal detailed vehicle specifications including the exact model variant, engine code, transmission type, original paint colour, factory-fitted options, and manufacturing date. This information is crucial for verifying the seller's description matches the actual vehicle. However, to access service history records, you'll need to use the registration number (Method 1) or contact the manufacturer dealership (Method 3) - the VIN alone won't retrieve maintenance records.

Method 3: Contacting the Manufacturer Dealership

You can contact the vehicle's manufacturer dealership directly to request service history. This method is free but slower and less convenient.

Steps to Request History from Dealerships:

1. Identify the brand - Determine the manufacturer (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc.)
2. Find local dealership - Locate an authorised dealer for that brand
3. Provide VIN or registration - Give them the vehicle's identification details
4. Wait for response - Can take 3-5 business days for full report

Method 4: Check the Physical Service Book

Older vehicles typically have a physical service book where garages stamp and record each service. While less reliable than digital records, it's still useful.

What to Look For in a Service Book:

• Dealer stamps - Official stamps from authorised garages or dealerships
• Service dates - Check intervals match manufacturer recommendations
• Mileage progression - Ensure odometer readings increase logically
• Work descriptions - Detailed notes about what was serviced
• Signatures - Technician signatures or garage contact details

Red Flags in Service Books:

• Missing pages or stamps
• Identical handwriting throughout (possible forgery)
• Stamps from garages that don't exist or closed years ago
• Mileage readings that go backwards or jump dramatically
• Services too frequent or too far apart

Method 5: MOT History Check (Free)

While not a service history, MOT records provide valuable information about the vehicle's condition and mileage over time. All MOT history in the UK is available free online.

How to Check MOT History:

1. Visit the official GOV.UK MOT history checker: gov.uk/check-mot-history
2. Enter the vehicle registration number
3. Review complete MOT history with dates, mileage, and test results

What MOT History Reveals:

• Annual mileage readings - Helps verify odometer accuracy
• Test pass/fail status - Shows if vehicle met safety standards
• Advisories - Issues noted that weren't serious enough to fail
• Previous failures - What problems existed and when they were fixed
• Expiry dates - When the next MOT is due

MOT history is excellent for spotting mileage discrepancies. If service records show 50,000 miles but MOT records show 80,000 miles at the same time, the odometer has likely been "clocked" (illegally wound back).

Brand-Specific Digital Service History

Many manufacturers now maintain comprehensive digital service history systems. Here's how major brands handle service records:

BMW Digital Service Records

BMW stores service history in their central database accessible to all authorised dealers worldwide. Records typically go back 10-15 years and include complete details of every service, repair, and recall performed. BMW's system is one of the most comprehensive in the industry.

Mercedes-Benz Digital Service Book

Mercedes-Benz uses an electronic service booklet stored in their global system. All authorised Mercedes service centers update this automatically when servicing vehicles. The system tracks Service A, Service B, and all major maintenance milestones.

Audi Service Plan Records

Audi maintains digital records linked to the vehicle VIN. Records include services performed at Audi dealers and participating service partners. The system integrates with Audi's My Audi platform for owner access.

Volkswagen Service Database

VW Group brands (Volkswagen, SEAT, SKODA) share similar digital service history systems. Records are maintained across the VW Group network and accessible via VIN or registration lookup.

Land Rover / Jaguar Service History

JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) maintains comprehensive service records for both brands through their dealer network. Service history includes software updates, recalls, and warranty repairs in addition to routine maintenance.

What If There's No Service History?

If a vehicle has no documented service history, it doesn't automatically mean it wasn't serviced - but it does increase risk significantly.

Options When Service History is Missing:

• Independent inspection - Hire a qualified mechanic to thoroughly inspect the vehicle
• Negotiate price - Cars without service history should sell for 10-20% below market value
• Contact previous owners - If possible, ask where the car was serviced
• Check independent garages - Some owners service at local garages not connected to manufacturer databases
• Budget for immediate service - Plan to service the vehicle immediately after purchase

Interpreting Service History Results

Once you have the service history, knowing how to interpret it is crucial:

Good Signs in Service History:

• Services performed at recommended intervals (usually every 12 months or 10,000-15,000 miles)
• Consistent mileage progression that matches usage patterns
• Major services completed (timing belt changes, brake fluid flushes, etc.)
• Services at authorised dealerships or reputable garages

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Service gaps — Long intervals between services (typically over 18 months). Some manufacturers have extended schedules, so this can vary by vehicle.
• Overdue services - Services performed well past recommended mileage
• Repeated repairs - Same components replaced multiple times
• Major engine/transmission work - Could indicate serious problems
• Mileage anomalies - Readings that don't increase logically

Cost of Service History Checks

The cost of checking service history varies depending on the method:

• MOT history: Free via GOV.UK
• Manufacturer database checks: £5.99-£14.99 for comprehensive reports
• Physical service book: Free (if available)
• Independent inspection: £100-£200 for full mechanical assessment

Spending £5-15 on a professional service history check is excellent value compared to the thousands you could lose on a poorly maintained vehicle or one with hidden problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check service history before viewing a car?

Yes! If the seller provides the registration number in the advert, you can check service history before even viewing the vehicle. This saves wasted journeys to see cars with poor maintenance records.

How long does a service history check take?

Online checks via manufacturer databases typically deliver results within 30-60 minutes. MOT history is instant. Dealership inquiries can take 3-5 business days.

Do all service history checks show the same information?

No. Official manufacturer database checks provide the most comprehensive information, including all services performed at authorised dealers. Independent garage services may not appear unless they're connected to manufacturer systems.

What if the car was serviced abroad?

Many manufacturers maintain global databases, so services performed at authorised dealers in other countries should appear in the history. However, services at independent garages abroad may not be recorded in manufacturer systems.

Should I check service history on a brand new car?

For ex-demonstrator or pre-registered "new" cars, yes. These vehicles may have had services or warranty work performed while being used by the dealership. For factory-fresh cars, it's not necessary.

Conclusion

Checking a car's service history is essential due diligence that takes just minutes but can save you thousands of pounds and years of hassle. The best approach combines multiple methods:

1. Start with an official manufacturer database check using the registration number
2. Cross-reference with free MOT history to verify mileage
3. Review physical service book if available
4. Consider independent inspection for high-value vehicles

Never rely on seller claims alone. A comprehensive service history check gives you confidence in your purchase and provides leverage for price negotiations if issues are discovered.