Why might a car's service history be missing?

Service history and mileage history are not the same thing

A mileage reading may come from a workshop visit, a roadworthiness inspection, an appraisal, an auction, or another type of record.

At the same time, a service operation may exist without the report providing a detailed description of the work.

Analyse the following separately:

• the mileage timeline;

• maintenance operations;

• service documents;

• roadworthiness inspections;

• damage events.

Together, they can provide a clearer picture of how the vehicle was used.

What information can Certcar display?

Depending on the make, model, year of manufacture, and available data, the Certcar report may include:

• the date of a workshop visit;

• the recorded mileage;

• maintenance operations;

• repairs;

• components inspected or replaced;

• service operation codes and descriptions;

• records associated with service networks.

The report may also contain other mileage readings from different sources. These should be compared in chronological order.

The availability of service history differs for every vehicle. The absence of a detailed section does not mean that the report was not checked or that the car was not maintained.

How do you check the service documents?

Ask the seller for all available documents and check whether they form a consistent timeline.

Verify:

• the VIN;

• the registration number;

• the date of each service operation;

• the mileage;

• the name of the workshop;

• the company’s identification details;

• the work performed;

• the parts used;

• the cost of the work.

Be cautious with documents that:

• use the same handwriting and ink for entries from different years;

• contain unclear stamps;

• do not show the VIN;

• contain inconsistent mileage readings;

• show impossible dates;

• come from companies that cannot be identified;

• appear altered or incomplete.

If you have doubts, contact the workshop using public contact details that you find independently, not only the telephone number shown on the document.

What should you do if there are periods without records?

A gap in the history should be analysed in the context of the car’s age and mileage.

Ask the seller:

• where the vehicle was maintained;

• why the documents are missing;

• whether invoices are available;

• whether servicing was carried out at home;

• when important consumable parts were replaced;

• what work is due next.

For components with important maintenance intervals, request evidence relating to:

• the timing belt or timing chain;

• the transmission fluid;

• the brake fluid;

• the filters;

• the spark plugs;

• the battery;

• the brakes;

• the cooling system;

• hybrid system maintenance, where applicable.

If no evidence is available, calculate the cost of completing the work preventively after purchase.

Can you check the history directly with an authorised dealer?

Depending on the make and the rules of the dealer network, an authorised dealer may be able to confirm certain service operations or check the maintenance schedule.

Access may be limited, and some information may only be provided to the owner or with their consent.

You can ask the seller to attend the check with you or request the available documents themselves.

Do not treat a dealership’s refusal to provide information as proof that the history does not exist.

What clues can the car’s condition provide?

The car’s physical condition cannot reconstruct its exact service history, but it can indicate whether the vehicle appears to have been maintained.

A mechanic can check:

• the level and condition of the fluids;

• any leaks;

• the filters;

• brake wear;

• the condition of the belts and hoses;

• stored fault codes;

• transmission operation;

• engine noises;

• the suspension;

• the tyres;

• any improvised repairs.

A recently cleaned engine compartment does not confirm proper maintenance. Similarly, a dirty engine does not automatically mean that the car was neglected.

The conclusion should be based on a technical inspection, not only on appearance.

Is it risky to buy a car without a service history?

The risk is higher because you cannot easily confirm when important maintenance operations were completed.

However, the absence of a digital service history does not automatically make the car unsuitable for purchase.

The decision should take into account:

• the current technical condition;

• the mileage;

• the documents available;

• the owner’s explanations;

• the age of the car;

• the cost of preventive maintenance;

• the asking price.

If no evidence is available, do not assume that expensive maintenance operations have been completed. Include them in your post-purchase budget.

Check all the available information

The service history is only one part of checking a car.

Analyse the following together:

• the mileage;

• the damage history;

• previous photographs;

• the specifications;

• the equipment;

• commercial use;

• roadworthiness inspections;

• the seller’s documents;

• the current technical condition.

Enter the VIN on Certcar and check the available service history and other information before buying the car.