What is my vehicle's service history?

Your vehicle's service history is a record of all the maintenance work carried out on it during its lifetime. A full service history provides dealers with a comprehensive picture of the vehicle's upkeep and overall condition. The value of a car with a full service history will be higher than the same car with a partial or missing service history.

Understanding Your Vehicle’s Service History

Every vehicle needs regular maintenance to keep it running safely and reliably. This includes inspections, part replacements, and routine servicing such as oil changes.

Your vehicle manufacturer sets out exactly when these services should be carried out. This is known as the service interval.

Service intervals are usually based on:

• Mileage (for example, every 10,000 miles), or
• Time (for example, every 12 months),
• Whichever comes first

For example, Mercedes-Benz typically recommends servicing every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever happens sooner.

Why Following Service Intervals Matters

Keeping up with your vehicle’s service schedule is important because:

• It helps maintain reliability and performance
• It reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns
• It protects the long-term value of your vehicle
• It may be required to keep your manufacturer warranty valid

If servicing is missed or significantly delayed, it could affect any remaining warranty cover.

What Is a Full Service History (FSH)?

A Full Service History (FSH) means the vehicle has been serviced in line with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule throughout its life.

This is especially important if:

• The car is relatively new
• It still has some manufacturer warranty remaining
• The warranty requires servicing to have been completed correctly

A full service history can:

• Give you confidence in how well the car has been maintained
• Make the vehicle more attractive to future buyers
• Help protect resale value

What Is a Partial Service History (PSH)?

A Partial Service History (PSH) means some services have been carried out, but not all according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.

While this doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem, it may:

• Affect warranty coverage
• Reduce resale value
• Be something buyers use to negotiate a lower price

What Is Considered “Late” Servicing?

Sometimes a service is carried out later than scheduled, or the mileage can exceed the manufacturer service interval before the service is carried out.

Example 1:

If a vehicle requires servicing every 12 months, but the service is completed three months late, it can still count as a service, but it was not strictly on time, the service history will be recorded as a partial service history, not a full service history.

Example 2:

If a vehicle requires servicing every 10,000 miles, but the service is completed after 13,000 miles have been driven, the service history will also be recorded as a partial service history, not a full service history - even if it is still within the recommended timeframe.

Important to remember:

• The next service interval starts from the date the service was actually carried out, not from when it was originally due.
• The new mileage interval also begins from the mileage recorded at the time of the completed service.

What Do We Need To See?

• If the vehicle is a petrol or diesel, we would need to see evidence of an oil change (or 'service') recorded on the invoice. Alternatively, we would need to see the official service booklet, complete with service stamp(s).
• If the vehicle is an electric vehicle (EV), we would need to see evidence that a cabin or pollen filter change (or 'service') has been completed.

In Summary

• Regular servicing is essential for keeping your vehicle in good condition.
• Following the manufacturer’s schedule helps protect performance, value, and warranty.
• A full service history provides reassurance and can increase resale value.
• Late servicing doesn’t erase the service record, but keeping to schedule is always best.

If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s service history or upcoming service needs, we’re always happy to help.