Here at ACC UK Ltd. we are often asked by customers how they can track the service history of a second hand vehicle they have bought. If you have
bought a car that didn't come with a full service history you might be able to track down some of it. A car with little or no service history usually
commands a lower sale price which make them attractive to some buyers - if you are unsure of the vehicle mechanically it is always worth
investing in your local independent garage to get it checked over for you to help eliminate and nasty hidden surprises. The missing service history
does not necessarily mean that a car has not been well maintained but it should definitely raise a red flag. Better to be safe than sorry!


Most garages now have computerised files, making it easier to piece together a missing history. However, if the original garage has gone out of business
or has been bought by another company, records could get lost or deleted in these situations.

First, contact the manufacturer and ask them to tell you what they can about your car using the VIN to identify it (you can find the VIN on your car's
door frame or in the engine compartment). They should be able to tell you which dealer originally supplied the vehicle when it was new. You can then
approach the dealer and see if they have information on your car.

There is a danger that the car was serviced at more than one garage, and then you won't know who to contact.

A few manufacturers, such as Renault and Mazda, have centralised records, so if you go into a main dealer they should be able to give you all the service
history for that car.

Another possibility is to track down previous owners of the vehicle, to see if they may still have the car's servicing books or know where they took it
for servicing. To do this, you need to contact the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) by letter.

You need to write to them, quoting your car's registration number and the reason for your request, at Vehicle Record Enquiries, Vehicle Customer Services,
DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AJ. The DVLA will charge £5 for this service.

For all your Volvo and Toyota car servicing, repair and MOT requirements or if you need an independent garage to check over a vehicle before you purchase
it, call ACC UK Ltd of Farnborough, Hampshire. Happy Motoring! Stay Safe Folks!