A full service history (FSH) is one of the most valuable things a used car can have. But how do you know if it's genuine? Here's how to verify service records.
Why Service History Matters
A documented service history:
- Proves the car has been maintained
- Supports the mileage as genuine
- Shows major components have been replaced on schedule
- Adds significant value to the car
- Indicates a careful previous owner
Cars with FSH typically sell for 10-20% more than those without.
Types of Service History
Full Main Dealer Service History
The gold standard. Every service done at manufacturer franchised dealers. Most valuable for prestige brands.
Full Service History (Mixed)
Combination of main dealer and independent garage services. Perfectly acceptable if documentation is complete.
Part Service History
Some services documented, gaps in the record. Less valuable but better than nothing.
No Service History
No documentation of any servicing. Raises questions about maintenance and mileage.
What Service Documentation Looks Like
Service Book
Most cars come with a service book containing:
- Stamped entries for each service
- Garage name and contact details
- Date of service
- Mileage at service
- Technician signature/stamp
Digital Service Records
Many modern cars have digital service histories stored by the manufacturer. Accessible through dealers or owner apps.
Invoices and Receipts
Individual invoices for each service showing:
- Garage details
- Date
- Registration and/or VIN
- Mileage
- Work performed
- Parts used
How to Verify Service History
1. Check the Stamps
- Stamps should be clear and include garage name/address
- Handwriting should vary if different technicians
- Look for the garage phone number
2. Call the Garages
Contact previous servicing garages and ask:
- Do you have records for this registration?
- Can you confirm the service dates and mileage?
- What work was performed?
Most garages keep records for several years.
3. Check Digital Records
For newer cars, ask the dealer to:
- Print the digital service history
- Show it on their system
- Confirm all records are present
4. Verify Mileage Consistency
Service mileages should:
- Always increase
- Match MOT history mileages
- Show realistic annual distance
5. Check VIN/Registration Matches
Invoices and stamps should show:
- Correct registration number
- VIN (if shown) matches the car
- Make/model matches
Red Flags in Service History
- Missing service book – "Lost" with the rest of history
- Stamps without details – Can't verify the garage existed
- All stamps in same handwriting – Potentially faked
- Large mileage gaps between services – What happened?
- Services too close together – Mileage may be faked
- Wrong car details on invoices – Belonged to different car
- Garage no longer exists – Can't verify (not always suspicious)
Digital Service Records
Increasingly, service histories are digital:
Advantages
- Hard to fake
- Can't be "lost"
- Easily verified by any dealer
- Complete record of all work
How to Check
- Ask any main dealer to look up the history
- Some brands have owner apps showing history
- Request a printout for your records
No Service History: What to Do
If there's no service history:
- Price accordingly – Should be cheaper than FSH equivalent
- Get it inspected – Independent mechanic can assess condition
- Check MOT mileage – At least verify mileage pattern
- Budget for servicing – Assume nothing has been done recently
- Run a vehicle check – Verify no other hidden problems
Protect Your Investment
Service history is important but doesn't tell the whole story. Always combine it with a comprehensive vehicle check to verify finance, theft, and write-off status.
Check any car for just £9.99 – results in seconds.
