Car History Check: How to Track Past Maintenance & Records?

A car history check helps vehicle owners and buyers track past maintenance, ownership details, and accident records. Whether purchasing a second-hand car or ensuring regular maintenance, checking vehicle history provides essential insights into its condition and legal status.

This guide explores different methods to check car history online, including government portals, manufacturer records, and third-party platforms like CarInfo.

Why is a Car History Check Important?

1. Verify Vehicle Ownership and Legal Status

A car service history ensures that a vehicle is registered with the state and free from fraud. The history report is also useful for tracking any remaining loans or legal problems associated with the vehicle.

2. Confirm Past Maintenance and Repairs

A car maintenance record lets buyers check if the car is serviced regularly. Skipped maintenance might lead to many inner hidden mechanical problems.

3. Identify Accidents and Insurance Claims

A vehicle history report provides accident and insurance claims, which can be a history of past damages. These details are critical in assessing the vehicle’s safety and resale value.

4. Detect Odometer Fraud

Odometer tampering is a common issue in the used car market. Checking past service records and mileage logs helps verify the authenticity of the odometer reading.

Also Check: Car Dashboard Warning Lights Explained: All Indicators and Their Meanings

How to Check Car History Online

1. Using CarInfo for a Detailed Vehicle History Report

CarInfo offers a reliable way to check car history online– car history records, maintenance records, insurance claims, or even ownership details.

Steps to Check Car History on CarInfo:

1. Go to the CarInfo website.
2. Enter the vehicle registration number.
3. Get a complete and detailed car history covering service records, accident details, and ownership verification.

2. Checking Vehicle History via VAHAN Portal

VAHAN is the official RTO vehicle database in India that provides basic registration details.

Steps to Use VAHAN for Car History Check:

1. Visit the VAHAN website.
2. Enter the vehicle’s registration number.
3. View ownership details, insurance status, and registration validity.

3. Checking Service History via Manufacturer Websites

Many car manufacturers provide service history reports if the car has been serviced at their authorized centers.

How to Access Manufacturer Service History:

1. Visit the official website of the manufacturer.
2. Log in using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or registration number.
3. Retrieve past maintenance and service records.

Manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, and Tata Motors provide online service records for vehicles maintained at their service centers.

4. Checking Insurance Claims and Accident Records

A vehicle’s accident history is often linked to insurance claims. Checking with the insurance provider can help reveal whether the car has undergone significant repairs.

What to Look for in a Car History Report

A vehicle service history report is different from the general one in that it details varied types of info that help determine the condition of a car. Some of the more important facets include:

• Service Check Records: Frequency of servicing and maintenance.
• Accident History: Previous damages and major repairs.
• Ownership Details: Number of prior owners and transfers.
• Odometer Reading: Authenticity of mileage verification.
• Pending Loans or Legal Issues: Monetary liabilities against the vehicle.

How to Use Car History Reports Before Buying a Used Car

If you are planning to buy a second-hand vehicle, you can make a careful decision with the help of the vehicle history report. Follow these steps:

1. Compare Service History Across Platforms – Refer to the Manufacturer service records and compare them with other third-party reports, such as CarInfo.
2. Accident History Inspection: The vehicle should never have undergone any major accidents.
3. Odometer Readings Verification: Checks for mileage consistency.
4. Check for Loans: stay Away from Cars that have Pending Financial Dues.
5. Confirm Insurance Status: Ensure no claims are pending.

Know More: Unlock Your Vehicle’s Service History: Free Tips and Tricks

Conclusion

An inspection of a vehicle history before purchase or maintenance gives reassurance and safety. CarInfo, VAHAN, and manufacturer portals are some of the platforms that are able to furnish requisite information to validate the service records, accident history, and legal status.A properly maintained car with a documented history will help its resale value. It will also ensure a better ownership experience. Remember to investigate service records and past history before the purchase to ensure that nothing comes as a surprise.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to check a car’s history online?The proven easiest way is through CarInfo, the VAHAN portal, and the manufacturer’s website.

2. Can I get a free car history report?Minimal details such as ownership and registration status are free in VAHAN, but a complete details of maintenance services may be a paid option.

3. Does a car history check show accident details?Yes, provided the car was involved in an accident and an insurance claim was made, it would be included in the vehicle history report.

4. How can I check the service history of a second-hand car?Using CarInfo, manufacturer websites, or requesting the records from authorized service centers are options.

5. Why is checking car history important before buying?A history check would give details on the condition of the vehicle, its ownerships, and repairs done on it so that transparency can help the buyer make a safe investment.