Car Maintenance Tracker
Records that prove the car was loved — boosts resale by $1,000+.
Why track
- Documented maintenance increases resale value $500-1,500.
- Knowing your last oil change prevents over-paying jiffy lubes.
- Catches problems early — slow MPG drop signals needed tune-up.
- Useful for taxes (mileage, work-related expense).
CARFAX Car Care
FREETracks oil changes, repairs, recall alerts. Pulls data from your VIN.
Best free option, tied to CARFAX history.
Fuelly
FREETrack fuel economy across fills. Spot when MPG drops (signal of needed maintenance).
Best for tracking gas costs.
AUTOsist
$5/mo or $40/yrDetailed records — receipts, photos, dates. Multiple vehicles.
Best for serious record-keeping.
Drivvo
Free; $20/yr ProMaintenance, fuel, and expense tracking. Solid free version.
Best free Android pick.
Your car's app
FREEMost modern cars (FordPass, MyChevrolet, Toyota app, etc.) track service automatically.
Already have it; just install.
Spreadsheet
FREEOld-fashioned Google Sheet with date, mileage, what was done, who did it, cost.
Most reliable long-term.
What to track
- Oil changes — every 5,000-7,500 miles for most cars.
- Tire rotation — every 5,000-7,500 miles.
- Tire replacement — every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on tread wear.
- Brake pads — every 30,000-70,000 miles.
- Battery — every 4-6 years.
- Transmission fluid — every 60,000-100,000 miles.
- Coolant flush — every 50,000 miles.
- Spark plugs — every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on type.
- Cabin air filter — yearly.
- Engine air filter — every 15,000-30,000 miles.
Save receipts
Take a photo of every service receipt. Store in a "Car" album in your phone OR upload to your tracking app. When selling, you can show 5-10 years of records.
Recall checking
Every 6 months, check nhtsa.gov/recalls with your VIN. Open recalls are FREE to fix at any dealer (regardless of who did the work).