You’ve probably been taught the importance of keeping certain records, such as receipts, identification, pay stubs, medical bills, and financial statements. But there’s one type of document that many people fail to realize the importance of preserving: car maintenance logs.

The value of these logs should never be underestimated. In fact, keeping track of all your car’s repairs and maintenance checks can help save your wallet and protect your potential rights under California lemon laws.

3 Benefits of Keeping Maintenance Logs

Below, we discuss three benefits to keeping track of all your vehicle maintenance logs.

Increased Safety

Having your car function the way you need it at the right time is important for your safety and for the safety of everyone else on the road. You can’t always predict when you may experience a breakdown, brake failure, or steering problems. Maintaining your logs can help you stay on track of regular maintenance and ensure your car is in good condition to support your journey.

Avoid Expensive Repairs

Regular car maintenance doesn’t cost much, but avoiding small repairs over a long period of time can add up. Minor problems, such as leaks, can turn into bigger problems that are more burdensome on your wallet, such as entire vehicle part replacement. In many instances, these expensive car repairs can be avoided when regular inspections are performed.

Protect Yourself From a Lemon

If you are finding yourself having to get regular car maintenance done for the same problem, there is a good chance that you may have a lemon on your hands and are entitled to a buyback or a replacement vehicle under California lemon laws. In order for your lemon law attorney to successfully prove your claim, having maintenance logs to show the specific work you had done and when is absolutely crucial.

How to Keep Your Vehicle File Organized

It may seem like a hassle to keep up with your vehicle maintenance logs, especially after you’ve had your vehicle for an extended period of time. It really comes down to getting into a habit of preserving these documents and having an organized system that works for you.

We suggest keeping all your records in a three-inch binder, with different vehicles that you own being in a different section. Punch holes into full-size papers to secure them in their labeled place, and put receipts and other small papers in a clear plastic pocket. You can organize each document by date, work done, or the repair shop used. There are also applications that allow you to scan and keep track of documents online, such as eCarLog or Your Garage Online.

In general, you should always preserve the following documents:

• Service records
• Purchase receipts
• Initial paperwork
• Warranty information
• Previous owner’s paperwork
• Insurance information

Got a Lemon on Your Hands?

As mentioned above, preserving your car maintenance records can help protect your consumer rights under California lemon laws. With this information, your attorney can piece together all the details of your specific case and present them as evidence.

If you have any questions or concerns about whether you are driving a lemon, turn to Norman Taylor & Associates for help! Our Los Angeles lemon law attorneys can review your case for free to determine if you have legal rights to a buyback or replacement vehicle.

Contact our firm at (818)-244-3905 to schedule your free consultation today!