Buying a used car or keeping track of your own vehicle’s maintenance can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, with technology today, you can easily check your vehicle service history in India online. This helps you stay on top of your car’s health and makes buying or selling a secondhand car more transparent and reliable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to access your vehicle’s service records online, using trusted platforms like the Vahan portal, and how this benefits your car ownership experience.
Why Checking Vehicle Service History Matters
When you own or plan to buy a car, especially a used one, knowing its service history is crucial. Here’s why:
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Know the maintenance status: Regular servicing keeps your vehicle running smoothly.
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Avoid unexpected repairs: Missing service records may indicate neglected maintenance.
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Increase resale value: A well-maintained car sells faster and at a better price.
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Protect yourself from fraud: Ensures the seller isn’t hiding costly repairs or damages.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Vehicle Service History Online in India
The Indian government provides an official way to check your vehicle details via the Vahan portal. While the portal mainly gives registration and ownership details, some services are expanding to include maintenance and service history in partnership with manufacturers and authorized service centers.
Here’s how you can get started:
Step 1: Visit the Vahan Portal
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Select the “Know Your Vehicle Details” option on the homepage.
Step 2: Enter Vehicle Details
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Input your vehicle’s registration number.
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Enter the CAPTCHA code to verify you’re not a robot.
Step 3: View Vehicle Information
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The portal will display details like:
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Vehicle registration date
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Owner’s name (if publicly accessible)
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Vehicle class and engine number
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Fitness certificate validity
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Step 4: Access Service History (Where Available)
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Some manufacturers and authorized service centers link their records to the vehicle’s registration number.
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Check your car’s official service center portal or mobile app by providing your vehicle registration number.
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Third-party platforms are emerging to aggregate service data, but verify their authenticity before use.
Alternative Methods to Check Service History for Secondhand Cars
If you are looking for a secondhand car check, here are other ways to gather vehicle service history:
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authorized Service Centers | Contact official service centers where the car was serviced | Accurate and detailed history | May require car owner permission |
| Manufacturer Mobile Apps | Many car brands provide apps showing maintenance schedules | Convenient and quick | Only for specific brands |
| Vehicle Inspection Reports | Hire a trusted mechanic or inspection service before purchase | Physical check and history combined | Cost involved |
| Online Third-Party Websites | Websites aggregating data from various sources | Easy access | May not be fully reliable |
Tips for Car Ownership Using Online Tools
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Regularly update your service records: Always ask for digital or paper copies after servicing.
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Link your vehicle with your smartphone: Use apps from manufacturers or authorized dealers.
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Keep your registration details updated on the Vahan portal: This helps in seamless service and ownership verification.
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Be cautious with secondhand cars: Always do thorough checks using multiple sources, including the Vahan portal and service centers.
FAQs
Q1: Can I get complete service history on the Vahan portal?
A1: The Vahan portal mainly provides registration and ownership details. Full service history is generally available through manufacturer service centers or their apps linked to your vehicle.
Q2: Is checking service history important when buying a used car?
A2: Absolutely! It helps verify if the car has been maintained properly, which affects safety and resale value.
Q3: Are there any free online tools to check secondhand car service history?
A3: Some third-party websites offer partial reports, but they may not be fully reliable. Official service centers and manufacturer apps remain the best sources.
Q4: How often should I service my vehicle to maintain a healthy service history?
A4: Most vehicles require servicing every 6 months or 10,000 km, but always check your car’s manual or consult your service provider.
By using the Vahan portal and manufacturer resources, checking your vehicle service history in India is becoming simpler and more accessible. This not only helps current owners maintain their vehicles but also gives prospective buyers confidence in their secondhand car check. Stay informed, and drive safe!