Auto Maintenance can get you down, but the solution is simple. Let me share three super simple ways that I use every day to keep track of auto maintenance on my own vehicles.

The most obvious method you can use is a simple trip record book that you keep in your glove box, write down the mileage on your vehicle when you get out of it every evening, along with any expenses you’ve had during the day. These can include gasoline, tire repair, service work, or cleaning. But those little books get lost, dirty, and loose pages, so at the end of the year, you’re wondering what you’ve done.

1. Keep a record in your calendar.

I keep a general record in a calendar in my office, including mileage, expenses, and details of service. This includes oil changes, hose and belt replacement, tire repair, and other nitty gritty details of upkeep and maintenance. I tuck any receipts inside the calendar and write them off at the end of the year on my taxes. Owning my own business means all those costs are deductible, since I have another vehicle for our personal use. Because the calendar stays with each vehicle, I prefer to keep a separate calendar for each vehicle. Keep the calendars in a file after you’re done for the year and you’ll have a record of all maintenance when you are ready to sell your vehicle.

2. Keep a record on your computer.

While this record needs to be printed and kept in a folder for security (computers are not as reliable as your Ford Truck), the computer makes an ideal method of keeping records current. Open a spreadsheet and give it weekly break points, each week, insert your totals in each category of costs. If you keep your checkbook in Quick Books, you can also add the information to your check memo and keep a good running record there - with printable reports.

3. Purchase a good manual with record sheets.

Purchase a good manual with record sheets for keeping regular information about your vehicle maintenance. Not only will you have legible spaces to record information, but you’ll have detailed suggestions as to necessary care and maintenance of your vehicle. A Maintenance Manual will help you keep up with daily details, provide information, and keep you abreast of necessary improvements you’ll need to make to keep your vehicle running in tip top condition.

Do you know five points of service your vehicle needs each week to maintain high-performance?