Vehicle Maintenance Software

[outdoorspace]

I've been using MS Excel to keep track of my vehicle maintenance and repairs for quite sometime now. But lately I've been thinking that there has got to be something more robust than just using MS Excel. I have an app on my iPhone which works great for most things, but I prefer to keep a more detailed log of everything along with repairs, part numbers, specs etc.

So can anyone recommend any software available for PC? I found a few online that I've already tested out

Automotive Wolf
CARCare
Automotive Maintenance Pro

I'm thinking that Automotive Wolf came the closest to what I'm looking for however, I just want to know if anyone has any other suggestions before I decide to commit.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Matt M PA]

I've been using Car Minder on my iPhone for a few years. Keeps track of repairs, services, etc. I also like that it has an area for adding notes and other info.

If I'm at the store to buy oil, there's a reminder with me of when I last changed the oil, which filter, how many quarts, etc. Also when doing a service, a note for the size of the drain plug...lug night size and torque, etc.

I recently had a battery fail prematurely. When I stopped at the shop where the battery was purchased, I had the date and mileage it was installed.

I guess the point of all this is that I find it very convenient to have the info to be mobile...rather than parked in the house on a computer.

Edit...entering info is very easy.

 

[mrodgers]

Every time I try out a new program or app for vehicles, I always go back to Excel. Since getting a smart phone, I like having it on my phone since even working on the cars, it's usually sitting in my pocket so I tried apps. I don't like having to navigate through a bunch of windows and menus to input stuff. I have just a database app on the phone that I track a bunch of stuff and all I really want to know anymore about the car is the last mileage of whatever maintenance, so I just use the database with a "vehicle" category that I can scroll through when looking for last oil change info or such.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Amsoil offers a "Free Garage" to keep track of maintenance. Includes correct specs and email reminders. See my signature below.

 

[PFSard]

I've been using MS Excel to keep track of my vehicle maintenance and repairs for quite sometime now. But lately I've been thinking that there has got to be something more robust than just using MS Excel.

What does Excel lack? What additional features are you seeking?

 

[benjamintmiller]

Has anyone made a checklist for their specific vehicle? I'm tired of flipping through the service manual to find information for common maintenance, so I'm considering making checklists for all common maintenance that include torque specs, part numbers, all the steps, etc.

 

[rdvt4me]

I have used CARCare software for years and it works very well.

 

[Beemer533]

I've been using Car Minder on my iPhone for a few years. Keeps track of repairs, services, etc. I also like that it has an area for adding notes and other info.

If I'm at the store to buy oil, there's a reminder with me of when I last changed the oil, which filter, how many quarts, etc. Also when doing a service, a note for the size of the drain plug...lug night size and torque, etc.

I recently had a battery fail prematurely. When I stopped at the shop where the battery was purchased, I had the date and mileage it was installed.

I guess the point of all this is that I find it very convenient to have the info to be mobile...rather than parked in the house on a computer.

Edit...entering info is very easy.

Apps are definitely convenient, but for some things working on a full PC is easier.. For stuff like this, I do a lot with google documents; on the PC they work just like Excel, Word, etc (but free compared with MS Office) and when I need to access them on my phone or tablet they are always available on the Google Drive app..

Just another option..

 

[teamextreme]

I guess I need to upgrade from my little pink notebook (one with actual paper) I started using back in about '82. It's almost out of pages now anyway after all the vehicles it's kept track of over the years.

 

[outdoorspace]

I've been using Car Minder on my iPhone for a few years. Keeps track of repairs, services, etc. I also like that it has an area for adding notes and other info.

If I'm at the store to buy oil, there's a reminder with me of when I last changed the oil, which filter, how many quarts, etc. Also when doing a service, a note for the size of the drain plug...lug night size and torque, etc.

I recently had a battery fail prematurely. When I stopped at the shop where the battery was purchased, I had the date and mileage it was installed.

I guess the point of all this is that I find it very convenient to have the info to be mobile...rather than parked in the house on a computer.

Edit...entering info is very easy.

Yeah that's what I have on my phone is Car Minder. Like I said though I'd like something a little more robust than just a little cell phone app. Besides, with the way things are with crApple these days (interface that looks like a 3rd grade class project, devices that are 98% identical to previous models but just resized), I don't see myself having an iPhone much longer. So when I decide to jump to a different device I don't want all my car history to be trapped on that device.

Mobility isn't an issue for me as I don't have a problem accessing my home computer from my cell phone via Remote Desktop.

Amsoil offers a "Free Garage" to keep track of maintenance. Includes correct specs and email reminders. See my signature below.

I should have mentioned that I don't want anything that is online or cloud based. I prefer to have my stuff on my own computer where I know it's always available and always safe.

What does Excel lack? What additional features are you seeking?

I think really I'm just looking for something that I can organize all my history, part numbers, and modifications all in one place. I kinda do this now with Excel using multiple sheets and having different categories on each sheet, but I've got four cars and a sport bike so it'd be nice to just have it compiled all in one app rather than several spreadsheets.

To be honest, if I can't find any software that is to my liking I'll just stick to Excel because for all intent purposes it does get the job done. Right now I'm just seeing what other options are out there.

Apps are definitely convenient, but for some things working on a full PC is easier.. For stuff like this, I do a lot with google documents; on the PC they work just like Excel, Word, etc (but free compared with MS Office) and when I need to access them on my phone or tablet they are always available on the Google Drive app..

Just another option..

Yeah that's how I feel about working on a full PC being easier. But once again I'm not looking for anything cloud based and I certainly don't want anything stored on Google. They already have enough information as it is. Accessing my PC via remote desktop works just fine.

 

[theluke]

What is the point of keeping track of those things? I'm not being a **** I actually want to know

 

[mrodgers]

What is the point of keeping track of those things? I'm not being a **** I actually want to know

Nerdism, LOL. And I'm serious about that too. I use to do this tracking absolutely every little detail. Now all I care about is which oil I need for each car (can never remember) and what was the last mileage and date for the last oil change. I don't care when the last time I changed the brakes or replaced tires, etc anymore. With the miles we put on cars, I just figure the intervals for that is just "often".

Part numbers are good to have a list off, but I keep a list of part numbers more for the Scotts lawn tractor as they can never get it right the first time when cross referencing for the John Deere part numbers.

 

[outdoorspace]

What is the point of keeping track of those things? I'm not being a **** I actually want to know

Well for example, if I install a clutch and then down the road I have to replace it, I like to see how many miles I had on it so I can know what to expect in the future. Same with brakes, tires or pretty much and hard part. Other than that, anytime I've sold one of my vehicles I always print out my maintenance log to show potential buyers. Definitely helps set buyers at ease when they see how **** you are.

 

[wornoutoldman]

What is the point of keeping track of those things? I'm not being a **** I actually want to know

First off I'd say resale. Having a complete service history (especially one that shows services performed on time) will increase the value of the vehicle by a substantial amount.

Second, warranty. Being able to show that you performed all the required oil changes/services/maintenance schedule goes a long way with the manufacturer/dealer when your car breaks in or out of the regular warranty period. Often times having complete records with part numbers and receipt copies whether you paid a shop or you are a DIYer can be the difference between a large repair bill or free repair of major components (think engine or trans) often times after warranty expiration (the don't ask don't get rule applies here).

Third, you can track when a service is due, (even set up email or text reminders) what parts you will need, how much it will cost and the piece of mind that comes with knowing you car is going to get you there and back without issue.

I drive coast to coast several times each year with a 2006 Scion with over 170K. I don't worry about it breaking down. Ever.

 

[theluke]

Cool. Just wondering because it seems kinda strange to me. Maybe if you live in a state without annual safety inspections it would kinda make sense. Never heard of getting more money on a trade in because you have a record of maintenance done on it

 

[theluke]

Also every owner's manual has a checklist in the back with what should be done and at what mileage so why not just use that?

 

[Code Monkey]

If you use Excel, at least switch to OpenOffice or LibreOffice, they are free.

 

[outdoorspace]

Cool. Just wondering because it seems kinda strange to me. Maybe if you live in a state without annual safety inspections it would kinda make sense. Never heard of getting more money on a trade in because you have a record of maintenance done on it

Not sure what the hell annual safety inspection has to do with anything. Not like that annual safety inspections and emissions tests are anything other than a money making scheme for that state. Then again, I don't have that problem since I just keep all my vehicles registered in Florida even though I live in Las Vegas where they don't have safety inspection however they do have emissions testing.

Also every owner's manual has a checklist in the back with what should be done and at what mileage so why not just use that?

That little dinky *** checklist is only for preventative maintenance. Doesn't give you the option to keep track of repairs and modifications etc.

I see you definitely lack pride in ownership when it comes to your stuff. But hey whatever works for you.

 

[theluke]

Keeping track of everything you had to fix on your ****** vehicle doesn't mean you care about your car. It means your car breaks all the time and you need to buy something better. As far as annual safety inspections they check everything that can wear out. I probably take better care of my vehicles than you do so don't go posting a bunch of **** you have no idea about

 

[theluke]

And as far as that "dinky little checklist" yes it is preventive maintenance and if you follow that you really shouldn't have too many problems with your vehicle. Do you know something the car manufacturers don't?

 

[benjamintmiller]

Also every owner's manual has a checklist in the back with what should be done and at what mileage so why not just use that?

I do follow the maintenance list in the owner's manual and service manual, but it's very poorly laid out.

It says "Change oil and filter", for instance, but it doesn't say what type of oil (another page), the torque for the oil pan bolt (yet another page), the type of filter, etc.

Some guys do this maintenance often enough that they can remember all of this info, but on my Acura, I only need to do this about once per year.

 

[theluke]

Thank you. That's the kind of answer i was looking for

 

[wrnchtwstr]

Amsoil offers a "Free Garage" to keep track of maintenance. Includes correct specs and email reminders. See my signature below.

I use this same maintenance software myself. It comes in handy when there is several cars in the family. I also have 8 classics to keep maintained as well. Pretty useful program for me.

 

[teamextreme]

Keeping track of everything you had to fix on your ****** vehicle doesn't mean you care about your car. It means your car breaks all the time and you need to buy something better. As far as annual safety inspections they check everything that can wear out. I probably take better care of my vehicles than you do so don't go posting a bunch of **** you have no idea about

I would expect this kind of opinion when discussing this topic on betterhomesand gardens.com, not Garage Journal. If you have to ask about the importance of recording vehicle maintenance records (and be a **** about it), maybe you're hanging out on the wrong website.

 

[theluke]

First off how am i being a **** about this? Second keeping track of maintenance on your car is pointless. You don't get more money when you trade it in or sell it if you have a spreadsheet with everything that was done to it. If you want to keep track of stuff because you can't remember what you did that's fine, but don't act like a **** when i ask a question.

 

[Worsedog]

First off how am i being a **** about this? Second keeping track of maintenance on your car is pointless. You don't get more money when you trade it in or sell it if you have a spreadsheet with everything that was done to it. If you want to keep track of stuff because you can't remember what you did that's fine, but don't act like a **** when i ask a question.

If you drive a "****** car", then yes, it is pointless. If you own a collector or car of interest then yes detailed service records can bring extra $.

 

[BeachBoy]

I've been using MS Excel to keep track of my vehicle maintenance and repairs for quite sometime now. But lately I've been thinking that there has got to be something more robust than just using MS Excel. I have an app on my iPhone which works great for most things, but I prefer to keep a more detailed log of everything along with repairs, part numbers, specs etc.

So can anyone recommend any software available for PC? I found a few online that I've already tested out

Automotive Wolf
CARCare
Automotive Maintenance Pro

I'm thinking that Automotive Wolf came the closest to what I'm looking for however, I just want to know if anyone has any other suggestions before I decide to commit.

Thanks in advance!

I have used truedelta online. Pretty neat.

 

[Plump]

I use Evernote for all my projects. I can take pictures of what I'm doing, link online articles, put part #'s, prices, etc. all into notebooks. I snap pictures of sale prices so I remember what store I should go to for parts as well as using pictures so a salesperson can help me get what I need. You can even link your spreadsheets or other documents to the notebook. Best of all, it's on your smartphone AND you PC as it's synced to your account. Info is always available and I can use the PC for more in-depth browsing and data entry.

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

I know this is a pretty old thread, but I'm wondering if the Amsoil guy (WornOutOldMan) is still around. I tried to download the maintenance log and couldn't.

 

[wyo george]

I know this is a pretty old thread, but I'm wondering if the Amsoil guy (WornOutOldMan) is still around. I tried to download the maintenance log and couldn't.

I may not be THE Amsoil guy, but I'm AN Amsoil guy.... If you want I can try and assist you when I get home this evening. Just shoot me a PM with the issue and I'll look into it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cliftonbros89]

Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me. Working on the farm I have a lot of maintenance to keep up with. Over 10 tractors, multiple pick up, trailer trucks, side by sides, four wheelers and lawn mowers. I've considered trying to type up sheets on excel. But that's a lot of sheets. Most regular maintenance routines and intervals are not the same for everything. I need something that would be handy to keep track of when things were done and able to keep notes on things to keep an eye on and when a part was replaced. It'd be nice to know those things. But when there's multiple things involved it's hard to remember all of it. I also don't want to have 20 notebooks in my toolbox for everything. Plus I feel like all of that would be way to much to try and store in some sort of app on my iPhone.

 

[Maticuno]

I made one Excel workbook with a different tab for each vehicle that I work on. If another friend or family member starts having me do the work, I just add a new tab. It's a basic checklist for common maintenance with a notes section for other items of maintenance or repair. There's room to add an additional notes section with part numbers and capacities, but I haven't gotten around to adding that in yet. See the screenshot below. I'd be happy to email this to anyone interested and you can make the changes to suite your needs.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I wouldn't say I drive "******" vehicles although I don't drive brand new ones either. I have to admit my truck is starting to get ******. LOL In any event, I used to keep very close track of all my maintenance too but I don't any more. It just didn't really help me out much. Now, on major repairs, I try to date whatever it is. The radiator in my wife's car for example. I dated it with a paint pen when I installed it. So if and when it goes again it has the date right on it.

I do the same with the oil changes. I write the mileage and date right on the filter and I use the same filters all the time. I also put the oil spec on it but usually use the same brand. 10W-40 for example.

Some things like shocks I don't go by mileage because everyone drives different. So I don't believe that they need to be replaced at X miles. I go by their performance.

As far as safety stuff, I go through the entire vehicle myself every year at a minimum before inspection and also each oil change and check everything over. Brakes, fluids, lights, leaks, tires, etc.

So if keeping detailed logs is your method to get things done then that's fine there is value in it. But having some method is really the important thing. Maintenance records when buying are a nice comforting feeling when you buy and may be a selling point but I don't believe it adds dollars to the value of the car. The car's condition usually speaks for itself, especially if it is checked out by a qualified mechanic. Keeping detailed records when rebuilding or restoring a car is a different matter altogether.

That I do and happen to be doing currently on a different truck project. That allows me to know what I have into it both in labor and parts when it is completed. For that I have photos and a notebook with receipts, hours spent, etc.

 

[mrrooG8]

I've always used Excel on all my log book stuff. Yes I keep a "log book" on my cars and motorcycles. I even keep them on my RC planes to keep track of flights. It all stems from aviation for me. I have 4 vehicles and multiple other motored things to maintain and ill lose track if I don't write everything down. I'm super **** about maintenance and over do everything. Once again, come from aviation background. As maxpower also said. I nut and bolt check my stuff once a year at least. And also before and after any track event I do. You have to be on top of that stuff when running high speeds on the track. My cars get inspected like an airplane should. LOL. When someone buys a car from me they are in awe of the records I have. And you can tell by the way my vehicles look and drive. Even my 250,000 mile 98 4runner is almost like new. Maintenance goes along way in making stuff last and be safe.