Hi all

Just bought a Kuga 1.5 EcoBlue 2020. The dealer told me that there is no Ford service book any more and its all on line. I've looked in the Ford Pass app and it is there. My question is how does an independent garage add their service record. I assume I would just keep a paper record of all servicing. Is there a way round this?

Kind regards

 

Tom

 

26 minutes ago, fuzzy felt bloke said:

My question is how does an independent garage add their service record. 

I think members of the Independent Garage Association can access the digital service record systems of many manufacturers.

Not sure about Ford's but I asked a few independent garages if they can update the VW DSR and was told no... 

Only some services carried out by some Ford dealers will get added to the Ford online service record. Independents can't access  the system, and at present not even all Ford dealers are using it with many still stamping the service book if you have one.

Just wait until we are a totally cashless society things will run much smoother 🤣🤣

49 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Not sure about Ford's but I asked a few independent garages if they can update the VW DSR and was told no... 

Some of them say they can, e.g. https://www.pscautocentre.co.uk/pages/volkswagen-digital-service-history

(I know it's not in your area!)

For the IGA thing, they need to be a member of the IGA's Trust My Garage scheme. The one I use for my wife's SEAT isn't, so we get a very comprehensive invoice on good old paper from them. Quite a few in the TMG scheme in my area though, but not quite as convenient (5 minutes walk from our house)!

This is what the IGA claim:

 

MEMBER SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – DIGITAL SERVICE RECORDS

IGA Services

IGA members have access to a full list of links to manufacturers’ technical websites, as well as guides to accessing and uploading digital service records. Find out how we can help.

As an IGA member, you can find a list of manufacturers’ technical sites and digital service records in the IGA Members Area.

About Digital Service Records

Digital service records are maintained and stored online via a secure vehicle manufacturer’s central database. It keeps a record of the service and maintenance history, as well as the mileage and the garages where these services are carried out.

Typically, the service records of vehicles are kept as paper records and stored at the garage which has undertaken the work, with you getting a stamp and entry in the logbook confirming the work that has been carried out. They also keep a record of any major breakdowns or accidents that the vehicle has been through.

One of the biggest issues with paper logbooks is that the information within them can be falsified, meaning that buyers have to use their own initiative and try and verify anything suspicious with the garage that serviced the car. A digital service record can solve all of these problems.

Digital service records are maintained and stored online via a secure vehicle manufacturer’s central database. It keeps a record of the service and maintenance history, as well as the mileage and the garages where these services are performed. A digital service record is updated every time you visit an approved garage for car servicing or car repairs. You can also request a hard copy from any authorised car dealer or from an online portal if available.

Manufacturers currently using DSRs include:

• Audi
• BMW
• Ford
• Jaguar
• Land Rover
• Mercedes
• Mini
• Smart
• Skoda
• Volkswagen

A full list of links to manufacturers’ technical data websites can be found in the Members Area of the IGA website. Simply click on the ‘Document Category’ dropdown, select ‘Manufacturer Website Links’, then click the orange download button.

What the IGA and RMI Technical Helpline can help with

The IGA provides online step by step guides on how to setup accounts with these websites, and how to enter an online service record. These are available to view and saved under the ‘Digital Service Record Guides’ category in the IGA Members Area.

I thought this, 'closed shop' nonsense was all overturned years ago by the EU who stated it was illegal for main dealers to monopolise their strangle hold to service cars to maintaining warranty obligations etc? Did this not include the ability for independents to access online servicing records?