Ford service history check

A full service history is one of the best signs a used Ford has been looked after, and it supports the price. A Ford service history check shows you the dealer services recorded against the car, with the date and mileage of each, so you can see for yourself rather than relying on the advert.

How Ford servicing works

Most Fords are serviced every year or at a set mileage, whichever comes first. Because Fords are common and cheap to run, many are serviced at independent garages once they're out of warranty. That's fine, but those services won't appear in the dealer record, so expect a mix of dealer history and invoices on an older Ford.

What to look for on a Ford

• Cam belt changes on engines with a wet belt, which are expensive if missed
• Early services at a dealer, then nothing, with no invoices to fill the gap
• Mileage on invoices that doesn't fit the MOT readings

One late service isn't a reason to walk away. A pattern of long gaps, or a burst of servicing just before the car was advertised, is worth asking about and should be reflected in the price.

Services at independent garages

Dealer records only include work done at franchised Ford dealers. Plenty of owners switch to an independent specialist once the warranty runs out, and a good specialist history is nothing to worry about. It just won't appear in the dealer record, so ask the seller for the invoices and check the dates and mileages fit.

Check the mileage too

Every service records the mileage, and those numbers should fit neatly between the MOT readings either side. Our free mileage check lists every MOT reading, so you can line them up. If they don't agree, read our guide on signs a car has been clocked.

For the rest of the car's past, including finance, write-offs and theft, run a vehicle history check on the reg.