Skoda service history check

A full service history is one of the best signs a used Skoda has been looked after, and it supports the price. A Skoda 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 Skoda servicing works

Skodas are usually on either a fixed service schedule, every year or so, or a flexible one where the car works out when it's due based on how it's driven. Both are normal. Check the gaps between services fit the schedule the car was on, and that big items like timing belts were done on time.

What to look for on a Skoda

• DSG gearbox oil changes on cars with that gearbox
• Timing belt replacements on diesel and older petrol engines that use one
• Ex-fleet and ex-taxi Octavias and Superbs with high mileage and long service gaps

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 Skoda 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.