When it comes to buying or selling a car, three letters can make a difference in how quickly each model gets snapped up and how much they sell for. So if you’ve spotted the combinations FSH and PSH on a car ad and wondered what they mean, you’re about to find out.
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What is a full-service history?
When any new car leaves the dealership forecourt, it loses a little of its value straight away. It also leaves the dealership with a handbook suggesting the correct care of the vehicle, service records, and a complete car service schedule. This schedule dictates that the owner, to keep the car running in tip-top shape, must entertain the full and major services suggested by the manufacturer at the recommended mileage or periods. Regular servicing, including annual service and full annual service, is essential for maintaining a well maintained car and should be documented in the service history.
When a garage or dealership carried out a service in the good old days, it was recorded in the handbook (or car service book). Most conscientious drivers would store all relevant and associated paperwork—receipts and invoices showing parts and payments—as further proof of everything the car required for its upkeep. If a car has been serviced at different locations, there may also be digital records or documentation available, especially if the physical service book is lost.
As each vehicle changes hands, the potential buyers want to see that the car has been lovingly maintained throughout its life. They also expect to see proof that any problem parts have been dealt with and replaced correctly. A well maintained car with a complete servicing schedule, including regular oil changes and spark plugs replacement, is more attractive to buyers. Such a record provides far more confidence that they’re getting the vehicle they expect and not one with a host of hidden issues.
A full-service history includes documentation of all car servicing and servicing carried out, covering both routine maintenance and repair work. This history should show that full annual service and annual service have been performed as per manufacturer recommendations, ensuring the car remains in optimal condition and retains its value.
What is a part service history?
If the magical letters FSH are replaced by the slightly less helpful PSH, it means that somewhere along the road, one or more of the services has been skipped, or the paperwork has gone astray, impacting the overall full car service history. A Partial Service History is considered an incomplete service history, and missing history can make buyers cautious due to potential unknown issues. A Partial Service History will include plenty of information, but there could well be a few nasty gaps in proceedings to set off those alarm bells.
How much difference does a full-service history make to a used car's price?
Poke around the web, and you’ll find plenty of surveys and articles detailing how car buyers react to cars that fail to provide a full-service history, especially if they lack a digital service booklet.
This article from freecarcheck.co.uk tells us:
75% of drivers would be put off buying a car with no service history
15% would consider buying the car but only after a reduction in price
54% would expect at least 15% off the asking price
25% would expect at least 20% off the asking price
Almost half of car buyers would avoid purchasing a used car without a full service history, showing the significant impact this documentation has on resale value.
20% is quite a chunk of your car that isn’t too old and still in good condition. Actually, 20% is quite a chunk, whatever the age of the car and the condition it’s in!
So if you want to attain the most possible when selling your car and maximize its resale value, make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row and your service history neatly detailed at every step. A full service history can help you achieve a better price and the right price for your car, as buyers are often willing to pay more money for vehicles with complete records.
The manufacturer logbook vs online car service history
The vehicle handbook was the perfect place to store each car service stamp and was as good a system as any for years. However, times have changed with paper-based systems becoming outdated and clumsy compared to the alternatives provided by main dealer .
Most manufacturers now have digital versions for their latest models. Modern cars often have digital records accessible via manufacturer portals, and these records can be retrieved using the vehicle identification number or car's registration number. Depending on the vehicle, you may have to complete an online registration to fulfill each obligation, or they might be automatically applied to the car itself, especially when any work is carried out through the dealership.
With some makes, all you have to do is pop the key in the ignition, and the records are available via the car’s dashboard screen. However, the work will need to be handled by registered dealers or operators with the approved software to make the updates, but it’s easy to imagine that sometime soon, all service histories will be stored like this. Official dealership and franchised dealership records are considered the most reliable sources for a vehicle's service history.
Going digital should mean access to each car’s information becoming far simpler in the future. Forgetting where you stored your collection of paperwork and service handbook will no longer be an issue. If the service book is lost, the vehicle's log book and digital records can help verify the car's maintenance history using the registration number or vehicle identification number.
Beware of fake service history logs
So, we’ve seen that the FSH makes a big difference to the price of selling a car. But, sadly, many less-than-reputable sellers out there will run the risk of adding fake bits and pieces to the genuine articles, delivering a false full set of information a buyer wants to see.
Verifying the crucial information in a car's service history is essential to avoid falling victim to fake or incomplete records.
Don’t be surprised if they’ve organized their own rubber stamps to fill the service gaps with sham garage details. There are a few lengths these crooks won’t stoop to just to make a few extra pounds on the deal.
Due diligence on car service history
If the service history information is missing, but the owner or sales staff are doing their utmost to convince you the car has been as well looked after as you hope, then there are ways of tracking down a little more information if you’re prepared to do the legwork. Conducting a service history check can help uncover a vehicle's service history, even if the car's service history is incomplete. Contacting the previous owner or vehicle owner may help retrieve missing records, as they might have access to valuable documentation. The car owner is responsible for maintaining service records, whether for their own vehicle or when preparing to sell, ensuring that all relevant information is available for verification.
Online checks
Plenty of paid-for checking services is available online, with major used-car sales directories carrying out their own due diligence more often than not. Many online services offer a full history report, which includes service, ownership, and other relevant records. However, most of these (Auto Trader, RAC, AA, HPI) focus on ownership, outstanding finance, and if the car has ever been written off or stolen.
MOT records
The DVSA allows anyone to check the MOT test status of a vehicle, including details of failures and minor issues recorded during each MOT test. If the seller provides you with the V5C vehicle logbook number, you’ll also have access to each test location. So if you’re really keen on that new motor, you could contact the test centers to find out who brought it in and then see if that garage is prepared to tell you about any other work the car needed.
To me, that sounds like a lot of work. You’d really have to like the car.
Dealership records
If the owner claims the car was serviced only at registered dealerships and has had minimal previous owners, you may have more luck tracking down its records, as they should have a far better system for keeping track of its info. Dealership records can often provide a complete service history from when the car was originally purchased, which helps ensure proper maintenance and can maintain the car's value.
That said, with GDPR being the buzzword of today’s generation, don’t expect getting access to those records to be any kind of easy. You may have more hoops to jump through than you think necessary.
What's the importance of an interim service?
An interim service is a vital part of your car’s maintenance routine, acting as a crucial checkpoint between full annual services. For car owners who cover a lot of miles, interim services are especially important—they help catch potential issues early, before they turn into costly repairs. Typically, an interim service includes essential checks like engine oil and filter replacement, a thorough vehicle inspection, and diagnostic tests to keep your car running smoothly.
By sticking to the recommended interim service schedule, you’re not just looking after your car’s health—you’re also protecting its resale value. A complete service history that includes both full and interim services is highly attractive to buyers, as it shows the vehicle has been regularly serviced and well maintained. In fact, studies have shown that a full service history can boost a car’s resale value by up to 20%. So, whether you’re planning to keep your car for years or thinking about selling in the near future, don’t overlook the importance of interim services in your service history.
Does a main dealer service make a difference?
Opting for a main dealer service can make a real difference when it comes to your car’s service history and future value. A main dealer service history means that all maintenance, repairs, and routine servicing have been carried out by garages or dealerships officially affiliated with the car manufacturer. For prospective buyers, this is a strong signal that the car has been regularly serviced by trained professionals using approved parts and methods.
Car manufacturers and official dealerships often provide digital service booklets, making it easier for car owners to keep track of their service history online. This digital record adds another layer of reassurance for both current and future owners. A main dealer service history can also help maintain your warranty and reduce the risk of unexpected repair bills, as any work carried out is logged and traceable.
When it comes time to sell, a main dealer service history can help your car stand out from the crowd, attract buyers, and command a higher resale value. It’s a clear sign that the car has been properly cared for, making it a smart choice for car owners who want to protect their investment.
Can I sell a car with no service history?
Selling a car with no service history can be a challenge, as many potential buyers are wary of vehicles with missing information about their maintenance and care. A missing service history can raise questions about the car’s reliability and whether it has been properly serviced over the years. However, it’s not impossible to sell a car with an incomplete or missing service record.
If you find yourself in this situation, start by gathering any available maintenance records, receipts, or invoices that can help fill in the gaps. Providing a vehicle history check can also give potential buyers some peace of mind, as it will reveal details like outstanding finance or whether the car has been an insurance write-off. Be upfront and transparent about the missing service history—honesty can go a long way in building trust with buyers.
You may need to adjust your asking price to reflect the lack of a complete service history, as buyers often expect a lower price in these cases. Using online platforms like Auto Trader can help you reach a wider audience and attract buyers who are willing to consider a car with a missing service history. By being proactive and transparent, you can still find the right buyer for your vehicle, even without a full set of service records.
How to get the best prices when selling your car
Whether they happen at the dealership or an independent garage, keeping track of your car’s servicing and proof of the work you carry out on it over the years holds real value for buyers and sellers. A well-documented service history is especially important when selling a second hand car, as it helps attract buyers and increases confidence in the vehicle's condition.
Buyers expect to see proof that each car they inspect has been lovingly cared for and kept in prime running order throughout its life, something an FSH can provide simply and easily.
To book in for a quality car service—whether it’s full, interim or major, we’ve got all the information ready and waiting and a host of great deals and savings too!
Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.
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