Turbo Steve
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2000
- Location
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Keeping a log book for each vehicle has many advantages that often go unnoticed.
For example, JeffT's careful record of diesel purchases versus distance driven will give him a heads-up, by showing a decrease in mileage or warn of a malfunction before a major repair is needed.
A log book can also make him aware of abnormal oil or fluid consumption, which could be the tip-off to a leak or other potential problem.
It also serves as a reminder that his vehicle is overdue for an oil and filter change, transmission service or other important maintenance.
When it's time to sell or trade his TDI, this kind of documentation can make a substantial difference in his vehicle's saleability. Any used car buyer will like to know what maintenance he did and when it occured.
In case of mechanical trouble, especially with an older TDI like Dominique Cormann's (nothing wrong with that), it may be useful to report to a mechanic exactly what work has been done in the past.
Since import cars have harder parts to find, JeffT might want to jot down, not only the original numbers for basic parts, but also the conversion numbers from among the readily available domestic brands. This can be a big time saver for him if a crisis occurs far from a major source of auto parts.
Here's some suggestions of 6 areas to consider that are worth keep record of:
1. Diesel fill-ups and mileage.
2. Addition of various fluids such as engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid and at what mileage.
3. Maintenance services performed: what, when, by whom and how much it cost.
4. Services performed other than routine maintenance, i.e. body repairs or paint, accessories installed, etc...
5. Insurance and/or registration information.
6. Basic part numbers and/or TDI specifications which may not be readily found in the owners manual - i.e. belts, hoses, headlamps, filters, diesel spark plugs (if you're Ric
)
For example, JeffT's careful record of diesel purchases versus distance driven will give him a heads-up, by showing a decrease in mileage or warn of a malfunction before a major repair is needed.
A log book can also make him aware of abnormal oil or fluid consumption, which could be the tip-off to a leak or other potential problem.
It also serves as a reminder that his vehicle is overdue for an oil and filter change, transmission service or other important maintenance.
When it's time to sell or trade his TDI, this kind of documentation can make a substantial difference in his vehicle's saleability. Any used car buyer will like to know what maintenance he did and when it occured.
In case of mechanical trouble, especially with an older TDI like Dominique Cormann's (nothing wrong with that), it may be useful to report to a mechanic exactly what work has been done in the past.
Since import cars have harder parts to find, JeffT might want to jot down, not only the original numbers for basic parts, but also the conversion numbers from among the readily available domestic brands. This can be a big time saver for him if a crisis occurs far from a major source of auto parts.
Here's some suggestions of 6 areas to consider that are worth keep record of:
1. Diesel fill-ups and mileage.
2. Addition of various fluids such as engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid and at what mileage.
3. Maintenance services performed: what, when, by whom and how much it cost.
4. Services performed other than routine maintenance, i.e. body repairs or paint, accessories installed, etc...
5. Insurance and/or registration information.
6. Basic part numbers and/or TDI specifications which may not be readily found in the owners manual - i.e. belts, hoses, headlamps, filters, diesel spark plugs (if you're Ric
