You've found the perfect used car, and the seller swears "it's always been serviced". But how can you be sure? Were the oil changes done on time? Have the brakes been replaced? And what about that timing belt they mentioned: has it actually been changed?
The good news: you no longer have to take the seller's word for it. In Belgium, a car's maintenance history is now included on the Car-Pass. Here's how to access it, what to look out for and which other documents help complete the picture.
Maintenance history on the Car-Pass
Since January 2024, garages have been legally required to send Car-Pass not just the mileage, but also a description of the work they carry out.
As a buyer, this gives you a much clearer picture of the vehicle's past: has it been serviced regularly and on time? Have any major (or expensive) parts been replaced? You can see an overview of all the work done by scanning the QR code on the Car-Pass.
In practice, every professional who works on a car or van sends Car-Pass the main items on their invoice, using standardised descriptions: servicing, clutch replacement, new tyres, and so on. The result is a genuine digital service book, fed directly by garages.
Good to know: the maintenance history only appears on the digital Car-Pass, which you open via the QR code. It isn't shown on the paper version.
Want to check that the mileage adds up too? Our page on odometer history explains everything.
How to check a Belgian vehicle's history
Depending on where you are in the buying process, there are several tools you can use.
1. While you're browsing online
Look out for the "Check Car-Pass" logo in professional sellers' ads. One click gives you the vehicle's most up-to-date information: mileage trend, maintenance history, outstanding recalls and more. Professional sellers are required to include this link in their online ads.
2. When you buy
The seller must give you a Car-Pass that's less than two months old. Scan its QR code to open the digital Car-Pass and see the full maintenance history recorded since 2024.
3. For older work
The Car-Pass maintenance history starts in January 2024. For earlier years, ask the seller for the service invoices and the car's service book. Some brands also keep a digital service record: ask the seller if they can give you a copy.
Has the seller given you a Car-Pass? Check that it's genuine and go through the vehicle's maintenance history in just a few minutes. |
What to look for in the maintenance history
A well-filled history is only useful if you know how to read it. Here's what to check.
- Regular servicing: were the scheduled services carried out at regular intervals? A long gap in the history is something the seller should be able to explain.
- The manufacturer's service schedule: compare the work done with the intervals set by the brand, both in kilometres and in years. You'll find them in the service book or the owner's manual.
- Oil changes: have the engine oil and oil filter been replaced regularly?
- Brakes: pads, discs and brake fluid wear out and need replacing.
- Major jobs: timing belt, clutch, etc. If the car has reached the mileage at which the manufacturer says they should be replaced, check that the work has been done. These are often the most expensive jobs.
- Recalls: has any manufacturer recall been carried out? An open recall will show up on the Car-Pass.
Signs that a car hasn't been properly maintained
Paperwork doesn't tell you everything. When you view the car and take it for a test drive, keep your eyes and ears open: some clues can give away poor maintenance.
- A warning light on the dashboard: whether it's oil, brakes, battery or engine, it points to a problem that should be diagnosed before you buy.
- Signs of leaks under the car or in the engine bay.
- Uneven tyre wear: this can point to a suspension or wheel alignment problem.
- Noisy brakes that squeal or make the pedal vibrate.
- Very dark engine oil or a low oil level, if you're able to check the dipstick.
- Unusual exhaust smoke or strange noises during the test drive.
Spotted any of these? Ask the seller about it, and if need be, get a professional's opinion before you sign.
What about electric cars?
An electric car has fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel car: no oil changes or timing belt, for example.
But its maintenance history matters just as much, especially as some manufacturers make the battery warranty conditional on following the service schedule. Read all our advice on maintaining an electric car.
Which documents should you keep to prove your car has been well maintained?
Own a car and already thinking about selling it? A complete maintenance history is one of your strongest selling points with buyers.
Hold on to:
- service and repair invoices, showing the date, the mileage and details of the work done;
- the service book, paper or digital, filled in and stamped by the garage;
- technical inspection certificates, which confirm the car's condition at each inspection;
- warranty documents, if the car is still under manufacturer's warranty.
Good to know: after each visit to the garage, check your invoice. It should show the car's exact mileage and clearly describe the work carried out. If this information is missing or too vague, the data sent to Car-Pass is probably inaccurate or incomplete. If so, ask the garage to complete the invoice.
These documents complement the Car-Pass, particularly for work carried out before 2024, and reassure buyers. You may also need them to make a claim under the manufacturer's warranty. Getting ready to sell? Gather them before you take the car for its technical inspection.
Maintenance history: frequently asked questions
How can I find out a used car's maintenance history?
Scan the QR code on the Car-Pass the seller gives you to see all the work reported by garages since January 2024. For earlier years, ask for the invoices and the service book.
Since when has the maintenance history been on the Car-Pass?
Since January 2024. Garages are legally required to send Car-Pass a description of the work they carry out, as well as the mileage.
Does the maintenance history appear on the paper Car-Pass?
No. You can view it on the digital Car-Pass by scanning the QR code on the document. Online, the "Check Car-Pass" link in a professional seller's ad also gives you access.
How can I check a Belgian vehicle's history before buying it?
Look at the vehicle's Car-Pass: it shows the odometer history, maintenance history, open recalls and any post-accident inspection still required. Also check that the document is genuine by scanning its QR code or entering its number on the Car-Pass website.