I'm debating on embarking on a programming exercise to sharpen my Object Oriented skills to assist vehicle owners.

The question: How do you track maintenance for the vehicle(s) you own? Is it with a handwritten notebook? A dealer service schedule? A spreadsheet?

If none of the above, do you just "wing it" or have you found an existing program that tracks maintenance? If so, what is the name of this program (and can you supply a link)?

Feel free to expound on the above in your answer and be as thorough as possible. I will analyze the responses before deciding on the next step.

Feel free to ask for input from friends and acquaintances.

 

Keeping track of maintenance and repairs and such is a very good idea. I have a filing folder specifically for my vehicle expenditures, the folder is divided into insurance, registration, bank info for the truck, repairs and finally, maintenance. I make sure to get a copy of every receipt and file it appropriately, even if it is for a jug of oil. I have a service schedule written down for when things need to be done such as change the oil, service the trans, plugs, etc.

The reason I don't use something like a spread sheet is because Im someone who likes to have physical copies of everything put away for my reference. Depending on whats being tracked though spread sheets are definitely a good option. I took a course in college that involved using Microsoft Office's spread sheet program. I found it useful and not to overly hard to navigate, which is big for someone like me who isn't the best with tech. I could probably move my physical service schedule into a spread sheet and update that, but like I said I like my physical copies much more.

Also interested to see how others track maintenance or if they do.

 

I keep receipts and write the odometer mileage on them to track maintenance history, stick to the factory service manual's Schedule B, and do some additional maintenance when it would jangle my neuroses to not do it. It's a pretty simple system that has been working for me since 1976.

But I'm a guy whose opinions don't matter for market research. The only applications I buy are Android apps and I wouldn't buy one for this purpose anyway so I'm not actually a participant in the target market. That said, I wish you great success in your endeavor and hope you get rich and famous at it.

 

I am like you; however, you're in the market I'm targeting. I want to know if people in this market track their maintenance, and if they do, how do they track it (e.g. a spreadsheet, folder full of receipts, etc). From there, I'm curious if a PC based program would work or if the user would prefer an App.

Not looking to get rich. I'm looking to make something that flexes my skills and will be a benefit for others.

 

I pretty much wing it. I reset my overhead console every oil change. That's about it.

I will go ahead and say there is probably 0 chance I would use a pc based program over a app for my android.

 

Closed at OP request. (I smell a new one with a poll in the offing.)

 

Just cause I can post in a closed thread, I will. I have an app on my phone to track maintenance. Better than any solution I had before.