How Often Do Exotic Cars Need Servicing?

Why Exotic Cars Need More Frequent Service: Higher Performance, Tighter Tolerances

The most common misconception about exotic car ownership is that service intervals are flexible. They're not. Exotic vehicles operate at performance levels that require more frequent maintenance than road cars — not because manufacturers are trying to increase revenue, but because the components themselves demand it.

A Ferrari V12 engine produces over 700 horsepower from a displacement that would generate half that in a conventional supercar. That extreme power density creates heat, friction, and mechanical stress that far exceed what standard engine oil or traditional service intervals can handle. Premium synthetic fluids, tighter bearing tolerances, and advanced electronics all require more frequent attention to keep the car operating safely and reliably.

Additionally, exotic cars often sit for extended periods. A supercar in a climate-controlled garage for three months creates different maintenance challenges than a daily driver. Seals can harden, cooling systems can develop air locks, and batteries can lose charge. Time-based service intervals exist precisely to address these issues — which is why most exotic brands enforce annual servicing regardless of mileage.

This article breaks down service intervals for the world's major exotic brands, explains what each type of service includes, and helps you understand the real cost of maintaining these machines. Whether you're considering buying a supercar or already own one, understanding the service schedule is essential to ownership decisions and resale value.

Brand-by-Brand Service Intervals: The Complete Breakdown

Service requirements vary dramatically by manufacturer. Here's the definitive comparison of intervals across all major exotic brands:

Brand	Minor/Interim Service	Major Service	Timing Belt	Annual Service (Low Mileage)
Ferrari	12,500 miles or annual	25,000 miles	20 years/200K miles	Yes
Lamborghini	7,500 miles or annual	15,000 miles	10 years/200K miles	Yes
McLaren	10,000 miles or annual	20,000 miles	20 years/300K miles	Yes
Porsche (911 Turbo)	10,000 miles or annual	20,000 miles	20 years/300K miles	Yes
Bentley	10,000 miles or annual	20,000 miles	20 years/300K miles	Yes
Rolls-Royce	Condition-based or annual	Condition-based	20 years/300K miles	Yes
Aston Martin	10,000 miles or annual	20,000 miles	20 years/300K miles	Yes
Maserati	12,500 miles or annual	25,000 miles	20 years/200K miles	Yes

The key insight here is the "or annual" clause. Every major exotic manufacturer requires annual service regardless of mileage. A Ferrari that sits in your garage and accumulates only 500 miles in a year still requires a full service — to flush fluids, check seals, inspect brake calipers, and verify that storage hasn't created any issues.

Ferrari Service Requirements: The Standard Bearer of Exotic Maintenance

Ferrari sets the baseline for exotic car servicing. Ferrari maintenance costs are among the highest in the industry, and that's because the service schedule is comprehensive.

First Service (15 minutes of engine runtime or 12 months): The first "Service 1" on a new Ferrari includes oil change, cabin air filter replacement, cabin filter inspection, brake fluid inspection, and a general multi-point inspection. For a 12,500-mile interim service, the same components are addressed.

Second Service (25,000 miles or 24 months): Service 2 includes everything in Service 1 plus transmission fluid inspection, suspension checks, battery testing, and a more thorough brake system examination. This is where costs begin to increase significantly — typically $2,500–$4,500 depending on model.

Brake Fluid Changes (Every 2 Years): Ferrari mandates brake fluid replacement every 24 months regardless of mileage. This is critical — brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, which reduces braking efficiency and can cause corrosion in brake lines. Ferrari uses Brembo high-performance fluid that costs premium dollars.

Timing Belt (20 Years or 200,000 Miles): Most Ferrari models use timing chains rather than belts, but certain models require timing belt replacement. When due, expect $8,000–$15,000 depending on engine displacement.

Learn more about specific models with our complete Ferrari maintenance cost guide.

Lamborghini Service Requirements: Aggressive Intervals for Aggressive Performance

Lamborghini has the shortest service intervals of any major exotic brand — and for good reason. The engines are tuned to deliver maximum performance, and that requires closer monitoring.

Servicing Every 7,500 Miles or Annual: Unlike Ferrari's 12,500-mile intervals, Lamborghini requires service every 7,500 miles or every 12 months — whichever comes first. This aggressive schedule exists because Lamborghini engines run at higher revs (the V10 Huracan redlines at 8,500 rpm) and need more frequent oil changes to maintain protective film.

Brake System Service (Every 12 Months): Lamborghini mandates annual brake system inspection and brake fluid replacement every 12 months. The company's ceramic brake systems are advanced, but they require consistent fluid maintenance.

Transmission Service (Every 20,000 Miles): The 7-speed DCT in most Lamborghinis requires fluid checks every 20,000 miles. Complete fluid replacement is recommended every 40,000 miles or 4 years.

Timing Chain Inspection (10 Years or 200,000 Miles): Lamborghini timing chains are robust, but inspection is mandatory at the 10-year mark. Replacement if needed runs $12,000–$18,000.

For detailed pricing on Lamborghini ownership, read our Lamborghini maintenance cost guide.

McLaren Service Requirements: Carbon Fiber and Complexity

McLaren's service intervals sit between Lamborghini's aggressive schedule and Ferrari's more relaxed cadence. However, McLaren cars introduce unique considerations because of their extensive use of carbon fiber and advanced electronics.

Service Every 10,000 Miles or 12 Months: McLaren follows a 10,000-mile or annual service schedule. Each service includes oil change (using McLaren-approved synthetic), air filter replacement, cabin filter check, and a comprehensive diagnostic scan for the car's complex electrical systems.

Electronics Diagnostics (Every Service): This is where McLaren differs from traditional exotic cars. Every service includes a full diagnostic scan of the powertrain, suspension, and infotainment systems. Problems are identified and logged even if they haven't manifested yet — allowing technicians to address minor issues before they become major failures.

Brake Fluid and Coolant (Every 12 Months): McLaren mandates annual brake fluid replacement and coolant inspection. The company's cooling systems are tightly engineered, and air pockets or contamination can cause overheating.

Timing Belt (20 Years or 300,000 Miles): McLaren uses timing chains in most models. Replacement is rare and expensive — typically $15,000–$25,000.

For comprehensive information on McLaren ownership costs, see our McLaren maintenance guide.

Porsche 911 Turbo Service Requirements: German Engineering Efficiency

Porsche represents a middle ground between traditional exotic cars and high-performance sports cars. Service intervals are reasonable, and costs are lower than Ferrari or Lamborghini — but only if you follow the schedule religiously.

Service Every 10,000 Miles or 12 Months: The 911 Turbo requires service annually or every 10,000 miles. This is standard across the Porsche 911 lineup.

Brake Fluid Every 24 Months: Unlike some competitors, Porsche allows longer intervals between brake fluid changes — 24 months instead of 12. However, if the car is track-driven, intervals drop to 12 months.

Spark Plug Change (Every 20,000 Miles or 2 Years): The 911 Turbo requires spark plug replacement every 20,000 miles. This is maintenance that some competitors build into their major service intervals.

Timing Chain Inspection (100,000+ Miles): Porsche timing chains are remarkably durable. Inspection is recommended at 100,000 miles, and replacement is rarely needed before 200,000 miles.

Learn more about Porsche ownership costs with our Porsche 911 maintenance guide.

Bentley and Rolls-Royce Service Requirements: Condition-Based with Annual Enforcement

Bentley and Rolls-Royce use unique service philosophies that differ from typical exotic car manufacturers. Both brands emphasize condition-based servicing — meaning the car monitors its own health and alerts you when service is needed.

Bentley Service Intervals: Bentley operates on a 10,000-mile or annual service schedule, but the philosophy is condition-based. The car's onboard diagnostics monitor oil quality, brake pad wear, and fluid condition. When the system determines that service is needed (which might be 8,000 miles into the interval or 12,000 miles), it alerts the driver.

Rolls-Royce Service Intervals: Rolls-Royce goes even further with condition-based servicing. Rather than following rigid schedules, the Rolls-Royce monitors engine parameters and alerts the owner when maintenance is due. However, Rolls-Royce dealers still recommend annual inspections as a best practice — particularly for cars that are stored or rarely driven.

Both Require Annual Brake Fluid Changes: Despite their condition-based philosophy, both Bentley and Rolls-Royce mandate annual brake fluid replacement. This is non-negotiable and cannot be deferred based on condition monitoring.

Timing Chain Inspection (20 Years or 300,000 Miles): Both brands use timing chains that are engineered to last the life of the vehicle under normal conditions. Replacement, if needed, is expensive — $15,000–$25,000.

For detailed cost breakdowns, see our Rolls-Royce maintenance guide.

Aston Martin and Maserati Service Requirements: Italian and British Approaches

Aston Martin Service Schedule: Aston Martin follows a 10,000-mile or annual service requirement. Each service includes oil change, filter replacement, and a comprehensive inspection. Major services every 20,000 miles include additional items like transmission fluid checks and brake system evaluation.

Maserati Service Schedule: Maserati aligns with Ferrari (Maserati's parent company in the Stellantis group) with a 12,500-mile or annual service interval. Interim services every 12,500 miles are less comprehensive than major services at 25,000 miles. Transmission service every 40,000 miles is required on models with automatic transmissions.

Both brands require annual brake fluid changes and have timing belt/chain intervals of 20+ years or 200,000+ miles.

What's Actually Included in Each Type of Service? Minor vs. Major Breakdown

Exotic car services have distinct tiers. Understanding the difference is crucial for budgeting and planning ownership.

Interim/Minor Service (Every 7,500–12,500 Miles): Includes engine oil change (synthetic, premium grade), engine oil filter replacement, cabin air filter inspection/replacement, basic visual inspection of brakes/suspension/fluids, and diagnostic scan. Cost typically $1,500–$2,500. This is the service you perform every year on low-mileage cars.

Major Service (Every 15,000–25,000 Miles): Everything from minor service plus transmission fluid check, brake system inspection with pad measurement, coolant system flush/inspection, air filter replacement, battery test, suspension component inspection, and spark plug replacement (if applicable). Cost typically $4,000–$8,000.

Annual Service (Low-Mileage Cars): Even if your Ferrari or Lamborghini only has 500 miles on it for the year, it still requires annual service. This typically includes oil change, fluid top-ups, brake fluid replacement, diagnostic scan, and seal/gasket inspection for cars in storage. Cost $2,000–$4,000.

Brake Fluid Replacement (Every 12–24 Months): Mandatory across all brands. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and degrades over time. Replacement costs $500–$1,500 depending on the brand and number of circuits.

Transmission Service: Transmission fluid checks are included in major services, but complete transmission fluid changes occur less frequently — typically every 40,000–60,000 miles or every 4–5 years. Cost is $2,000–$4,000.

Time-Based vs. Mileage-Based Service: Why Annual Service Matters for Garage Queens

One of the most misunderstood aspects of exotic car ownership is why annual service is mandatory for low-mileage cars. Many owners assume that if their Ferrari only drove 200 miles in a year, it doesn't need servicing. This is dangerously incorrect.

The Case for Time-Based Service: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time — not just from driving but from ambient air humidity. After 12 months, brake fluid in a car parked in a climate-controlled garage has degraded chemically. Oil in the engine separates and oxidizes, losing protective properties. Seals in the cooling system can harden if not circulated regularly. Batteries discharge and can develop sulfation. These degradation processes happen regardless of mileage.

Storage-Related Issues: Exotic cars that sit in climate-controlled storage for months at a time can develop seal leaks, flat-spotted tires, and air pockets in cooling systems. Many owners discover these issues when they go to drive the car and find that it needs immediate attention — and that warranty coverage may have lapsed because mandatory service wasn't performed.

Real-World Example: A Lamborghini Huracan owner stored their car for three months without performing maintenance. When they returned to drive it, the car wouldn't start because the battery had discharged completely. The dealership found that mandatory annual service hadn't been performed, which technically violated the warranty. A $200 battery charge became a $2,000+ service call to investigate whether the battery discharge had caused other issues.

This is why every exotic manufacturer enforces time-based annual service: it protects both the owner and the car.

What Happens When You Skip Service: Warranty, Reliability, and Resale Impact

Skipping scheduled service has cascading consequences that extend far beyond the cost of maintenance itself.

Warranty Void: Every exotic car warranty explicitly requires that mandatory service intervals be followed. Miss a service? Your warranty can be voided for any related component failure. A seized brake caliper that would have cost $2,000 to replace under warranty now costs $8,000 out of pocket. A transmission failure that would have been warranty-covered becomes your problem entirely.

Component Damage: Exotic car components are engineered within narrow tolerances. Oil that exceeds its service interval loses viscosity and protective properties, increasing bearing wear. Brake fluid that absorbs moisture becomes corrosive, destroying brake lines from the inside. Coolant that isn't flushed allows mineral buildup that restricts flow. These aren't theoretical concerns — they're documented failure modes that happen predictably when service intervals are skipped.

Resale Value Destruction: When you sell an exotic car, the first thing any serious buyer (and their pre-purchase inspector) examines is service history. A Lamborghini with documented service every 7,500 miles will sell for 10–20% more than an identical car with sporadic service history. A car that skipped an annual service is a red flag that could indicate any number of hidden problems.

Insurance Claims: Some insurers will deny claims if the car wasn't serviced according to manufacturer recommendations. A $500,000 supercar damaged in an accident might have insurance coverage denied because the owner skipped the last scheduled service.

Service intervals are not recommendations — they're mandatory engineering requirements. Skipping them isn't saving money; it's creating expensive problems that will cost far more to fix later.

Seasonal Maintenance: Winter Storage and Spring Awakening

Exotic cars that are driven seasonally or stored for part of the year require special attention before and after storage periods.

Pre-Storage (Winter Preparation): Before storing an exotic car for winter (or any extended period), perform a full inspection. Top off all fluids, check brake pad thickness, examine tires for dry rot, and consider removing the battery and storing it on a trickle charger. Change the oil even if you're not at the scheduled interval — fresh oil prevents sludge buildup during storage. Apply fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation. Inflame tires to the upper range of recommended pressure (they'll lose pressure over months of storage).

Post-Storage (Spring Awakening): After storage, perform a thorough inspection before driving. Check all fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission). Examine tires for flat spots or dry rot. Test the battery and charging system. Check brakes gently before driving at normal speeds. Consider a professional inspection by an exotic car specialist — a $500 inspection can catch issues that might have developed during storage.

If Storage Exceeds 6 Months: Most exotic brands require a full service if the car is stored for more than 6 months. Even if you've performed pre-storage maintenance, the restorative service ensures that all components are functioning properly before you return to driving.

Service Due Warnings vs. Actual Mechanical Need: When the Dashboard Light Might Be Wrong

Most modern exotic cars display service warning indicators based on either distance traveled or time elapsed. However, these systems have limitations that owners should understand.

How Service Indicators Work: Exotic cars calculate service due status based on a combination of mileage and time. Some systems (like Ferrari's) also incorporate driving behavior — harder driving can accelerate service intervals. The system calculates when the next service is due and displays a warning when you're approaching the interval.

The Dashboard Light Isn't Always Right: Service indicator systems don't account for factors like extreme heat, frequent track use, or driving in dusty conditions. A car driven hard on track roads might need service sooner than the system calculates. Conversely, a car with a service due warning that's only 100 miles from the interval might be fine to drive a bit longer — though extended intervals beyond the manufacturer's limit void warranty coverage.

Manufacturer's Interval vs. Actual Capability: The service interval printed in the owner's manual is a manufacturer's engineering recommendation, not a suggestion. Even if your dashboard shows you're still within interval, if the manufacturer specifies an interval of 12,500 miles or 12 months, you need to follow that spec exactly.

Digital Service Records vs. Paper Records: Which Brands Use What and Why It Matters

Exotic car service documentation has evolved significantly. Understanding where your car's service history is stored matters for resale value and warranty purposes.

Ferrari Service Records: Ferrari operates a digital service portal where all factory-authorized service is automatically recorded. You can access your complete service history online. Third-party service records must be manually added to the system. This digital integration is one reason why Ferrari cars with complete factory service histories command premium prices — documentation is transparent and verifiable.

Lamborghini Service Records: Lamborghini similarly maintains digital service records through their dealer network. Service performed at authorized Lamborghini dealers is automatically recorded and linked to your car's VIN. Independent service shops' records aren't captured in the system unless dealers manually input them.

McLaren Service Records: McLaren requires that all service be performed by authorized dealers for warranty purposes. All service is recorded digitally and linked to the car's ownership history. This creates a clear chain of custody that buyers trust.

Porsche, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati: All of these brands record service at authorized dealers through their digital systems. Independent service is allowed, but records must be maintained by the owner — and many buyers view independent service as a red flag unless it was performed by a specialist with clear documentation.

Why Digital Records Matter: When you sell an exotic car, potential buyers can verify service history independently through the manufacturer's digital system. Paper records can be forged, lost, or disputed. Digital records are authoritative. A car with complete digital service history sells faster and at higher prices than a car with incomplete or unclear service documentation.

Automonitor's Service History Verification: Know Exactly What Your Car Has Had Done

Automonitor's service history verification cross-references data from manufacturer systems across Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and Maserati to provide a complete picture of what maintenance was performed. This goes beyond just viewing the service records — we analyze whether maintenance was performed on schedule, identify any gaps, and flag potential concerns.

For buyers, this means knowing whether the car you're considering has been properly maintained. For sellers, it means providing proof of diligent ownership. For current owners, it means creating a verifiable maintenance record that protects your warranty and resale value.

Complete Service Interval Comparison Table

Here's a detailed breakdown of service intervals, brake fluid changes, and major services across all exotic brands for quick reference:

Brand	Routine Service Interval	Brake Fluid Change	Major Service	Annual Service (If Applicable)	Typical Annual Cost
Ferrari	12,500 mi / 12 mo	Every 24 months	Every 25,000 miles	Yes	$3,500–$5,500
Lamborghini	7,500 mi / 12 mo	Every 12 months	Every 15,000 miles	Yes	$4,000–$6,500
McLaren	10,000 mi / 12 mo	Every 12 months	Every 20,000 miles	Yes	$3,500–$6,000
Porsche 911 Turbo	10,000 mi / 12 mo	Every 24 months	Every 20,000 miles	Yes	$2,500–$4,500
Bentley	10,000 mi / 12 mo	Every 24 months	Every 20,000 miles	Yes	$3,000–$5,000
Rolls-Royce	Condition-based / 12 mo	Every 12 months	Condition-based	Yes	$4,000–$7,000
Aston Martin	10,000 mi / 12 mo	Every 12 months	Every 20,000 miles	Yes	$3,000–$5,500
Maserati	12,500 mi / 12 mo	Every 24 months	Every 25,000 miles	Yes	$3,500–$5,500

Which Exotic Cars Have the Lowest Maintenance Costs? Reliability Meets Economy

If service intervals are a concern, certain brands offer better economics than others. Based on typical annual service costs, interval frequency, and major service pricing:

Most Affordable: Porsche 911 Turbo tops the list for exotic car affordability. 10,000-mile intervals, reasonable brake fluid change schedules, and lower parts costs mean annual service typically runs $2,500–$4,500. Learn more with our guide to lowest-maintenance exotic cars.

Most Expensive (Highest Intervals): Lamborghini demands the shortest intervals (7,500 miles) and annual brake fluid changes, making it the most frequent visitor to the service department. This translates to $4,000–$6,500 in annual service costs.

Best Overall Value: McLaren balances reasonable service intervals (10,000 miles), comprehensive diagnostics that prevent unexpected failures, and annual costs of $3,500–$6,000. The upfront service cost is often offset by fewer surprise repairs.

Does Frequent Service Affect Reliability? How Service Intervals Correlate with Long-Term Durability

One might assume that cars with more frequent service intervals are less reliable — that they need more attention because they break down more often. This is backwards thinking. Cars with aggressive service intervals are reliable precisely because they're serviced aggressively.

Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren engines are engineered to produce power levels that require premium fuel, premium oil, and frequent oil changes. The 7,500-mile Lamborghini interval isn't there because Lamborghinis break down — it's there because the V10 engine runs at 8,500 rpm and benefits from fresher oil more frequently.

For comprehensive information on exotic car reliability, see our exotic car reliability guide.

Can You Actually Daily Drive an Exotic Car? Service Implications for Regular Use

The short answer is yes, but service requirements don't change. Even if you drive your Lamborghini to work every day and rack up 15,000 miles in a year, you still follow the manufacturer's intervals. If anything, daily-driven exotic cars may need more frequent attention because they're accumulating mileage toward major services more quickly.

The benefit of daily driving is that the car doesn't sit in storage, which means some of the time-based maintenance issues (seal degradation, battery discharge, storage-related problems) are minimized. However, you're accumulating mileage faster, which means hitting major service milestones (15,000, 25,000, 40,000 miles) sooner.

Learn more about the practical considerations of daily driving an exotic: Can You Daily Drive a Supercar?

Track Days and Service: Does Racing Require Different Maintenance?

Exotic cars designed for track use (and their owners who track them regularly) face intensified service requirements. Most manufacturers have "track package" service recommendations that are more aggressive than street-only intervals.

Typical Track-Use Service Changes: Brake fluid is recommended every 12 months instead of 24 (brakes heat up more on track, accelerating fluid degradation). Tire inspection becomes more frequent. Oil analysis might be recommended before and after track events. Suspension component inspection occurs more frequently because track use accelerates wear on control arms, ball joints, and bushings.

Cost Impact: Track-driven exotic cars typically cost 20–40% more in annual service than their street-only counterparts. A Lamborghini that sees occasional track days might spend $6,000–$8,000 annually on service, whereas a street-only example might spend $4,000–$5,000.

Extended Warranty Plans: Do They Make Financial Sense for Service Coverage?

Many exotic car dealers offer extended warranty plans that cover service costs. Before purchasing one, consider: Does the plan cover all manufacturer-required service? Are there limitations? Does it cover parts and labor?

For high-mileage cars or track-driven examples, extended service coverage can provide peace of mind. For low-mileage garage queens, the cost of extended warranty often exceeds the savings of a few service visits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exotic Car Service

1. Can I take my exotic car to an independent mechanic instead of the dealer for scheduled service?

You technically can, but it's risky. Independent service might void your warranty, and the service records won't be recorded in the manufacturer's digital system. For cars still under warranty, manufacturer-authorized service is required. For out-of-warranty cars, independent service by an exotic car specialist is acceptable if you maintain detailed documentation.

2. What happens if I exceed the service interval by 500 miles or a few weeks?

Minor overages won't void your warranty if they're truly minor (100–200 miles or a few weeks). However, consistently exceeding intervals will. Manufacturers understand that real-world driving sometimes results in slight delays. But systematically delaying service is different from accidentally driving an extra 300 miles before your scheduled appointment.

3. Do I really need to change brake fluid every 12 months if I barely drive the car?

Yes. Brake fluid degrades chemically over time regardless of mileage. Moisture absorbed into the fluid can cause internal corrosion of brake lines, leading to expensive repairs. This isn't negotiable with any manufacturer.

4. What's the difference between dealer service and third-party exotic car shops?

Dealer service is recorded in the manufacturer's system and definitely preserves warranty coverage. Third-party exotic car specialists often have superior technical expertise but their service records must be maintained by you. Choose based on your car's warranty status and the reputation of the shop.

5. How much money should I budget annually for exotic car service?

Budget $2,500–$7,000 annually for routine service, depending on the brand. For a low-mileage car, plan annual service (even if not reaching mileage intervals). For daily-driven cars, add maintenance costs for reaching major service milestones (typically $5,000–$10,000 when due). Set aside additional funds for unexpected repairs — exotic cars can surprise you.

Final Thoughts: Service Is Your Insurance Policy

Exotic car service intervals aren't arbitrary or designed to squeeze money out of owners. They're engineered requirements based on the extreme performance and precision engineering of these machines. A Ferrari engine producing over 700 horsepower, a Lamborghini V10 revving to 8,500 rpm, and a McLaren with 10 different computer systems all require more attention than conventional cars.

Following the manufacturer's service schedule — including annual service even for low-mileage cars — is the single most important factor in maintaining warranty coverage, reliability, resale value, and your own safety. Service intervals are investment protection.

When you're considering buying an exotic car, the service history and adherence to recommended intervals should be among your top evaluation criteria. A car with a spotless service record is worth a premium. A car with gaps in service history or independent maintenance should be priced accordingly — or passed on entirely.

Automonitor's service history verification gives you complete transparency into what maintenance was performed and when. For buyers, it ensures you understand what you're purchasing. For owners, it provides the documentation you need to preserve warranty coverage and resale value. Use it before you buy, and maintain meticulous records for as long as you own the car.