The vehicle timeline is a chronological record you build in My Garage, logging service events, modifications, ownership milestones, and incidents as dated entries — think of it as the vehicle's own history file rather than a single profile field. Entries are private by default and can be exported as a PDF summary useful for resale, insurance, or personal record-keeping; you can also mark specific entries public to support a Customization Story or Long-Term Test Diary.
At a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Entry types | Service, modification, ownership milestone, incident |
| Default visibility | Private |
| Export format | PDF summary |
| Linked features | Customization Stories, Long-Term Test Diary can pull entries |
| Editing | Entries editable/deletable by the owner at any time |
What the timeline is for
This is the vehicle's own record, separate from your Cost Log (which tracks money) and your reviews (which capture opinion). The timeline tracks events: an oil change on a specific date, a suspension mod installed, the day you bought or sold the car, an accident or major repair. It's designed to build into a useful history record the longer you keep it up.
The four entry types
| Entry type | Example |
|---|---|
| Service | Oil change, brake replacement, scheduled maintenance |
| Modification | Suspension swap, wheel change, tune |
| Ownership milestone | Purchase date, transfer, title change |
| Incident | Accident, warranty claim, recall repair completed |
Step by step: building a timeline
- Open your vehicle in My Garage and select "Timeline."
- Add an entry: pick a type, date, description, and optional photo or document attachment.
- Entries automatically sort chronologically — no need to enter them in order.
- Export a PDF summary any time from the Timeline tab for resale, insurance, or personal use.
Privacy and what can be made public
Every entry defaults to private. You can individually mark specific entries as public, which is how a Customization Story or Long-Term Test Diary can pull in a specific modification or service entry rather than requiring you to re-type the same information in multiple places.
The timeline is a self-reported personal record, not a substitute for an official vehicle history report (which covers things like title status, odometer records, and accident reports from insurers and DMVs). Use both if you're evaluating a used car.
Using the exported PDF
The PDF export compiles your entries into a clean, dated summary — many owners use it when selling privately, as informal documentation of maintenance and mods that a buyer can review alongside an official vehicle history report, not in place of one.
Common uses beyond resale
- Insurance claims: dated modification records can support or complicate a claim depending on your policy — check with your insurer about what needs to be disclosed.
- Warranty disputes: a documented service history can support a claim that maintenance was kept up.
- Personal reference: quickly checking when a specific service was last done without digging through paper receipts.
Frequently asked questions
Is the timeline the same as an official vehicle history report?
Can I export my timeline?
Is my timeline visible to other people?
What are the four types of entries?
Can I edit or delete an entry later?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
