A full service history can increase the value of a used car by 26% and customers do value a franchised dealer service history greater than an independent dealer’s stamp, according to new data from ICM Research.

The research showed that more than one-in-three buyers (34%) would not buy a car without a full service history.

Only 32% valued the car the same if serviced by an independent garage, suggesting that 68% valued the car greater if it has a full service history from a franchised dealer.

This means that using a franchised dealer for servicing will add value to a car when it comes to selling it. With the average used car selling for £5,500, the findings indicate that a full service record could be worth up to £1,500.

Research was carried out by ICM amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,026 UK adults on behalf of Kwik-Fit, it shows that a full service history on a car could increase its value by 26%.

Mazda was the first car company to have a fully operational digital service record (DSR) across its range which it says is more secure than the traditional service record book.

David Wilson-Green, aftersales director at Mazda UK, said: “Service histories can be falsified; but with an electronic service record it is very difficult to be fraudulent.”

Wilson-Green said DSR also allows Mazda, which has a 151-strong network, to “instantly validate” warranty repairs, securely log a vehicle’s mileage and record any additional work that has been carried out including MoTs, winter and summer checks, air conditioning inspections and even if the vehicle has been fitted with a new odometer.

DSR was launched for all new Mazda vehicles in 2006, but any Mazda built since 1998 can be added retrospectively to the database. This means that Mazda has a database of more than 274,000 cars, with one 1999 Mazda Premacy customer, who has already covered more than 181,000 miles, having the DSR fitted to ensure servicing is recorded correctly and securely into the future.