Somewhat On-Topic - Vehicle (Tractor) Maintenance Apps

aeblank · Mar 3, 2016

So, I got a "new" truck... (picture below so as to not interrupt the post)
I had a truck, but at 20 years old, i wasn't too worried about "preventative" maintenance.

Anyway, the point is, i have a lot of stuff with engines (2 atvs, generator, tractor, 2 trucks, 2 cars, and some non-motorized stuff that should be maintained, like my snowblower and it's sub-frame). I'd like something to remind/log the maintenance I do. Oil changes, greasing stuff, lubing door hinges, etc. etc. etc.

Does anyone have a good solution?

An (Android) app certainly comes to mind (aCar, autoSIST maintenance reminder). My dad has an access database. Just a list (in excel or whatever) can work. I try to send myself an email, and then file it away either in a folder or printout to put in the "vehicle file", which hasn't happened in a LONG time. So, my "system" blows.

Anyway, for an actual solution, I tend towards the app, but think also having a web portal would also be nice. Data entry on the phone can suck sometimes. I'm not sure how these apps would track mileage (or hours)--maybe I just enter it in once a month (just not sure).

Picture of the "new" (2014) truck:

GMC Sierra Denali with the Duramax.
I have since added OEM assist steps.

RalphVa · Mar 3, 2016

My wife introduced me to Outlook, mainly for its calendar. You can put reminders (date, related anyway) into the calendar. I use it all the time now. Don't know how I lived without it. Outlook's great for e-mail, too. It's on your Office stuff.

Ralph

aeblank · Mar 3, 2016

RalphVa said:
Outlook, mainly for its calendar. You can put reminders

Ya, I could. I use google's calendar (as an Android user). That really isn't what I'm looking for though. Some things are time-based, some mileage, some hours. Also want to have the historical record of *every* oil change, for instance. I hope (dream?) of going back and entering all my past maintenance too.

blackdog2086 · Mar 4, 2016

Your post got me thinking so I did a search and came up with a few. I guess what's best for you depends on whether you have IOS or Android.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/car-minder-plus-car-maintenance/id310809791?mt=8

This looks pretty good if you're an apple guy.

http://appcrawlr.com/android-apps/best-apps-car-maintenance

Here's a site with a ton of Android apps. I just don'y have time to check them all out right now.

aeblank · Mar 4, 2016

aCar keeps showing up *everywhere*, so I installed it............and that's as far as I've made it.
based on reviews, the main issues are backups aren't in the cloud (which I can handle), old interface (i don't care), and it is made for one device--no syncing (biggest issue for me, but I guess I'll deal with it).

at least, that's what I've come up with so far. FOR SURE interested in any first-hand experience on what others do. I'm tired of my hap-hazard-ness.

PHPaul · Mar 4, 2016

I don't do smart phones or apps or cloud data so I should probably just shut up, bit I want to offer this one observation:

Pretty much ANY tracking system is going to depend on data input is it not? If you can't be bothered to enter data into a spreadsheet, what makes you think an app will be any better?

I'm not saying it won't as I don't know diddly about smart phones and apps, but I'm curious.

bironacad · Mar 4, 2016

PHPaul said:
I don't do smart phones or apps or cloud data so I should probably just shut up, bit I want to offer this one observation:

Pretty much ANY tracking system is going to depend on data input is it not? If you can't be bothered to enter data into a spreadsheet, what makes you think an app will be any better?

I'm not saying it won't as I don't know diddly about smart phones and apps, but I'm curious.

My phone is usually where I am though, lol. I just put it into my notes on the phone in a folder for the particular vehicle. I actually use a sharpie and write the date of change on the filters for my tractor, low tech but effective. I still have to look and see what the date was though, lol.

aeblank · Mar 4, 2016

PHPaul said:
Pretty much ANY tracking system is going to depend on data input is it not?

Absolutely.

PHPaul said:
If you can't be bothered to enter data into a spreadsheet, what makes you think an app will be any better?

Not sure where I said that (and i went back and re-read my post). The closest thing was my comment was that sometimes data entry is easier on a computer than on a phone. I prefer to type on a keyboard than on my phone's keyboard (I'm replying to this on a computer, not on my phone, but I *read* lots of stuff on my phone). Obviously a younger generation is fine 100% on the phone, and older generations are fine 100% not on either. I prefer "work/setup" on the computer and basic entry/notifications on the phone.

aeblank · Mar 4, 2016

bironacad said:
I still have to look and see what the date was though, lol.

I think it'd be nice to input hours (or mileage or whatever) and have it "extrapolate" where it *thinks* the service will be required. All this based on average usage and a table of maintenance that I put in there. Also I can pre-enter all the types of maintenance, and then pick which ones were performed.

In other words, i know how I want the app made, but not if any app(s) do it. I'm no programmer either.

PHPaul · Mar 4, 2016

aeblank said:
Absolutely.

Not sure where I said that (and i went back and re-read my post). The closest thing was my comment was that sometimes data entry is easier on a computer than on a phone. I prefer to type on a keyboard than on my phone's keyboard (I'm replying to this on a computer, not on my phone, but I *read* lots of stuff on my phone). Obviously a younger generation is fine 100% on the phone, and older generations are fine 100% not on either. I prefer "work/setup" on the computer and basic entry/notifications on the phone.

Ah. I misunderstood, you're most interested in being notified via phone, which WOULD be handy.

One of the many reasons I don't have a smartphone is that teeny keyboard.

Apologies.