In auto repair, what are properly documented repairs known as?

Properly documented repairs are referred to as service records. These records provide a comprehensive history of the work performed on a vehicle, capturing details such as the nature of the repairs, parts used, labor performed, and any warranties related to the services. This documentation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of a vehicle's maintenance history and is often required for future reference, whether for resale value or insurance claims.

Service records serve multiple purposes, including ensuring that repairs are completed according to industry standards, facilitating communication between mechanics and customers, and enhancing the transparency of the repair process. They are essential for anyone involved in vehicle use and maintenance, as they track the vehicle's condition over time and can confirm that all necessary work has been performed adequately.

While the other options, such as work orders, repair logs, and tech sheets, serve important functions in the repair process, they typically focus on narrower aspects. Work orders generally outline the tasks to be done and the estimated costs before repairs begin. Repair logs keep track of the individual tasks as they are accomplished, while tech sheets provide detailed technical information about components or repairs but may not encompass the entire scope of documented repairs. Thus, service records is the most accurate term for the complete documentation of repairs performed on a vehicle.