What a 40-point service report should actually tell you

Measurements, not ticks

A checklist with forty green ticks tells you nothing. Pad thickness in millimetres, disc runout, battery cranking amps against the rated figure, tyre tread at three points across each tyre — those are numbers you can compare at the next service to see what is actually wearing.

Ask for the old parts

Replaced parts should come back with the car. It is the simplest possible proof the work happened, and any workshop that objects to it has told you something useful.

The photographs matter

A leak is much easier to discuss when there is a picture of it. We photograph anything we flag, which also means you can get a second opinion without driving anywhere.

What should never be on the report

Recommendations without measurements. "Brakes need attention" is not actionable; "front pads at 3.1mm, replace below 3mm" is.