Why this matters on NB cars
NBs are now old enough that service history is often partial or inconsistent. A clean log gives you:
- better troubleshooting (what changed, when),
- safer interval planning,
- higher resale confidence,
- fewer repeated jobs from poor handover notes.
If you only do one admin task, do this one.
Required Tools
- Spreadsheet (Google Sheets/Excel) or printed binder
- Odometer reading at each service
- Phone camera for parts labels/invoices
- Folder/cloud storage for receipts and photos
One-time setup (recommended columns)
Use these exact columns:
- Date
- Odometer (km/mi)
- Job type (Baseline / Interval / Corrective / Inspection)
- System (engine, cooling, brakes, rust, etc.)
- Work performed
- Parts/fluids used (full product name)
- Spec + quantity
- Labor notes (DIY/shop)
- Cost
- Next due (date + odometer)
- Evidence link (invoice/photo ID)
- Result/observations
This structure prevents vague entries like “service done.”
NB-specific fields worth adding
Add these extra columns for high-value NB ownership:
- Rust check status (sills / rear arches / underbody)
- Convertible drain status (clear / slow / blocked)
- Alignment + tire wear notes (inside edge wear, pull, vibration)
- Cooling behavior notes (fan cycling normal, temp stability)
- Oil consumption (ml per 1,000 km)
Interval planning table (conservative owner baseline)
Use this as a planning layer, then refine by your usage.
| Item | Conservative check/change baseline | Log trigger to add |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + filter | 8,000-10,000 km or 12 months | exact oil grade, filter part no., drain-plug washer used |
| Brake fluid | every 2 years | bleed order + fluid batch/date |
| Coolant | 3-5 years (by coolant type) | coolant chemistry + final mix estimate |
| Manual gearbox oil | 40,000-60,000 km | shift feel before/after |
| Differential oil | 40,000-60,000 km | magnet debris notes |
| Power steering fluid | annual check / flush by condition | pump noise before/after |
| Drain cleaning (soft-top cars) | every 3-6 months | left/right flow status |
| Rust inspection | every 6 months + pre/post winter | photos of known rust-prone points |
Entry quality rules (simple and strict)
- One completed action = one row.
- Always record exact product names/specs from label.
- Every major job needs at least one evidence item (photo or invoice).
- If a task is deferred, create a row with reason and next target.
Fault-history block (high diagnostic value)
Create a second tab called Fault History with:
- first seen date/odometer,
- symptom description,
- trigger conditions,
- tests done,
- resolution,
- recurrence date (if any).
This avoids repeating the same diagnosis every season.
Printable quick template (copy/paste)
| Date | Odometer | Job Type | System | Work Performed | Parts/Fluids (Spec + Qty) | Cost | Next Due | Evidence Ref | Result/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-15 | 154,120 km | Interval | Engine | Oil + filter | 5W-30 API SP, 3.6 L, filter XYZ | €68 | 2026-09 / 162,000 km | INV-017 | No leaks |
| 2026-03-15 | 154,120 km | Inspection | Rust | Rear arch + sill check | N/A | €0 | 2026-09 / 160,000 km | IMG-331 | Light surface only |
| 2026-03-15 | 154,120 km | Corrective | Cooling | Replaced radiator cap | 1.1 bar cap | €14 | monitor next 3 heat cycles | IMG-332 | Overflow stable |
Monthly review (5-minute routine)
Once per month:
- Sort by next-due odometer/date.
- Mark overdue rows in red.
- Add parts-to-buy list for next month.
- Check for repeated faults not truly resolved.
Verification / Post-service checks
- No “unknown last service” items remain
- Every major service has date, odo, exact spec, and evidence
- Next-due plan exists for all interval jobs
- Fault-history tab is up to date
Sources
- MELLENS — Mazda Miata Factory Service Manual archive (year-index source for NB service categories and proper terminology alignment). Retrieved 2026-03-15. https://www.mellens.net/mazda/
- Vertex42 — Vehicle Maintenance Log Template (structured logging field practices). Retrieved 2026-03-15. https://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/vehicle-maintenance-log.html
- AUTOsist — Free Vehicle Maintenance Log Template (record-keeping workflow rationale for repeatable maintenance tracking). Retrieved 2026-03-15. https://autosist.com/blog/free-vehicle-maintenance-log-template-excel-download/