If you’re tired of using paper or spreadsheets to track your vehicle maintenance and fuel mileage, then LubeLogger could be the perfect tool for you. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the features of LubeLogger, how to deploy it, and what makes it a powerful tool for keeping your vehicle records in order.
What is LubeLogger?
LubeLogger is a self-hosted, open-source tool designed to help users track and manage vehicle maintenance records and fuel mileage. While the name might raise an eyebrow, the application itself is incredibly useful for keeping all your vehicle-related information in one place.
Here are some of the key features:
- Track Maintenance, Repairs, and Upgrades: You can document all your car’s maintenance records, repairs, upgrades, and more.
- Fuel Economy Tracking: Keep track of fuel consumption, including miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km), with multiple unit options.
- Track Taxes and Fees: Record vehicle taxes, registration, and other related costs.
- Attach Documents: Upload invoices, receipts, and any other relevant documents to each record.
- Support for Multiple Vehicles: Manage maintenance records for an unlimited number of vehicles.
- Recurring Reminders: Set up reminders for regular maintenance tasks, and enjoy the dark mode interface for an improved experience.
- Mobile-Friendly: The platform is designed to look great on small screens, ensuring you can access your records on-the-go.
Deploying LubeLogger: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this section, we will walk through the process of deploying LubeLogger on your system, using Docker as an example. This method is ideal for users familiar with Docker but who may need some help with specific setup issues.
Step 1: Install Docker
Before deploying LubeLogger, you’ll need Docker installed on your machine. If you’re new to Docker, you can follow official guides for setting it up based on your operating system.
Step 2: Docker Compose Setup
Once Docker is ready, LubeLogger uses Docker Compose to deploy the application along with its required database (PostgreSQL). You’ll need to download the docker-compose.yml file from the LubeLogger repository.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:
- Clone the Docker Compose Template: Clone the configuration and set up your environment variables (e.g., database credentials, SMTP settings for email notifications).
- Edit the
.envFile: The.envfile will include necessary configuration details like database passwords and your email server settings. Adjust these as per your environment. - Run the Deployment: Once you’ve set up your
.envfile, run the commanddocker-compose up -dto deploy LubeLogger in detached mode.
Step 3: Troubleshooting Schema Issues
One of the common hurdles users encounter is an error stating that the app schema doesn’t exist. This is because LubeLogger expects a specific database schema to be created during deployment.
- Create the Schema Manually: You can resolve this by accessing the PostgreSQL database via PGAdmin and manually creating the required schema. The database and user details can be found in the
.envfile. - Reboot the Application: After creating the schema, reboot LubeLogger and refresh the page. The system should now be running smoothly.
Step 4: Configure LubeLogger Settings
Once the app is up and running, it’s time to configure it to suit your needs:
- Enable Authentication: You can set up authentication by enabling it in the settings, ensuring that your data is secure.
- Configure Units and Language: Choose between Imperial or Metric units, and set the default language for the interface.
- Set Up Backups and Reminders: Take advantage of the backup options and set reminders for recurring vehicle maintenance tasks.
Adding Your First Vehicle
After deployment, it’s time to start adding vehicles. Here’s a quick guide to adding your first vehicle:
- Go to the Garage: Once logged in, navigate to the “Garage” page.
- Add Vehicle Information: Input the vehicle’s make, model, license plate number, and other relevant details.
- Track Service Records: For each vehicle, you can add maintenance logs, repairs, upgrades, fuel records, taxes, and more.
- Attach Documents: You can also attach receipts, PDFs, and other documents to each record for easy access.
Final Thoughts on LubeLogger
LubeLogger is an excellent open-source solution for anyone looking to track their vehicle’s maintenance and fuel records. Whether you’re managing multiple vehicles or just one, it offers a simple yet powerful interface to stay organized and keep track of all your vehicle-related information.
While the initial setup might require some troubleshooting, especially when it comes to configuring the database schema, the app is highly customizable and provides a ton of useful features for keeping your car’s maintenance organized.
If you want a detailed overview of LubeLogger’s setup and usage, I encourage you to check out the official website, explore the documentation, and experiment with its features. It’s a great tool for car enthusiasts, fleet managers, or anyone who wants to ensure their vehicles are running smoothly.
Happy logging!
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