Auto repair shops that lack a comprehensive vehicle inspection checklist risk overlooking a potential issue or improperly diagnosing a customer’s concern. These critical checklists help guide technicians in the inspection process, bolster an auto repair company’s integrity, and foster customer loyalty and trust. The ultimate vehicle inspection checklist below includes 226 points to ensure an extensive review of any vehicle that comes into your auto repair shop and establish the foundation necessary for stronger customer relationships.
Many vehicle inspections — including digital inspections — begin with a technician’s first impression of the vehicle as he or she approaches it. Repairs can be immediately apparent when the car first arrives, or they may require a road test to troubleshoot the issue. As the technician goes through the first few points of the inspection, they typically start with essential vehicle functions, such as:
Some repairs call for a road test, while others do not. However, technicians often perform road tests before and after repairs. Comparing the results from each test can indicate whether the repair resolved the issue or if the problem persists.
Inspecting a vehicle’s glass requires reviewing its condition and function. The windshield’s condition remains critical, as some states require drivers to replace their windshields if they have a crack or chip that obscures the field of view. Sunroofs and moonroofs have been known to shatter, so inspecting them for any signs of damage can help owners avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
If you don’t address glass issues in-house, referring customers to a partner company can help build rapport. For example, as service advisors generate repair orders via Identifix Shop Manager (ISM), they can also note the preferred glass company’s name and contact information for the customer’s convenience. Glass work can also be done in tandem with repair work and coordinated by communicating directly with the client through ISM’s Direct Messaging feature.
Improperly functioning exterior lights can put drivers at risk of an accident, especially in inclement weather. Technicians can efficiently perform a quick system check to ensure all exterior lights are functional and bright. With Identifix Direct-Hit Mobile, you can review many of these exterior lights without having to return to your workstation every time:
Mobile mechanic software can help technicians reduce the time they spend on repairs by enabling them to access the information they need when and where they need it the most. For example, many of the items on our ultimate vehicle inspection checklist can be reviewed more efficiently with the use of mobile mechanic software like Direct-Hit Mobile. Learn more about how Identifx can help your auto repair shop by calling 1-866-996-8806 today.
The fit and function of a vehicle’s doors are key to the safety of its occupants. Each door should open and shut without issue, locking and unlocking when prompted.
One of the more common complaints about doors is that they rattle or make noise. Technicians typically have to remove the door panel to diagnose this issue, which goes beyond the constraints of a visual inspection.
Cars consist of nearly as many components inside as they do outside. Fit and function are critical for many of the elements listed below:
Visually inspecting the cabin air filter may take more than just opening the glove box and a small trap door. It’s also important to ensure the floor mats are correctly affixed to the floor so they don’t contact or crowd the gas or brake pedal.
Unless otherwise prompted, technicians likely won’t need to scroll through menus to ensure every feature listed works appropriately. However, reviewing the following digital components can typically be done during the road test or just by sitting in the car with the accessories turned on.
Many of the elements listed above link with steering wheel controls, including the radio and Bluetooth functions. Inspecting these components as one can help mark numerous items off this checklist and increase your productivity.
Parts of the HVAC system are hidden behind and beneath the dash, but technicians can quickly run the system through its paces to ensure proper function. Like with any system, it’s vital to check the hoses and connections to ensure there are no leaks.
In the summertime, inspecting the AC system may require checking pressure to ensure it’s fully charged. If there’s a strong coolant smell in the cabin or leaks on the interior floorboards, the heater core likely sprung a leak.
A detailed inspection of a vehicle’s engine bay can provide technicians with valuable information. Fluids sprayed across the engine can indicate a sizable leak in a related component, hose, or connection point. A dirty air filter could also cause reduced performance.
Essentially, technicians visually inspect under the hood for irregularities. Noting these abnormalities can lead them to further inspection of fluids, parts, or systems that may be responsible.
Most engine issues illuminate a check engine light, but an inspection can reveal problems in the making. Fluctuations in the air/fuel mixture can indicate a larger problem. Although a loose oil drain plug can seem like a minor issue, loss of oil can lead to more significant problems in a short amount of time.
Tracing wiring diagrams, especially around an engine’s bends and curves, can prove challenging. The process takes even more time if you have to locate the proper wiring diagram first. Consult Identifix Direct-Hit Pro to find the correct diagram for your particular repair so you can inspect, diagnose, and repair the problem faster without the risk of causing additional malfunctions.
Internal combustion engines require numerous fluids for optimal operation. Fluid level and condition play significant roles in vehicle performance. Each fluid type has its own parameters for health and capacity.
The fluids on the list above should — for the most part — be accessible by dipstick. However, some newer vehicles have sealed systems that prevent access. For example, modern sealed transmissions lack quick access to the fluid inside.
Inspecting the drivetrain requires confirming the power transfer from the engine and transmission to the driveshaft and axles. The axles should be straight and properly sealed against dirt and debris.
Because the drivetrain has so many moving parts, many contain seals, fittings, and other wearable components. Inspecting these parts can help technicians advise owners regarding their condition and remaining life.
Pressure and fluid drive a vehicle’s brake system. A lack of fluid can cause non-responsive brakes — which often become apparent in the road test — similar to a lack of pressure.
Visual inspections can reveal extreme brake rotor warping based on the curve of the rotor’s surface. A detailed look at the brake pads can also indicate how much thickness remains and whether they’re wearing equally — another indication the brake caliper or piston isn’t working correctly.
The main objective of any vehicle’s cooling system is maintaining optimal engine operating temperatures. The radiator, cooling fans, thermostat, and water pump ensure the coolant flowing through the system stays within the engine and removes heat from the block. When any of those elements fail, the entire system becomes ineffective.
Coolant leaks are a key indication of a problem with the cooling system, whether it’s a hole in the radiator or a loose fitting. Cooling fans can also fail due to damaged blades or failure to respond and turn on when prompted.
A visual inspection can rule out many fuel system issues a vehicle might be having, but sometimes, diagnosis requires a more invasive approach. The obvious signs there might be a problem with a car’s fuel system include a strong gas smell, droplets or puddles of fuel on the ground below the vehicle, and visible damage to any related components.
Further inspection of the fuel system can include the fuel injectors, fuel rail, and fuel pumps. Leaks can occur in older vehicles with fuel caps, but most modern cars have upgraded to a capless fuel filler system.
Vehicle manufacturers often have their own names for the advanced safety systems integrated into their models, but most perform similar functions. However, calibrating such systems can require varying protocols. Here are a few of the safety and security systems that you can review, often with a road test:
Beyond the advanced driver aids listed here, airbag systems and seat belts remain at the core of any vehicle safety system. Backup cameras are now required on new vehicles. Some cars may even integrate a rear-facing camera into the rearview mirror to allow for an unobstructed rearward view.
External items vary depending on the make and model, but an inspection should include any of the relevant components below:
Wipers are one of the more important items on this list, as they clear a path for drivers’ vision when behind the wheel. Yet, the trailer power connection also remains a priority so that drivers behind a trailer can react appropriately based on whether the towing vehicle is braking, turning, or pulling over with its hazards on.
The geometry involved in various suspension components can be overwhelming, but a quick visual inspection can reveal damaged or leaking parts — with no math required. Technicians can choose to check the car’s alignment during the road test, but a leaky steering rack is typically only noted during a close inspection.
Many drivers upgrade their suspension components with aftermarket parts, but the mismatch between the two can cause numerous issues. Regardless of shop policy, technicians can at least alert drivers to the concern.
Scratches and dents may not contribute to a car’s overall performance, but it’s critical to note these characteristics when the vehicle arrives at the shop. Identifying pre-existing damage maintains transparency between the customer and the auto repair shop, which benefits everyone.
Exact alignment between body panels doesn’t necessarily contribute to the vehicle’s overall function. Yet misaligned panels can cause unwanted flex and rubbing, which can lead to paint removal and corrosion.
A visual inspection of a car’s wheels and tires can indicate many things to an experienced technician. However, it’s common for drivers to forget about their spare tire, so it’s always a good idea to inspect that wheel and tire combination in addition to the four on the ground.
Tire failure can lead to a loss of control on the road, especially at highway speeds. Carefully reviewing a customer’s wheels and tires can help address any safety concerns before they threaten the life of the driver and occupants.
Since catalytic converters tend to last for the majority of a vehicle’s lifetime, diagnosing any emissions issues often begins with the oxygen (O2) sensors. Technicians can rule out any other concerns by reviewing each component within the exhaust system, including the following:
Vehicles may have one or two O2 sensors, depending on the manufacturer. Comparing the readings to the expected readout can help technicians diagnose and make necessary repairs. Technicians may also inspect the exhaust system for dents or leaks that can explain related symptoms.
As EV and hybrid technology evolve, experienced technicians continue to be in demand. Explore the various inspection points relevant to EVs and hybrid vehicles below.
Discover how Identifix Automotive Technicians Training connects the next generation of mechanics with the information and skills necessary to diagnose and repair vehicles of the not-so-distant future. Identifix also offers Autodata Training to help technicians earn professional certificates and continue their education with new training modules.
Meticulously reviewing every component of a customer’s vehicle assists technicians in effectively completing their diagnosis and repairs faster while enhancing customer satisfaction. With a 226-point ultimate vehicle inspection checklist from Identifix, auto repair shop managers can integrate an efficient and all-inclusive approach into their daily operations. Review Identifix’s product bundles to learn more about how Identifix supports auto repair shops throughout the country, one repair order — or vehicle inspection — at a time.
Identifix is the leading provider of automotive repair shop solutions and sevices designed to improve shop profitability and repair outcomes.
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