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.
Road Test
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:
- Engine starts and idles
- Remote start functional
- Push-button start functional
- Check engine light or other warning light
- Gauge cluster operational
- The vehicle starts/stops safely
- Abnormal noises
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.
Glass
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.
- Windshield
- Side windows
- Side mirrors
- Rear window
- Sunroof/Moonroof glass
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.
Exterior Lights
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:
- Headlights
- Automatic high beams
- Turn signals
- Taillights
- Reverse lights
- Fog lights
- Courtesy lights [underside of side mirrors, door handles]
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.
Doors
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.
- Hinges
- Rubber seals
- Handles [inside and out]
- Trim panels
- Locks
- Child safety locks
- Window controls
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.
Interior
Cars consist of nearly as many components inside as they do outside. Fit and function are critical for many of the elements listed below:
- Dome lights
- Map lights
- Visor/Vanity mirrors + lights
- Rearview mirror [auto-dimming, connection to rear camera]
- Visors [driver and passenger; extended]
- Headliner
- Moonroof/Sunroof operational
- Convertible top
- Seats [condition, movement (electronic or manual)]
- Heated seats
- Cooled seats
- Folding seats
- Child latch system
- Seat memory functions
- Steering wheel controls
- Steering column tilt, telescope
- Steering wheel lock
- In-cabin air filter
- Floor mats
- Pedal obstructions
- Carpeting/Flooring
- Power outlets
- Adjustable pedals
- Vehicle jack and tool kit
- Emergency trunk-lid release
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.
Digital and Infotainment Displays
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.
- Heads-up display
- Infotainment screens
- Navigation
- Radio
- CD player
- Bluetooth
- Satellite radio
- Speakers [including those in the seat headrest]
- USB ports
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.
HVAC System
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.
- Heater core
- Heater control valve
- Defroster
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Evaporator
- Hoses and connections
- Blower motor
- Blend door actuators
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.
Under the Hood
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.
- Hood shocks
- Engine air filter
- Horn operational
- Drive/accessory belts
- Battery terminals, cables, mounts
- Battery capacity
- Starter
- Alternator
- Power steering pump
- PCV valve
- MAF sensor
- Air intake
- Fuses
- Throttle body
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.
Engine
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.
- Engine mounts
- Compression
- Air/Fuel mixture
- Valve cover gasket
- Wiring
- Oil filter
- Oil sumps/drain plugs
- Oil pressure
- Engine oil seals
- Glow plug function/condition
- Spark plug
- Supercharger
- Turbocharger
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.
Fluids
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.
- Windshield washer fluid level
- Brake fluid level
- Brake fluid water content
- Power steering fluid level
- Power steering fluid condition
- Transmission fluid level
- Transmission fluid condition
- Coolant level
- Coolant pH
- Engine oil level
- Engine oil condition
- Differential fluid level
- Differential fluid condition
- Transfer case fluid level
- Transfer case fluid condition
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.
Drivetrain
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.
- Driveshafts
- Universal joints
- CV axles
- Front and rear axles
- Axle seals
- Grease fittings
- CV joints
- Transfer case
- Differentials
- Transmission [automatic or manual]
- Transmission mounts
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.
Brake System
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.
- Brake pad thickness [in 1/32” increments]
- Brake rotor/drum
- Brake shoes
- Emergency/Parking brake [manual or electronic]
- Parking brake cable
- ABS operation
- Brake calipers
- Brake wheel cylinders [drums]
- Brake lines, hoses, and fittings
- Brake master cylinder
- Brake booster
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.
Cooling System
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.
- Radiator
- Radiator cap
- Cooling fans
- Water pump
- Overflow tank
- Hoses, fittings, and connections
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.
Fuel System
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.
- Fuel door functional
- Fuel tank
- Fuel lines, fittings, and connections
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.
Safety and Security Systems
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:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Airbag system
- Seat belts
- Surround-view cameras
- Anti-theft alarm system
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive headlights
- Park assist
- Stability control
- Driver monitoring system
- Blind spot detection
- Traffic sign recognition
- Backup camera
- Traction control
- Lane assist
- Brake assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear occupation alert
- Lane departure warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Pedestrian detection
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.
Exterior
External items vary depending on the make and model, but an inspection should include any of the relevant components below:
- Wiper blades [front and rear]
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power tailgate/hatch/trunk lid
- Running boards [including deployable]
- Skid plates/Splash guards
- Trailer power connection
- Trailer hitch
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.
Suspension
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.
- Front and rear shocks/struts
- Bushings
- CV boots
- Tie rods and tie rod ends
- Subframes
- Alignment
- Control arms
- Ball joints
- Sway bars
- Leaf springs
- Idler arm
- Center link
- Steering rack
- Steering gearbox
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.
Body Panels
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.
- Dents
- Scratches
- Paint chips
- Loose, broken, or otherwise damaged panels
- Corrosion
- Alignment
- Front and rear bumpers
- Trim pieces
- Roof racks or rails
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.
Tires and Wheels
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.
- Overall tire condition
- Tire tread condition and depth [in 1/32” increments]
- Tire pressure
- Tire age
- Valve stems + caps
- Spare tire [condition, age, pressure]
- TPMS sensors
- Lug nuts
- Wheel covers or rims
- Center caps
- Wheel hubs and bearings
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.
Exhaust and Emissions
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:
- Catalytic converter
- Oxygen sensors
- Muffler
- Exhaust mounts
- Exhaust manifold
- Exhaust pipe
- Heat shields
- Exhaust leaks
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.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrids
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.
- Hybrid cooling system
- Switchable powertrain mount
- Cell variation check
- Battery condition
- Charging components
- High-voltage thermal system and service disconnector
- EV drive modes
- PHEV/BEV heating system modes
- Regenerative braking system
- Autonomous vehicle systems [summons feature on Tesla; self-drive mode]
- Backfeed power system check
- Acoustic Vehicle Alert System
- Hybrid drive mode function
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.
Deliver Value to Your Customers With Identifix’s Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection Checklist
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.
