What Gets Inspected
A standard multi-point inspection covers 20–30+ items across your vehicle's major systems. Under the hood: oil condition, coolant level, belts, hoses, battery terminals, and air filter. Underneath: exhaust system, suspension components, CV boots, and fluid leaks. Brakes: pad thickness, rotor condition, and brake fluid. Tires: tread depth, pressure, and wear patterns. Electrical: lights, wipers, horn, and charging system. The exact list varies by shop, but reputable ones check all these areas.
The Traffic Light System
Most inspection reports use green/yellow/red coding. Green means the component is in good condition — no action needed. Yellow means it's wearing but still functional — plan for replacement soon. Red means it needs immediate attention for safety or to prevent further damage. Focus your budget on red items first, then plan yellow items over the next few service visits.
What to Do With the Results
Don't feel pressured to approve every recommended service on the spot. Take the report home, research the items flagged, and get a second opinion on expensive repairs. A trustworthy shop won't mind. Compare their findings against your vehicle's maintenance schedule — use our VIN lookup to check manufacturer-recommended service intervals for your specific car. Some "recommended" services are genuinely due; others are profit-driven upsells.
How Often to Get One
Most shops perform a multi-point inspection with every oil change at no extra cost. Take advantage of this. Even if you do your own oil changes, getting one professional inspection per year gives you an expert set of eyes on components you might miss. Keep every inspection report — log them in your garage to track how components wear over time and make smarter repair decisions.