The Auto Repair Industry is full of “free inspections”. “Deals” like free brake inspections, free safety inspections, or the classic “free multipoint inspection” abound. In most cases these inspections are superficial or otherwise less-than-complete. Although there are some good inspection processes, for far too many shops inspections are inconsistent once-overs (they may only look for the things they can sell) offered to get you in the door so you can be sold repairs that, even if they’re needed, may not be the priorities your vehicle has.
Should you trust a “Free Brake Inspection”? What if the vehicle is not road tested, the wheels aren’t pulled off, the rotors are not measured or the calipers are not inspected? Can a technician without ASE-certification give you competent advice about your computer control problems? What kind of in-depth, conscientious evaluation can a technician who is paid flat rate give if he’s not being compensated for his inspection time? We have developed our industry-leading, multi-level inspection processes based on a simple idea:
No one can make intelligent decisions about their vehicle unless they know precise mechanical conditions…
…and a sensible inspection program helps you understand your vehicle’s precise needs and priorities. We have 3 levels of inspection, each designed to play a unique role in mechanical maintenance and upkeep…
40-Point Inspection (Post-Service Checkout)-
We perform a specific critical systems inspection and double-check our work after every vehicle service, but many of our clients don’t even know we do it. Here are just some of the over 40 key points we check: engine oil and other vital fluid levels are checked (and documented if abnormal) and topped off, under-hood inspection, check and replace any lights or signal bulbs (labor free, in most cases), and check and set tire pressures. We even try to make sure your clock is set right. Having another set of eyes on your vehicle is just one more opportunity to reduce errors, and another way to ensure that every vehicle that leaves our shop is in its best possible mechanical condition.
90-point Inspection (Basic Inspection)-
This is our first-level inspection; what many other shops typically call an “in-depth or “multipoint” inspection. An ASE-Certified Technician checks all the major systems of your vehicle that are accessible without taking things apart or using technical tools. Combined with regular Minor Interval Services and a yearly Comprehensive Inspection, it’s a good way to proactively stay on top of your vehicle’s needs.
130-point Comprehensive Inspection (Deep Inspection)-
Also called our “Inspection-For-Repair”, this is our Cadillac-level inspection protocol (no pun intended). When we’re done, you’ll have a complete mechanical picture of your vehicle so you can make informed choices to meet your goals based on your ACTUAL VEHICLE NEEDS. We recommend this inspection to all our New Clients to establish a baseline for their vehicle, and also recommend it be repeated yearly to catch developing problems before they become serious and expensive. Your vehicle will be assigned to an ASE-Certified Technician, who will evaluate the following areas…
- Road Test- 33 points
- Tires- 12 points
- Brakes/Axle- 14 points
- Fluids- 34 points
- Chassis Inspection- 7 points
- Under-hood Inspection- 36 points
- Battery- 6
- Miscellaneous- 10 points
Summary
We have developed these unique, proprietary inspection processes through over 30 years of use and refinement. Our goal is to deliver exactly the services you need to meet your individual vehicle needs and goals, and a rational, consistent inspection program is the best way to do that.
Bad inspections are more than just useless- they can be expensive if you buy a used vehicle that is beyond repair, or even dangerous if you have false peace of mind about a critical system that’s actually about to go bad. We want to insure that your budget is directed precisely at your priorities. Our inspection and repair process is designed to give you accurate information so you can drive more safely and confidently, and get the most value from your vehicle maintenance dollars.
