We’ve heard it time and time again: the best way to prevent a problem is to catch the warning signs before it becomes a bigger issue. This applies to many things in life, an important aspect being your vehicle. Having a well-functioning vehicle is so important to so many of us. That’s why it’s always better to check up on your vehicle before an issue arises. And with road trip season upon us, it’s even more important to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before heading out on your next adventure.
Multi-point inspections aren’t repair services. Their purpose is primarily diagnostic.
Multi-point inspections are a great way to get a comprehensive look at a variety of systems in your vehicle. It helps give you a quick synopsis of what’s going on with the major systems in your vehicle.
Most multi-point inspections give you your vehicle’s evaluation on a color-colored scape, with green being good to go, yellow being a warning to get repairs done soon, and red being a big STOP, REPAIR NOW flag.
These inspections are meant to help you know what’s wrong with your vehicle (if anything) and how urgent any repairs or other maintenance may be.
What Gets Checked During a Multi-Point Inspection
- Fluids:
- Coolant
- Oil
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering fluid
- Washer Fluid
- Hoses
- Belts
- Filters
- Battery
- Lights
- Wipers
- A/C
- Transmission
- Drive Shaft
- Fuel Lines
- Brake Lines
- Exhaust
- Suspensions
- Includes shocks/struts/springs
- Ball joints
- Alignment
- Tires
Your evaluation will look something like this:
Your technician will include any relevant information notes on any issues they found.
When Should You Get a Multi-Point Inspection?
It’s a good idea to get a multi-point inspection before any major travel to ensure that your vehicle is good-to-go. There’s nothing worse than being a thousand miles from home and having your car breakdown over an issue that could’ve been solved if it had gotten caught earlier.
In addition to road-trips, it’s also smart to get an inspection done seasonally, especially if you live in an area with severe variations throughout the year. Here in Tacoma, where summer temperatures can reach 80+ degrees with lows in the low twenties and teens, it’s a good idea to get a multi-point inspection done to make sure tire pressure, fluid levels, etc. are prepared for the significant changes in temperature and humidity.
Multi-point inspections are also good to have when you’re wanting to sell your car. These inspections performed by trained technicians can help ease a buyer’s mind that the car they are buying is one worth investing in.
Discover minor issues before they become major ones. Schedule your multi-point inspection with Courtesy Auto and Tire Repair of Tacoma today!
If you’re planning a summer road trip, check out our blog on What to Keep in Your Disaster Kit to Stay Prepared on the Road.
Related Reading: What is a Multi-Point Inspection (And When Does My Car Need One?)