What Is A Multipoint Inspection & Why Do I Need One?
Last updated September 29th, 2023
If there is one requirement that most drivers have for their vehicles, it’s that their car is reliable. But to be able to trust that your vehicle can take you anywhere, it is important to take preventative measures to limit any issues that could take your vehicle off the road.
Having a regular maintenance schedule is important, but sometimes it’s hard to know what exactly you need to schedule maintenance for. This is why many service centers, car dealerships, and mechanics offer a multi-point vehicle inspection. The purpose of this inspection is to give your vehicle a thorough check to detect any possible problems in the functionality of your ride.
Like a checkup at the doctor’s office, a multipoint inspection is a good check-in for your vehicle to make sure everything is running smoothly.
What Is A Multipoint Inspection?
Vehicles are complex machines with many moving parts, and this can mean that there might be underlying issues that you aren’t aware of. A multi-point vehicle inspection is one way to try to catch any budding issues before they become full-blown problems.
Many automotive dealers, mechanics, and service centers offer multi-point inspections as a comprehensive evaluation of just about every component of your car, truck, or SUV. Some locations offer a less in-depth service, while others examine every nitty gritty part.
A multi-point inspection can also take multiple names - they can also be called courtesy checks, vehicle inspections, maintenance inspections, or even pre-purchase inspections if it is for a car you are looking to buy.
Why Should I Get Multipoint Vehicle Inspection?
While some services are recommended on a schedule, such as an oil change, tire rotation, tire alignment, fluid change, and more, other services that your vehicle might need might be hard to see or schedule because of the nature of vehicles.
A multipoint inspection, however, allows you to check in on all of the things that you might not even be aware need to be checked. Steering, braking, tires, fluids, gears, and more can all play an important role in your safety while you drive. Multipoint inspections troll down a long list of components to guarantee that your vehicle is running well and performing its best.
What Are The Benefits Of A Multipoint Inspection?
The main benefit to multipoint inspections is knowledge: you can know all about any minor issues before they become major - and potentially expensive - ones. This allows you to spend less on vehicle maintenance over time and helps keep your car running smoothly for longer.
In fact, a multi-point inspection is one of the key components of preventative maintenance, identifying potential issues before they become full-scale problems. Most multipoint inspections will even rate each item on their list as how important it is to fix for your vehicle’s well-being. Some things might be green and don’t need any attention. Others might be red and need repair immediately to prevent damage to your vehicle. This can allow drivers to appropriately budget for the services and repairs they need.
When Should I Get A Multipoint Vehicle Inspection?
Really, there is no bad time to get a multi-point vehicle inspection. Most people will recommend you get an inspection once every year or two, but your vehicle manufacturer might recommend a different timeline. You should find a service and care schedule in your Owner’s Manual.
You can also get a multipoint inspection before significant events like the ones listed below.
Before You Buy
A pre-purchase multi-point inspection is heavily recommended before you spend your hard-earned money. You don’t want any surprises when you drive your new-to-you vehicle off the lot, and a pre-purchase inspection can assuage any fears about your purchase.
Long Road Trips
The last thing anyone wants when driving long distances, especially cross country on a road trip, is to end up broken down on the side of the road. You don’t want your car to ruin your vacation plans, and a multipoint inspection can help address any issues that might cause problems on the long drive.
Season’s Change
Believe it or not, the fall and spring are popular times to schedule a multipoint inspection. This is most likely to prepare or recuperate your vehicle before or after a potentially hard, icy winter. Extreme cold can be hard on your vehicle, and inspections can help with the transition of driving conditions between winter and summer.
Before You Sell
A multi-point inspection is recommended before you sell your vehicle, allowing a potential buyer to feel more confident paying you what your car is worth.
How Long Does One Take & How Much Does It Cost?
When you see what a multi-point inspection covers, you can probably understand why it can take several hours to complete. This time will vary, of course, on where you go and how thorough the inspection is. If you want the most accurate estimation of how long it will take, ask the service center for a time estimate and a list of what will be inspected.
As far as expense, the cost of your multi-point inspection will depend on how thorough the shop is. A quick courtesy check is sometimes offered for free, but it won’t go into the full details of an inspection that you pay for. A detailed multi-point vehicle inspection, however, can run as much as $200 or more when you add other types of diagnostic testing.
What Is Checked During A Multipoint Inspection?
When your car undergoes a multi-point vehicle inspection, technicians scour your vehicle from top to bottom, inside and out, for a variety of components. Here are some of the things they check:
Under The Hood
Motor Oil And Filter
Gas-powered vehicles use engine oil or motor oil to keep the ending cool, reduce friction and wear, and carry away dirt and debris from the engine. The oil then runs through a filter, clearing the dirt and debris, before running through the engine again. The technicians will check your oil to see if you need an oil change or a new oil filter and make sure you have no oil leaks.
Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is what keeps your car from running too hot and damaging your engine. A multi-point inspection will check your coolant levels and cleanliness, the radiator, and your coolant hoses for any potential leaks.
Brake Fluid And Brake Lines
Most vehicles have a hydraulic braking system that relies on brake fluid to function properly. The technician will check for clean, full fluid and make sure there are no leaks in your brake lines.
Power Steering Fluid
Just like brake fluid, this hydraulic fluid builds the pressure that operates your vehicle’s power steering rack.
Cabin Air Filter
As part of your car’s HVAC system, an engine air filter cleans the air that is cycling into your cabin. Cabin air filters can get clogged over time, however, and need to be replaced.
Drive Belts
Drive belts power multiple engine components, including the power steering pump, alternator, and air conditioning compressor. Over time, cracking can lead to a broken belt. A loose belt can even make a loud squealing or screeching noise.
Hoses
There are a lot of hoses in your engine that are important for taking various fluids from one place to another. A technician will check for any fluid leaks.
Battery
A battery provides electricity for your vehicle, which allows it to start and operate. A technician will conduct a battery voltage test to check the health of your battery. They might also check your alternator to make sure your battery is being properly recharged.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Most drivers have done this themselves, but a technician will also check your washer fluid level so that you can clean your windshield as needed.
Inside & Outside
Lights
A technician will check all the lights to guarantee that they are all in working condition. This includes headlights, taillights, and turn signals. All bulbs should be bright, or they should be replaced.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades that are cracked or broken can decrease their effectiveness, ultimately limiting your vision in inclement weather. Wiper blades can easily be replaced when necessary by drivers themselves, although many auto parts stores will offer to replace your wipers when you buy new ones from them.
Floor Mats
As strange as it might sound, technicians will also check to make sure your floor mats are properly installed so that they can’t get stuck under the accelerator or brake pedal.
Air Conditioning
A multi-point vehicle inspection will also check to confirm that the air conditioning is working properly, as well as the heat and blowers.
Safety Equipment
Seat Belts
Any safety restraints, such as seat belts, will be checked to ensure proper functioning.
Airbags
Technicians will use a vehicle code scanner to check for any issues with the airbag system in your car. If there are any relevant airbag recalls, they will also let you know if they need to be replaced by the vehicle manufacturer free of charge.
Horn
The horn in your vehicle is honked to make sure it functions.
Brakes
Technicians will perform a visual inspection to check the condition of your brakes and brake pads. The brake pads control your ability to stop, and they wear down over time and need to be replaced. Additionally, rotors will be checked for rust, warping, and other damage.
Drivetrain
Engine Performance
A technician will use a vehicle code scanner to check your drivetrain engine performance. They will check for any error codes from the vehicle’s computer, as well as evaluate components such as the idle speed and ignition system.
Transmission & Clutch
Your transmission takes the power from the engine and powers the wheels. For automatic transmissions, a technician will check the transmission fluid and evaluate the smoothness of gear shifts. They will also make sure you are not leaking transmission fluid. For manual transmissions, also known as stick shifts, technicians will also check to make sure your clutch engages properly.
Differential & Transfer Case
A differential is located on your vehicle’s axle and helps to split power from the transmission to both drive wheels. In a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, a transfer case is also in place to transfer power to both the front and rear axles.
Driveshaft, U-joints, & CV Joints
These components bridge the transmission and the differential in your vehicle. The parts vary based on your drivetrain but ultimately will be checked for wear. This wear can cause noise and vibration when driving.
Exhaust System
Technicians will also check your exhaust system for leaks or damage to your muffler.
Suspension
Shocks, Struts, & Springs
These components let you enjoy a smooth ride, even over bumps and dips in the road. A technician will check them for leaks, cracks, and other damage.
Ball Joints & Bushings
Ball joints and bushings allow you to turn your wheels smoothly and allow the suspension components to move up and down.
Alignment
Technicians will use a computerized alignment machine to check if all four tires are sitting at the correct angle. Bad alignment can ultimately cause the steering wheel to vibrate and rapid tire wear.
Tires
A visual inspection of your tires will be performed to check your tire wear and the depth of your treads. Your tires will also be checked to make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure.
Multipoint Inspections At Fort Dodge Ford
Ultimately, all cars can benefit from an inspection to make sure you have a well-running vehicle in working order and that any necessary repairs can be made. While repairs can get costly, a multi-point inspection can address any faulty component of your car before it causes too much damage to your vehicle.
From brakes to hoses to suspension and more, there is a lot to check with an inspection at Fort Dodge Ford, but we’re up to the challenge. Whether you need a new air filter or a new battery. If you need to check your tire wear or anything else, Fort Dodge Ford has you covered. Give us a call, visit our website, or stop by today to see all of the services we offer. We look forward to helping you!