Q&A: What should a Vehicle Inspection Include?

The Car Conservatory started because we saw a sizeable gap between standard industry quality and true technical precision. We maintain that the auto repair trade should be just as technical as the engineering behind the vehicles themselves.

Too often, inspections are treated as a complimentary service or a mere selling point, serving as a way to check a box rather than a rigorous assessment. Some shops skip them entirely, while others perform them superficially without comprehensive documentation. Yet, inspections are one of the most critical initial steps in the repair process. They set the context for the technician, framing both success and failure for the repair order.

Context defines the condition of the vehicle in its entirety and explains how those combined factors contribute to specific symptoms. For example, if a vehicle enters the shop with a front-end shudder at sixty-five miles per hour, but also features unevenly worn tires, a severely rusted underbody, dry-rotted bushings, worn suspension components, and a power steering leak, a multi-factorial cause is at play. This is not particularly shocking , but those who understand the complexity of suspensions knows that small vibrations in one loose component can travel to other areas of the vehicle easily with its rigid structure. When a customer declines to replace those failing components, the likelihood of a successful repair drops significantly. Without transparent documentation of these baseline issues, customer relationships can deteriorate rapidly. And ultimately lead to a customer without, in their view, a fixed vehicle.

The following sections examine the core components of an effective inspection, proper documentation methods, and the ideal timing for performing them.

Components of an inspection

When it comes to an inspection, the core of an effective inspection is not just the breadth of contents but also the technical depth and rationale.

Exterior

While our customers are not coming into the shop for paint or body work. We find it important to document the general condition of the exterior. Not only to protect the shop, but also give customers peace of mind when the vehicle enters, leaves and we can then recommend trusted 3rd parties to address cosmetic defects.

In general, we check the following:

• Head Lamps: The inspection verifies that the low and high beams function correctly, the lenses are clear of heavy oxidation that could reduce light output, and the housings are intact without moisture buildup.

  
  

• Tail Lamps: This includes checking the brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and rear running lights for proper operation, as well as identifying any cracked or broken plastic covers.

  
  

• Wiper Blades: The rubber squeegees are examined for tearing, dry rot, or excessive wear that would prevent them from clearing the windshield effectively during adverse weather.

  
  

• Paint Condition: The exterior finish is assessed for fading, peeling clear coat, deep scratches, or rust damage.

  
  

• Dents: The body panels are reviewed for cosmetic or structural impacts, creases, and dings that indicate prior contact or damage.

  
  

• Windshield Chips: The front glass is inspected for chips, cracks, or pitting that could impair driver visibility or spread across the windshield over time due to temperature changes or stress.

  
  

• License Plates: The plates are checked to ensure they are securely fastened, clearly legible, and have functioning lamps.

  
  

• Video Walk Around: A comprehensive video recording of the vehicle exterior is captured to establish a baseline condition, thoroughly documenting any existing damage for operational transparency.

Interior

A key area of the vehicle where an inspection can be important is the interior. The condition of the interior can provide important clues for some of the most complex issues we work on. For example, if there are musty smells or pooling water then any electrical related issues could be traced to water intrusion from blocked sunroof drains, condensation from HVAC systems, and sitting outside unattended for long periods.

• Warning Lights On: The instrument cluster is checked for any active diagnostic indicators, such as the check engine, anti-lock braking system, or airbag lights, which signify underlying system faults. Shops must ensure that a baseline is set for the health of the vehicle. If the customer brings the vehicle into the shop for an issue unrelated to the warning light, and opts not to fix those, then it needs to be clear that those lights will still be on when they leave.

  
  

• Cabin Air Filter: The filter responsible for interior air quality is inspected for accumulated dust, debris, or restriction that would impede climate control airflow. These also tend to emit a strange smell when the A/C is turned on due to mold, mildew, dust, and other debris.

  
  

• A/C Cooling: The air conditioning system is tested to verify it produces sufficiently cold air and that the compressor cycles correctly.

  
  

• Window Operation: All window regulators and switches are tested to confirm the glass moves up and down smoothly without binding.

  
  

• Door Locks: The manual and electronic locking mechanisms on all doors are evaluated for proper engagement and release.

  
  

• Seat Adjustment: The mechanical tracks and power motors are checked to ensure the seats move freely and lock securely into place for safe vehicle operation.

  
  

• Sunroof Operation: The sunroof assembly is operated through its full track to check for smooth movement, motor functionality, and a tight seal upon closure.

  
  

• Video Walk Around: A continuous video recording of the cabin is captured to establish a baseline record of the upholstery condition, trim pieces, and general interior state.

  
  

• Rear View Camera: The vehicle is shifted into reverse to verify the backup camera activates promptly and displays a clear, unobstructed feed on the display screen.

Underhood

Mechanical related issues tend to begin with inspecting the engine bay. The sights, sounds, and feelings are all essential to understanding where the technician needs to begin their investigation.

• Hood Shocks: The gas struts are tested to ensure they can safely support the full weight of the open hood without sagging or dropping.

  
  

• Air Filter: The engine air filter element is examined for dirt accumulation, debris, or oil saturation that could restrict airflow and negatively impact engine performance. Air filters are incredibly important for engines as dirt in oil can score cylinders quickly.

  
  

• Drive Belts: The serpentine or accessory belts are inspected for cracking, rib wear, fraying, or glazing that could lead to a loss of power to A/C Compressors, Starters, and even oil pumps.

  
  

• Oil Leaks: The engine block, oil pan, and surrounding areas are reviewed for any signs of seepage, buildup, or active dripping that indicate failing seals. Often, we will find leaking intake gaskets and solenoids.

  
  

• Valve Cover Gasket: The specific seal between the cylinder head and valve cover is checked for oil weeping, which often runs down the sides of the engine or onto the exhaust.

  
  

• Radiator: The cooling fins, plastic end tanks, and hoses are visually inspected for coolant leaks, physical damage, or debris blockages.

  
  

• Water Pump: The pump assembly is evaluated for active coolant leaks at the weep hole, abnormal bearing noise, or excessive play in the pulley.

  
  

• Fan Assembly: The electric cooling fans or mechanical fan clutch are tested to verify they engage properly and draw sufficient air through the radiator to prevent overheating.

  
  

• Mounts: The rubber or hydraulic engine and transmission mounts are inspected for tearing, collapse, or leaking fluid that can transmit excessive drivetrain vibration into the cabin.

  
  

• Video Walk Around: A continuous video recording of the engine bay is captured to establish a baseline record of the overall mechanical condition and explicitly document any identified leaks or worn components.

Starting/Charging System

Dead batteries, no-crank-no-starts, and other electrical maladies are particularly annoying as they tend to render vehicles less usable at wildly inopportune times. To get ahead of many common issues we look at the following:

• Battery: The primary power storage unit is tested for resting voltage, cold cranking amp capacity, and overall health to ensure it can supply sufficient initial energy to the starter motor.

  
  

• Battery Terminals: The physical connection points are inspected for acid corrosion, proper tightness, and mechanical damage that could create high electrical resistance and impede current flow.

  
  

• Starter: The electric motor is evaluated during engagement for abnormal grinding noises, slow cranking speed, or excessive amperage draw that would indicate internal mechanical wear.

  
  

• Alternator: The vehicle generator is tested under load to verify it produces adequate voltage and current to run onboard electronics and actively recharge the battery while the engine is running.

  
  

• Cables: The heavy gauge primary wiring routing power between the battery, starter, and alternator is checked for chafing, frayed insulation, or internal copper corrosion.

  
  

Brakes

We've noticed that many drivers tend to wait until the very last moment to replace brakes. As a result, we ensure each inspection thoroughly inspects the braking components to keep customers safe.

• Front Brake Pads and Rotors: The front friction materials are measured for remaining thickness and checked for uneven wear, while the brake rotors are inspected for minimum thickness, lateral runout, heat scoring, and physical lip formation on the outer edge.

  
  

• Rear Brake Pads and Rotors/Drums: The rear braking components are similarly measured for friction material life and surface integrity, accommodating both disc systems with rotors and older drum brake configurations by inspecting the brake shoes, drum inner diameter, and wheel cylinders for hydraulic leaks.

  
  

• Clean and Adjust: This procedure involves evaluating the need to disassemble the brake hardware to remove accumulated brake dust and rust, apply appropriate lubrication to the caliper slide pins and pad contact points, and manually adjust the rear drum star wheels or parking brake mechanisms for proper engagement.

Steering & Suspension

We love a great riding car, truck, or SUV. A great riding vehicle also needs to be safe as well. Steering and Suspension components take a massive beating on bad Metro Detroit surface roads. Therefore, we keep a close eye on the damage to our customers ability to steer and remain planted on the road:

• Front Shocks/Struts: Evaluated for hydraulic fluid leaks, physical damage to the housing and boots, and their ability to dampen suspension movement and maintain tire contact with the road. Usually that manifests as squeaking noises or excessive bouncing after pressing down on the suspension.

  
  

• Rear Shocks/Struts: Inspected for similar signs of failure as the front components, including fluid seepage, worn mounting bushings, and a loss of dampening capability.

• Front Axle: The constant velocity joints and protective rubber boots are checked for tearing, grease leakage, and clicking or binding noises during rotation or sharp turns. CV Axle boots can be torn and cause steering failure at worst, but lots of noises at best.

  
  

• Rear Axle: Depending on the drivetrain configuration, this includes checking the rear constant velocity axles for boot integrity or inspecting the solid axle housing for differential fluid leaks and outer seal condition.

  
  

• Sway Bar Link: The connecting links between the sway bar and the suspension are examined for loose or worn ball socket joints and deteriorated rubber bushings that can cause clunking noises over bumps

  
  

• Wheel Bearing: The hub assemblies are tested for excessive lateral play, grinding, or humming noises at speed that indicate worn internal bearings.

  
  

• Ball Joints: The pivot points connecting the steering knuckles to the control arms are checked for vertical or horizontal play, torn dust boots, and a lack of grease.

  
  

• Tie Rods: The inner and outer tie rod ends, which connect the steering rack to the wheel hubs, are inspected for loose ball joints that can cause steering wander and accelerated tire wear.

  
  

• Control Arms: The main structural links of the suspension are evaluated for bent metal components and the condition of their rubber mounting bushings, looking for tearing, dry rot, or separation.

  
  

• Wheel Alignment: A check is performed to determine if the camber, caster, and toe angles remain within factory specifications, which is often indicated by a visual inspection of uneven tire wear patterns or complaints of the vehicle pulling to one side.

Underbody

It's easy for issues to go unnoticed underneath a car. Rarely is the vehicle up in the air to inspect! To ensure we try to catch catastrophic issues early, we inspect the following:

• Oil Leaks: The lower engine block, oil pan, rear main seal, and transmission housing are evaluated for active drips, seepage, or heavy accumulation of engine oil or transmission fluid.

  
  

• Coolant Leaks: The lower radiator hoses, radiator drain petcock, and coolant lines routing underneath the vehicle are inspected for active dripping or dried coolant residue.

  
  

• Mounts: The lower engine, transmission, and subframe mounts are checked from below for collapsed rubber, torn bushings, or leaked hydraulic fluid that could compromise drivetrain stability and cause vibrations.

  
  

• Video Walk Around: A continuous video recording of the undercarriage is captured to establish a baseline record of the vehicle's underside and thoroughly document any identified leaks, worn components, or structural concerns.

How we Document Inspections

Each inspection (with all the pictures and videos) is shared with each customer in a text or email with a link to view all the information. Areas of concern for repair are highlighted to customers with recommendations. Some instances, immediate replacement is recommended, whereas others might be a suggestion to monitor.

When an Inspection is Warranted

Each vehicle that makes its way into the shop gets the same full inspection. As every vehicle should when going into their bays. Far too often large, unexpected repairs arise from a lack of awareness! Even if a customer is not expected to spend lots of dollars at the shop for all the things that are going wrong, they should be made aware. The Car Conservatory understands that time is money and we might be 'wasting' some dollars on incredibly in-depth inspections. But, replacing parts is only a small portion of the work. Technicians and shops should be consultants for their customers as well--ensuring they have all the data required to make the best decisions about their vehicle as possible.