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Bumper to Bumper x Chicks And Machines – multipoint inspections
When you go to your mechanic, he may offer to do a multipoint inspection on your vehicle, but you always wonder if it’s really necessary.
Tell yourself that what your mechanic suggests for your car is somewhat the equivalent of what your family doctor suggests for your health…
He recommends that you have regular check-ups to make sure everything is fine, to prevent health problems: only by doing preventive tests will he be able to help you more quickly and prevent deterioration of your health.
Your mechanic takes care of the health of your vehicle. In this article, we will see what a multipoint inspection consists of and you will understand that there are many advantages to having it done regularly.
What are we checking?
1. fluids
Fluid levels are a good indicator of current vehicle problems as well as future ones. For example, the lack of oil in the engine or even in the transmission can indicate to the mechanic the presence of significant problems.
Fluid levels are also a good indicator of past vehicle maintenance.
2. the brakes
Brake and line system wear can determine whether major repairs are needed.
Rust on driving parts or worn discs with the presence of grooves can cause several damages to other components that would not normally need to be replaced.
When inspecting the brakes, the mechanic will look, among other things, at the piping, the wheel cylinder, the front and rear discs and pads as well as the calipers on the 4 wheels or the drums (if this is the case). The mechanic will also look at the master cylinder, brake pedal travel (i.e. whether the braking point is in the right place or too far), the ABS system and the parking brake.
3. The exhaust system
The exhaust system, which quickly loses its strength and efficiency, may require repair. Beyond the noises that can escape, some parts can be very rusty and cause cracks. This type of problem cannot be detected by noise alone.
4. Tires and rims
Tire wear is easy to see with the naked eye, but many buyers forget to check tire age. Over time, tire rubber loses some of its strength characteristics. The presence of loosen parts in the wheel bearing system may indicate premature wheel wear.
5. Steering and suspension
Cars that have suffered major blows to the suspension sometimes have broken springs and shock absorbers. For example, driving too quickly through a pothole or hitting a sidewalk at high speed can cause these breaks.
The steering system may also exhibit wear characteristics, such as oil leaks, worn protective parts or even the presence of space between two parts.
6. The engine and the transmission
The first visual clue to inspect for the engine is the potential oil leak. Oil leaks are usually related to worn engine seals: replacing these parts can be very expensive. Engine and transmission performance is checked by sound and test drive.
7. electrical system
Checking the electrical system is done using tools specially designed for this exercise. It can detect certain voltage and amperage failures as well as the potential presence of short circuits.
The performance of the alternator and its ability to supply the electricity necessary for the engine as well as the charging of the battery are done using special tools.
8. The general condition of the car and conformity
Using the serial number, inspectors will be able to verify the conformity of the vehicle, detect the replacement of important parts of the bodywork and possibly identify fraudulent vehicles.
Accident vehicles with structural damage and repairs will also be detected.
The inspection of a vehicle should not be neglected, because it allows, among other things, to ensure the safety of the driver and his passengers, to avoid sometimes very expensive repairs, to protect your investment, to respect your budget and to comply with the regulatory frameworks of your province.
It is for all these good reasons that you must answer “YES” when your mechanic offers to inspect your vehicle. Trust him!
