Multi-point inspection checklist for repair shops
Updated · Reviewed by Israel Margulies, founder and CEO of High Point GPS
A multi-point inspection checklist for repair shops and fleet garages: what a technician checks each time a vehicle comes in, under the hood, under the vehicle, tires and brakes with measured readings, lights, wipers and the battery, marked OK, Not OK or N/A.
Shops use a multi-point inspection to find work before it becomes a breakdown and to show the customer what was checked. Many shops use green, yellow and red; on this form, mark OK, Not OK (needs attention now) or N/A, and write the reading or the reason in the notes.
Write measured values where you can: tread depth, brake pad thickness and battery test results. Numbers are easier to compare at the next visit than a tick.
Multi-point inspection
Fields: Customer · Vehicle (year, make, model) · VIN / unit no. · Odometer · Repair order no. · Technician · Date
Under the hood
- Engine oil level and condition
- Coolant level and condition
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Washer fluid
- Belts
- Hoses
- Air filter
- Cabin filter
Under the vehicle
- Leaks (oil, coolant, fuel, transmission)
- Exhaust system
- Shocks and struts
- Steering and suspension parts
- CV boots and driveshaft
- Frame and underbody damage
Tires and brakes
- Left front tread depth (32nds) and pressure
- Right front tread depth and pressure
- Left rear tread depth and pressure
- Right rear tread depth and pressure
- Front brake pads / shoes (mm)
- Rear brake pads / shoes (mm)
- Rotors and drums
- Spare tire
Lights, wipers and battery
- Headlights, high beams
- Brake, tail and turn lights
- Wiper blades
- Windshield
- Battery test (CCA result)
- Battery terminals and cables
Fill it in the right way
- Fill in the customer, vehicle, odometer and repair order number.
- Check each item and mark OK, Not OK or N/A.
- Write measured readings in the notes: tread depth, pad thickness, battery test.
- Explain every Not OK item in plain words for the customer.
- The service advisor reviews it with the customer and quotes the work.
- Keep a copy with the repair order for the next visit.
Tips
- Do the inspection the same way every time, in the same order, so nothing is missed.
- Photograph worn parts; customers approve work they can see.
- Note items that are wearing but still OK, so they're checked first next time.
- Compare readings with the last visit to show how fast tires and brakes are wearing.
Do it in FleetZap
- In FleetZap, inspections are procedures with pass/fail, reading, photo and signature steps, and required steps block closing.
- A failed item opens a repair work order and alerts the shop.
- Readings and photos stay on the vehicle's history for the next visit.
- Odometer readings entered on a check update the vehicle's meter, which drives mileage-based PM.
FleetZap Maintenance
Work orders, PM, parts, compliance, assets and KPIs. Explore FleetZap Maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What is a multi-point inspection?
A standard check of a vehicle's main systems each time it's in the shop, so problems are found early and the customer sees what was checked.
What does green, yellow and red mean?
Green is OK, yellow needs attention soon, red needs attention now. On this form, use OK and Not OK and write the reading or the reason in the notes.
What tread depth is too low?
Many shops recommend replacing tires well before the legal minimum. Federal rules for commercial trucks and buses set minimums in 49 CFR 393.75; for cars, check your state.
How long does a multi-point inspection take?
Usually 15 to 30 minutes when it's part of another service, depending on the vehicle and how many readings you take.