Performing a multi-point inspection is the most effective tool for maintaining a vehicle's health, and ensuring its safety, performance, and longevity. Transitioning to digital multi-point inspections is the future of the automotive repair industry.  This blog will guide you through what a multi-point inspection entails and the importance of performing them on every vehicle. 

• What is a Multi-Point inspection?
• Why You Should Complete a Multi-Point Inspection on Every Vehicle
• Why You Should Document Your Inspection Findings Digitally
• Conclusion

What is a Multi-Point Inspection?

A multi-point inspection is a thorough evaluation of a vehicle’s overall condition. It involves checking various systems and components to ensure they are functioning correctly and identifying any areas that may need attention. The primary goal of a multi-point inspection is to catch potential issues early before they become major problems. This not only helps maintain the vehicle's performance but also ensures the safety of the driver and passengers.

Types of Multi-Point Inspections

Your shop will probably need a few different multi-point inspection templates depending on the vehicle's condition, mileage, and customer requests.

• New Vehicles: For a brand-new car with under 30,000 miles, a shorter 12-point inspection may be sufficient. 
• Older Vehicles (150,000 miles and above): Older vehicles with 150,000 miles or more typically require a more detailed inspection between 30 and 50 points, depending on your shop's preference. 
• Pre-Purchase Inspections: If a customer is requesting a pre-purchase inspection, these are typically 120-points and above

Why You Should Complete a Multi-Point Inspection on Every Vehicle

Performing a multi-point inspection on every vehicle that comes into your shop is a best practice that offers several significant benefits:

Ensuring Vehicle Safety

Conducting multi-point inspections is key to ensuring the safety of the vehicle. Identifying and addressing issues early can prevent breakdowns and accidents, provide peace of mind to the vehicle owner, and contribute to overall road safety.

Liability Protection

By detailing all vehicle concerns, you protect your shop from potential lawsuits and liability for future vehicle issues. When problems are identified and communicated to the customer, you have documented proof that the issues were brought to their attention, thereby reducing the risk of being held responsible for future problems if they decline a service. 

Increase in Jobs Sold and Revenue

You can’t sell work that you don’t present to the customer. By sharing all items that need repair with the customer, you put the buying decision in their hands. This transparency can lead to an increase in the number of jobs sold and, consequently, a boost in revenue for your shop. When customers see a detailed report of their vehicle’s condition, they are more likely to trust your recommendations and authorize the necessary repairs.

Paper vs. Digital Multi-Point Inspections 

Multi-point inspections can be performed manually using paper forms or digitally using specialized software. While both aim to achieve the same goal, the benefits they offer can differ significantly.

Paper Multi-Point Inspections: While paper inspections are familiar to many mechanics, they come with drawbacks. They have to be stored and organized within the shop, technician handwriting might be difficult to read, and pulling past records can be time-consuming. Additionally, paper multi-point inspections are notoriously inconsistent as technicians try to get through the process as quickly as possible and do not always check each item with time and attention. 

From the customer’s perspective, paper inspections are commonly viewed as untrustworthy. This is because a paper inspection limits the level of detail provided to customers about their vehicles. Additionally, the inability to include photos or videos of the condition of their car. So, they are forced to take the technician and shop’s word for it. According to AAA, two out of three drivers do not trust a mechanic's recommendation alone. 

Digital Multi-Point Inspections: Making the leap to  digital multi-point inspections increases customer trust, helps your shop sell more work, prevents liability claims, and boosts service advisor and technician effectiveness.  Although digital inspections require an initial investment in technology and staff training, their long-term benefits, such as increased recommendations per repair order and ultimately higher revenue, make them invaluable. Learn more about how AutoVitals’ digital vehicle inspection solution can lead to 76% more work approved for your auto repair shop.

Why You Should Document Your Inspection Findings Digitally

Liability Protection

Digital multi-point inspections create a digital footprint for every inspected item, complete with time and date-stamped photographic evidence of any concerns and repairs. This digital record is invaluable for protecting your shop from liability issues and disputes.

Increase the Number of Jobs Sold and Revenue

Offering visual evidence of items that need repair increases customer trust. Photos or videos of items that need repair allow customers to see exactly what you are talking about. This transparency builds trust and makes it easier for customers to understand the necessity of the recommended repairs, leading to increased approval rates and higher revenue.

Conclusion

Incorporating digital multi-point inspections in your shop is a win-win for both your business and your customers. Ensure vehicle safety, protect your shop from liability, and increase the number of jobs sold in your shop by switching to AutoVitals Digital Vehicle Inspections. Set up a demo  today to see firsthand how digital multi-point inspections will help your shop stay competitive and deliver superior service.