What a multi point inspection sheet should include
A multi point inspection is a quick, repeatable check that a technician runs while the vehicle is in for other work. The sheet keeps every tech checking the same items in the same order. A useful sheet has:
- Vehicle, customer, mileage, date and who did the inspection
- A simple rating for each item: OK, needs attention soon, needs attention now
- Space for measurements: tread depth, brake pad thickness, battery voltage and cranking amps
- A short note on anything that is not OK
- A summary the customer can read in ten seconds
- Technician and customer signature lines
How to run the inspection
- Start under the hood: belts, hoses, filters, leaks and fluid levels.
- With the wheels off or the vehicle on the lift, check brakes and measure pads.
- Measure tread depth on all four tires and set pressures.
- Check suspension, steering and exhaust from underneath.
- Walk around for lights, glass and wipers, then test the battery and charging system.
- Write a note for every yellow or red item, with the measurement if there is one.
A filled example
A 2018 SUV comes in for an oil change at 61,200 miles. The tech marks most items green. Front pads measure 3 mm, so they are marked yellow with the note "plan within 3,000 miles". The left front tire reads 3/32 at the inside edge, marked red with "inner edge wear, check alignment". The PDF summary lists the red tire first, then the yellow pads. The service writer uses it to build an estimate for the tire and alignment.
Common mistakes
- Everything green. A sheet with no notes looks like nobody checked. Record the measurements even when they are fine.
- Red with no reason. Customers say yes to work they understand. Add the measurement or what you saw.
- No date or mileage. A yellow item means little later if nobody knows when it was rated.
- Not sharing it. The inspection only helps if the customer sees it. Send the PDF with the invoice.
Need a general checklist for any vehicle, such as a pre purchase or fleet check? Use the vehicle inspection checklist.
