Plenty of Tire Tread by Raniel Diaz is licensed with CC BY 2.0
As with most services, the cost of a multi-point inspection will differ depending on where you have the service performed. We often include multi-point inspections with other types of maintenance, such as a brake change or tire rotation. If you’re located within driving distance of our dealership, Apple Ford of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, we offer a service called "The Works," a fairly priced maintenance package that includes a replacement of the engine oil and filter, a tire rotation, and a multi-point inspection.
Something else that you should consider is the benefit gained from a multi-point inspection in relation to its cost. A multi-point inspection can warn you of issues that you’ll need to address in the future. For example, if your car’s tire tread is getting low, a multi-point inspection can provide plenty of warning so you don't run the risk of blowing out a tire while driving. Additionally, because tires can be a major expense, knowing the tread depth ahead of time can allow you to budget for a new set of tires.
In sum, multi-point inspections are well worth the cost because they can save you money and headaches in the long run and provide you with reassurance that the components on your car are performing as expected.
What Does a Multi-Point Inspection Cover?
In addition to the cost, you'll likely want to know what you're getting for your money. Again, every service center will differ on how it approaches the multi-point inspection, how thoroughly it’s performed, and the vehicle components prioritized. Nevertheless, several routine inspections are typically covered when you take your car in for a multi-point inspection. Let's take a look at some of these common multi-point inspection features:
Fluids and Filters
All vehicles require special fluids to ensure their mechanical components function smoothly. A multi-point inspection will often include a check of the levels and quality of these critical fluids. These can include engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and washer fluid. If they’re found to be low or tainted, you should be notified after your multi-point inspection.
A multi-point inspection will also check the quality of the engine and cabin air filters on your car. If either of these filters becomes too dirty or clogged, they can affect engine performance or the air quality inside your vehicle. A multi-point inspection can warn you of worn-out filters so they don't inhibit a smooth and comfortable ride.
Belts, Brakes, and Hoses
Issues with belts, brakes, and hoses can lead to leaks, noises, and safety concerns. A multi-point inspection can give you a heads-up about worn-looking belts, brakes, and hoses so you can quickly replace these critical components if necessary. A multi-point inspection could also point out a hose leak that you may not have noticed, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs if the issue had remained unaddressed.
Suspension, Steering, and Tires
No one likes to drive with a wobbly steering wheel or a vehicle that strays out of its lane as soon as you let go of the wheel. Problems with your car’s suspension often cause these common car issues. They can cause excessive tire wear or, even worse, serious accidents. A multi-point inspection can ensure that your tires are in alignment and have a safe level of tread depth. The technician might also check suspension components, such as shocks, struts, springs, ball joints, and bushings, for excessive wear, leaks, and cracks.
Other Components
Multi-point inspections can include checks of numerous other vehicle components, including an engine performance check, an inspection of transmission components, a code scan of the vehicle's computer, and an examination of the exhaust system. Safety components, such as seat belts, wiper blades, and airbags, might also be checked for wear or faulty functioning. Additionally, a technician often checks that a vehicle's headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights are working as expected and should warn you if a bulb needs replacing.
The Results of a Multi-Point Inspection
The technician will often record the results of a multi-point inspection on a form provided to the customer. These forms contain lists of the components checked as well as their condition. It’s quite common to report component conditions using color coding. Usually, green indicates the component is functioning properly, yellow indicates that it will require service in the near future, and red means you should service or replace the component immediately. These forms make it easy to understand what services you might need and how soon you might need them.
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