Everything you need to know before your next service visit
Whether you’re planning a road trip, buying a used car, or just want peace of mind on the road, a vehicle inspection is one of the smartest things you can do for your car. Yet many drivers—especially first-time owners—aren’t quite sure what a vehicle inspection includes, how often it’s needed, or why it’s so important.
At All Around Auto Repair, we believe that regular inspections are the key to avoiding surprise breakdowns, expensive repairs, and unsafe driving conditions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what happens during a professional vehicle inspection, explain why it matters, and help you understand how to use this service to keep your vehicle safe, efficient, and road-ready.
Why a vehicle inspection matters
Most drivers don’t think about their car’s condition until something feels “off”—a strange sound, a flashing warning light, or worse, a breakdown on the side of the road. A vehicle inspection is designed to catch issues before they become emergencies.
Benefits of regular inspections include:
- Preventing expensive breakdowns
- Improving safety for you and your passengers
- Extending the life of your vehicle
- Increasing fuel efficiency
- Catching problems that don’t trigger warning lights
Think of a vehicle inspection like a check-up with your doctor—you might feel fine, but a trained professional can detect issues you’d never notice on your own.
What’s included in a standard vehicle inspection?
At All Around Auto Repair, we offer comprehensive inspections that go far beyond a quick visual check. Here’s what our certified mechanics typically examine during a full inspection:
1. Under the hood: fluids, belts and hoses
We start by checking all essential fluids, which keep your engine and systems running smoothly:
- Engine oil: Is the level correct? Is the oil clean or dirty?
- Coolant: Are levels adequate? Is the mixture balanced to prevent overheating or freezing?
- Brake fluid: Is it contaminated or low, which could impact brake performance?
- Transmission fluid: Is it at the right level and color (pinkish-red, not brown or burnt)?
- Power steering fluid & windshield washer fluid: Checked and topped off if needed.
We also inspect:
- Drive belts for cracks, fraying, or excessive wear
- Hoses for signs of leaking, soft spots, or brittleness
These components may seem minor, but a broken belt or failed hose can leave you stranded—or cause serious engine damage.
2. Battery and charging system
A healthy battery is critical, especially in extreme heat or cold. We perform a battery load test to measure its ability to hold a charge and start your car reliably. Our inspection includes:
- Battery terminals and cables (checking for corrosion or loose connections)
- Alternator and charging system performance
- Battery age and voltage output
If your battery is near the end of its life, we’ll let you know—before it dies unexpectedly in a parking lot.
3. Brakes: pads, rotors and fluid
Few systems are more important than your brakes. Our inspection includes:
- Brake pad thickness
- Rotor condition (checking for warping or grooves)
- Brake lines and hoses
- Caliper function
- Brake fluid level and condition
We’ll let you know if your pads are nearing the end of their life or if you need a full brake job. Catching brake issues early can save money and improve safety.
4. Tires and suspension
Your tires are your only contact with the road. We check:
- Tread depth and wear pattern (to identify alignment or suspension issues)
- Tire pressure (including the spare)
- Cracks, bulges, or sidewall damage
- Wheel alignment and balancing (if symptoms are present)
We also inspect the suspension system, including:
- Shocks and struts
- Ball joints and control arms
- Bushings and sway bar links
These components affect how your car handles, how it rides, and even how it brakes.
5. Steering and drivetrain
Is your steering tight or loose? Any vibrations at highway speeds? We inspect:
- Steering fluid level
- Power steering pump
- Steering rack and tie rods
- CV joints and boots (especially on front-wheel drive vehicles)
- Driveshaft and U-joints for signs of wear or play
If you’ve noticed any clicking sounds while turning or “clunks” during acceleration, this is where we’ll find the cause.
6. Exhaust system
A leaking exhaust isn’t just noisy—it can be dangerous. Our mechanics check:
- Muffler and pipes for rust or damage
- Exhaust hangers for stability
- Catalytic converter performance
- Signs of fumes entering the cabin
A compromised exhaust system can hurt performance and even expose you to carbon monoxide.
- Lights, wipers and interior systems
We don’t stop at mechanical systems. Safety includes everything you see, hear, and feel while driving.
- Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights
- Interior dashboard warning lights and function tests
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid system
- HVAC system (heat, defrost, and A/C performance)
When should you get a vehicle inspection?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few smart times to schedule a full inspection:
1. Before a road trip
Planning to drive hundreds (or thousands) of miles? Get your vehicle inspected first. It’s better to replace a worn part at home than deal with a breakdown on vacation.
2. Every 6 months (or 6,000 miles)
Regular inspections help track wear-and-tear over time and prevent costly surprises.
3. When buying a used car
Always get a pre-purchase inspection. Sellers may not disclose problems—or even know they exist.
4. If you notice anything unusual
Weird sounds, smells, vibrations, or dashboard lights? Schedule an inspection and get peace of mind.
Why vehicle inspections help you save money
While some people think of inspections as “just another cost,” they actually save you money in the long run by:
- Detecting minor issues before they become major repairs
- Preventing roadside emergencies and tow bills
- Extending the lifespan of tires, brakes, and fluids
- Improving gas mileage by catching alignment or tire pressure issues
- Preserving your vehicle’s resale value through documented maintenance
Final thoughts: Stay safe, save money and drive confidently
Your car is a complex machine with thousands of moving parts. Without regular check-ups, even small problems can spiral into big, expensive ones.
A professional vehicle inspection from All Around Auto Repair is your best defense against surprise breakdowns, unsafe conditions, and major repair bills. Whether you’re a first-time driver or a seasoned car owner, our inspections are clear, honest, and thorough.
Schedule your vehicle inspection today
Thinking about a road trip? Buying a used car? Or just want to keep your car in top shape?
Contact All Around Auto Repair to book your vehicle inspection today.
We’ll treat your car like it’s our own—and help you drive with confidence.
All Around Auto Repair — Repair. Maintenance. Service. Since 2001.
Because peace of mind behind the wheel starts with knowing what’s under the hood.
