Inspect to Protect: What is Covered During a Multipoint Vehicle Inspection

As a responsible vehicle owner, you’re probably well aware of the importance of staying on top of the routine repairs that are essential to prolong your vehicle’s life. Besides the routine oil changes and tire rotations that you have performed every 7,500 miles, there’s a lot more work needed to keep any vehicle on the road. When it comes to vehicle maintenance and repair, much of it can be described as “paying a little bit now or paying a lot later.” Issues that go unnoticed or neglected can lead to much more costly repairs in the future. This is why it’s important to have a multipoint inspection conducted from time to time. You might be curious as to what items are checked and their relevance to your vehicle’s longevity. Here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep, we compiled a list of some of the most common items and their importance.

Exhaust and Emissions

Today’s vehicles are complex and have a vast array of sensors and onboard computers that monitor everything from bumper to bumper. In fact, sometimes that check engine light that comes on is due to a faulty sensor that’s having trouble measuring your emissions systems. Here in Colorado, vehicles more than seven years old must have their exhaust inspected every two years to comply with the law. However, you will likely want to have it inspected more frequently than that. Inspecting the exhaust will allow a technician to diagnose if there’s a leak in the system and whether or not your catalytic converter is working properly.

Battery and Electrical Systems

Your car battery is one of the key components for your vehicle’s operation. It keeps the electrical components in your vehicle working, allows for the operation of your headlights, and is responsible for your ignition system turning the engine over. Your battery is charged by your vehicle’s alternator. When it comes to ensuring the quality of your battery, a technician will check the battery, the belt on the alternator, and also the connections to ensure no corrosion has accumulated over time.

Brake Pads, Rotors, and Fluid

Your vehicle’s braking system is one of the most important items, not just in terms of retaining your vehicle’s quality but also in terms of ensuring the safety of you, your passengers, and the other drivers and pedestrians you share the road with. The braking system is complex, featuring such items as a master cylinder, rotors, fluid, and pads, all of which work together to slow your vehicle down and allow you to come to a complete stop. All of these items need to be working at full capacity to function, and having a technician go over every one of them is essential to ensure quality and safety. There are some tell-tale signs that your brakes have a serious issue. Some of these include unresponsiveness when pressure is applied to the brake pedal, loud screeching noises, and vibrations in the brake pedal under deceleration. If any of these are occurring, it’s best to bring in your vehicle for servicing right away.

Other Fluids

There’s no denying that having your oil changed at regular intervals is essential to keep your engine properly lubricated and free of deposits that might accumulate. However, there are also many other fluids that are required to keep your vehicle functioning properly, some of which are more difficult to check and replace. These include radiator coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and even the windshield washer fluid. It’s also a good idea to have your wiper blades looked at, particularly if you live in a location like Colorado with heavy winter snowfall.

Hoses and Belts

As we previously mentioned, your vehicle’s engine is a complex collection of mechanical parts working closely with one another to allow your vehicle to perform at an exceptional level. The various fluids within your engine compartment allow it to function, but it also needs a variety of belts and hoses working in unison with one another. The belts on various components, such as the alternator and water pump, operate by way of simple mechanics. Over time, belts can wear thin and even break if not replaced in a timely manner. The same can be said for the various hoses in your vehicle. These allow your radiator to function, as well as other items, such as the HVAC system. Hoses can crack with age, and a hose with a hole in it is obviously not a good thing. A technician will look over these items to ensure your vehicle continues to perform.

HVAC System

You might think that your heater and air conditioner are items in place for comfort and not overly essential for the proper function of your vehicle. However, an issue with either can be a contributing factor to other problems regarding the interior of your vehicle. A faulty HVAC system can lead to leaks that can damage the interior, and a neglected HVAC system can also result in the appearance of mildew, mold, and other forms of bacteria that can possibly lead to significant health risks. Every part of your vehicle is essential, and the technicians who work at Faricy Chrysler Jeep are here to help.

Seat Belts and Airbags

Speaking of safety, the seat belts in your vehicle are the first preventative measure to keeping yourself protected in the event of a collision. When your vehicle is inspected, the belts’ integrity will be closely scrutinized, and their functions will be looked at to ensure that they work properly.

Ever since they were introduced in the early 1970s, the airbag has become a necessity for all vehicles on the road. Modern vehicles have more than just one or two; in fact, they have an array of them to protect you from all sides, including your lower extremities. Ensuring that all the airbags are in working order so they properly deploy can make all the difference between an accident that you can walk away from and one you can’t.

Software Diagnostic Tests

As we’ve mentioned throughout this article, your vehicle is complex, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the vast array of sensors and onboard computer systems. To ensure that these are all properly functioning, we will perform a diagnostics test that will check their effectiveness and stability. Onboard computers control everything from tire pressure monitoring systems to pedestrian detection, which won’t function properly without them, so it’s important to take this preventive measure.

Get Your Next Multipoint Inspection Performed by Faricy Chrysler Jeep

When it comes to ensuring the longevity, safety, and performance of your vehicle, a multipoint inspection is one of the most essential services to have performed. Staying in the know and the reassurance that your vehicle is safe and up-to-date is imperative for any driver. Here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep, we want to afford you peace of mind by performing your vehicle’s next multipoint inspection. Our technicians are skilled and experienced at diagnosing potential problems before they start and will keep your vehicle running safe and sound for many years to come. When it comes to the safety of you and your passengers, those we share the road with, and the quality of what you drive, we’re here to lend a helping hand.