CROWN POINT, INDIANA
What We Check on Every Inspection
TL;DR: A full inspection covers 10 sections with real measurements, color-coded results, and a photo on every Red item. No guesswork, no upsell — you see what we see.
Below is the exact checklist our techs work through on a full vehicle inspection. Every item is documented so you can make informed decisions about your car.
📞 Call (219) 262-27111305 E Summit St, Crown Point, IN 46307 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat 8am–2pm
Last updated: April 2025
Measurements, Not Guesses
A real inspection is documented. Pad thickness gets measured in millimeters, not eyeballed through the wheel. Battery gets load-tested, not just “looked at.” Fluids get checked for condition, not just level. Every finding gets written down with a color code and — for anything urgent — a photo.
The 10 sections below are what we work through on a full vehicle inspection. The same checklist runs whether you're in for a pre-purchase inspection, a peace-of-mind check before a road trip, or a scheduled maintenance visit.
How We Grade Each Item
✅ Green — No issues
In spec, functioning as designed. Nothing to do.
⚠️ Yellow — Monitor
Worn but safe. Plan for future service — not an emergency.
❌ Red — Immediate attention
Out of spec, unsafe, or will cause damage. Photo or video attached.
Want a documented inspection on your vehicle?
Call (219) 262-2711 →The 10-Section Inspection Checklist
Every item below gets checked, graded, and documented.
1. Vehicle Basics
- VIN verified against the record
- Odometer mileage logged
- Dashboard warning lights (any active lights documented)
- Road test performed if symptoms warrant it
2. Under the Hood
- Engine oil level and condition
- Coolant level and condition
- Brake fluid condition
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid (where applicable)
- Battery condition and CCA / voltage test result
- Belts — cracks, glazing, wear
- Hoses — leaks, swelling, soft spots
3. Tires & Wheels
- Tread depth measured at LF / RF / LR / RR
- Tire pressure on all four tires
- Uneven wear patterns noted with cause
- Wheel condition — bent rims, curb damage
- Lug nuts checked for proper torque
4. Brakes
- Pad thickness measured in mm at LF / RF / LR / RR
- Rotor condition — smooth, scored, or warped
- Brake fluid leaks at calipers and lines
- Parking brake operation verified
5. Suspension & Steering
- Shocks and struts — leaking or worn
- Ball joints — checked for play
- Tie rods — inner and outer
- Control arm bushings
- Steering rack condition
6. Under the Vehicle
- Engine oil leaks
- Transmission leaks
- Exhaust — rust, leaks, hanger condition
- Driveshaft, CV axles, and boot integrity
- Differential condition (where applicable)
7. Electrical & Lighting
- Headlights — high and low beam
- Brake lights (including third brake light)
- Turn signals — front, rear, side markers
- Interior lights
- Horn operation
- Wiper blades — chatter, streaking, tearing
8. Cabin & Interior
- HVAC — heat and A/C output verified
- Cabin air filter condition
- Dashboard warning lights double-checked
- Seat belt condition and retractor function
9. Road Test (when performed)
- Engine performance under load
- Transmission shifting — up, down, and lockup
- Brake feel and pedal travel
- Steering feel and centering
- Any noises or vibrations documented with speed and condition
10. Summary & Recommendations
- Every line item marked Green, Yellow, or Red
- Plain-language tech notes on anything not Green
- Photo or video attached to every Red item and every safety concern
- Prioritized estimate so you know what's urgent and what can wait
What You Get With the Report
Plain-language tech notes
Every Yellow or Red item comes with a short explanation you don't need a repair manual to understand.
Photos on every Red
If we flag something urgent, you see a photo or short video of the actual part on your car — not a stock image.
Measurements where they matter
Pad thickness in mm, rotor thickness, battery CCA, tire tread in 32nds. Numbers you can compare at the next inspection.
Prioritized estimate
The report tells you what's urgent, what can wait, and what's purely preventive — so you can budget repairs instead of being surprised by them.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vehicle Inspections
How long does a full inspection take?
A thorough inspection with measurements typically runs 45 to 75 minutes depending on vehicle and access. We don't rush it — a 15-minute 'inspection' is a visual check, not a real one.
Do I have to approve every recommendation?
No. The inspection is diagnostic, not a sales event. You see the measurements and photos, we tell you what's urgent vs. what can wait, and you decide what (if anything) to authorize.
What do the green, yellow, and red labels mean?
Green means no issue found. Yellow means monitor or address at next service — worn but safe. Red means immediate attention — the item is out of spec, unsafe, or will cause damage if driven.
Do you include photos with the inspection?
Yes. Every Red item and any safety-related concern gets a photo or short video so you can see exactly what we saw. You'll get the report in a format you can share with a family member, fleet manager, or warranty adjuster.
Can I get a copy of the inspection to share with another shop?
Absolutely. The report is yours. We encourage second opinions — that's part of what makes a documented inspection valuable.
Will an inspection hurt my extended warranty?
No. A documented inspection with measurements actually helps warranty claims. If we find something covered, we handle the claim paperwork for you.
Do you charge for the inspection?
Call us at (219) 262-2711 for current inspection pricing. Inspection fees are typically applied toward any repair work you authorize.
What if my car already has a red item I know about?
Tell us upfront. We'll still document the full vehicle so you have a complete picture, but we won't waste your time quoting things you've already decided to defer.
Ready for a Real Inspection?
Honest findings. Clear measurements. No pressure.
1305 E Summit St, Crown Point, IN 46307 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat 8am–2pm
📞 Call (219) 262-2711