Some time ago, when dropping off your vehicle for routine maintenance or a needed repair, you might have told your service advisor to “give it a once over while it’s in the shop.” These days, we provide that “once over” as a free service and added benefit to you, the consumer. We do this to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and of course to keep you and your family safe.
Today, it’s called a multipoint inspection and we provide them with each visit. But what exactly are our factory-trained GM technicians doing?
The first thing our techs usually check are things like your lights. Making sure all headlight and taillight bulbs are functioning properly. They check the brake lights and directional signals for proper functionality, as well as the horn. Our techs will also check your windshield wipers and windshield washer sprayers to ensure proper functioning.
From here the hood is popped open and a full under-the-hood inspection begins. All of your fluid levels will be checked and topped up where needed. Under the hood, the technician assigned to your vehicle is on the lookout for leaks of any sort. Coolant leaks, oil leaks, and any other type of fluid leak. They are also inspecting for worn-out hoses or broken wiring. The condition of the drive belts will be inspected as well.
Once an under-the-hood inspection has been performed the vehicle will be racked and lifted to allow the technician to inspect the underneath of your vehicle. Once up in the air, the technician goes to work on a thorough inspection of your tires to ensure you have enough tread on the tires. They will also make note of any irregular tire wear which may signal the need for an alignment or potential suspension component issues.
From here your brake system will be inspected for pad life and also to ensure there is no irregular warpage of the brake rotors or seized calipers.
Next, your technician will inspect the underside of the engine and transmission to verify the absence of any leaks, damaged parts, or worn out hoses or wiring. Once this area of the undercarriage is assessed, the front end suspension is checked.
Your technician will be looking for bent components, damaged components of the front end suspension, as well as any excessive wear on components like ball joints and control arms. Excessive wear on certain suspension components is dangerous and any issues found should be resolved, sooner the better!
Finally, your technician will make their way down the length of the vehicle checking for exhaust issues, brake line wear as well as any possible issues with heatshields that can cause unwanted noises. Finally making it t the rear suspension components checking fr damage and wear. If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive or 4WD/ AWD the rear differential will be inspected for leaks and damage.
Your advisor will notify you of any issues that the technician found and what your options are for repair. Some issues can wait until your next visit to be addressed, for others, your advisor may strongly suggest immediate repair or replacement depending.
If you have any questions one of our service advisors or our service manager would be happy to assist you.