GreaseGooseFree Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection Checklist
A multi-point inspection is a short, repeatable health check. This printable list is about 40 points with green, yellow, and red boxes. It is a shop form, not a claim that every car needs a 100-point inspection.
In GreaseGoose the same checklist is a digital inspection you can text to the customer.
What the checklist covers
The header has shop name, RO number, date, tech, customer, vehicle year/make/model, VIN, and mileage.
The body rates:
- Lights: head, brake, turn, reverse
- Wipers, washer, and horn
- Tires: tread depth per wheel in 32nds, pressure, and wear pattern
- Brakes: pad or shoe thickness per axle, rotors, and fluid
- Fluids: oil, coolant, transmission, power steering, brake, washer
- Belts and hoses
- Battery test result and terminals
- Engine air and cabin filters
- Suspension and steering: shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods
- Exhaust, leaks, and CV boots or axles
- Dash warning lights
- Tech recommendations and a customer signature
For the glossary version of this list, see what a multi-point inspection is. For how to send one customers actually approve, see digital vehicle inspections.
How to rate items (green / yellow / red)
- Green: good, no action needed
- Yellow: watch it, or do it soon
- Red: recommend service now
Mark honest greens. A sheet that is all red is hard to trust. Add a short note on yellow and red items, and write tread and pad measurements where the form asks for them.
The filled sample uses Sample Auto Repair, Jane Doe, and VIN 1HGCM00000A000000. Use the blank file on the bay.
Turning yellow and red items into an estimate
Walk the customer through the reds first, then the yellows. A measurement plus a photo (or a look over the fender) beats a vague "your brakes are low." Put the approved lines on the estimate. Declined yellows can wait for the next visit.
If you want the go-ahead in writing before you spend diagnostic time, use the diagnostic authorization form.
Questions shops ask
How long does an MPI take?
Most shops run this list in about 15 to 30 minutes on a familiar car. A first visit or a car with several reds takes longer. Time the first few and set a shop standard.
Should I charge for it?
Many shops include a basic MPI with a service visit. A deeper inspection can be its own line. Say it at the counter so the customer is not surprised.
How do I show results to customers?
Paper works if you walk the sheet with them. A photo of each red item helps. Digital inspections let the customer open the same ratings on their phone.
Paper or digital?
Paper is fine to start. Digital is harder to lose and easier to send. GreaseGoose runs the inspection on a phone or tablet and can text the results.
More free tools
- Free VIN decoder
- Labor rate calculator
- Auto repair invoice template
- Diagnostic authorization form
- Abandoned vehicle notice letter
Paper checklists get lost. GreaseGoose runs inspections on a phone or tablet, adds flagged items to the estimate, and texts the results to the customer for approval. Solo $39.99, Shop $89.99, Multi-Shop $179.99 a month, unlimited techs. 14-day free trial, no card.